Sri Lanka solidified their dominant position on Day 2 of the Test match against New Zealand, driven by standout performances from Kamindu Mendis and Kusal Mendis. Their pivotal partnership added significant runs, propelling Sri Lanka to a commanding 519 for 5 by the tea break.
Kamindu Mendis’ majestic century and Kusal Mendis’ gritty fifty have placed Sri Lanka in a commanding position, with a massive first-innings total within sight.
Kamindu Mendis: A Century to Remember
In his 13th innings, Kamindu Mendis undoubtedly emerged as the shining star of the day, reaching a milestone by scoring his fifth Test century. His composed and calculated knock came at a crucial point for Sri Lanka. Kamindu’s 135* was not just about survival it was a statement.
Batting with grace and authority, Kamindu, alongside Kusal, stitched together a 117-run partnership that strengthened Sri Lanka’s hold on the game.
Kamindu entered this Test match with 957 runs, and now, he is just 43 runs short of reaching 1000 Test runs a milestone he’s set to achieve faster than any cricketer since 1950. Facing New Zealand’s spinners, Kamindu was fearless, taking the attack to Ajaz Patel by lofting him for a magnificent six over long-on.
Despite a few nervous moments, including a close LBW review and a caught-behind appeal, Kamindu managed to dominate the afternoon session with calculated aggression and fine strokeplay.
Kusal Mendis: A Gritty Supporting Role
While Kamindu Mendis stole the limelight, Kusal Mendis played an equally important role, contributing a well-earned 70 runs. Kusal started cautiously, managing just 19 from his first 60 balls, with only a single boundary to his name. However, once he got his eye in, he began accelerating, smashing two sixes off Patel and adjusting brilliantly to the changing game conditions.
The all-Mendis partnership was the third century stand in the Sri Lankan innings, a testament to their dominance. With Kusal holding one end steady, Sri Lanka’s batting lineup grew more formidable, frustrating the New Zealand bowlers who struggled to make inroads.
Sri Lanka Flex Their Batting Depth
Sri Lanka’s formidable total of 519 for 5 reflects the depth of their batting strength. Following Dinesh Chandimal’s brilliant 116 on Day 1, Angelo Mathews also contributed handsomely with a gritty 88. The Sri Lankan batting lineup has been relentless, with partnerships of 97, 74, and now 117, all of which have taken the game further away from New Zealand’s grasp.
The New Zealand bowling attack looked toothless for most of the day. Ajaz Patel and Mitchell Santner struggled to break through the steady partnerships. Patel, who bowled tirelessly, conceded 135 runs without any wickets, while Santner, though more economical with 82 runs conceded, also failed to trouble the batters. The pitch began offering some turn in the afternoon session, but Sri Lanka took full advantage of it, constantly rotating the strike and punishing loose deliveries.
New Zealand’s Struggles with the Ball
For New Zealand, it was a tough day out on the field. Despite spells of tight bowling from Glenn Phillips and Santner, they couldn’t secure the breakthroughs needed to halt Sri Lanka’s charge. Phillips managed to remove Angelo Mathews for 88 with a well-directed bouncer and later dismissed Dhananjaya de Silva, but by then, Sri Lanka had already posted a mammoth total, and the momentum was firmly in favor of the hosts.
One of New Zealand’s best chances came when Kamindu Mendis was beaten by Patel’s spin and a stumping opportunity presented itself. However, Tom Blundell couldn’t collect the ball cleanly, allowing Kamindu to continue his innings and pile on more misery for the visitors.
What’s Next? Sri Lanka Eyeing 600
With 519 runs on the board and Kamindu still unbeaten on 135, Sri Lanka will now be aiming to push their total closer to 600 on Day 3. New Zealand will be hoping that the third new ball, due in 11 overs, brings them some much-needed relief and the quick wickets they desperately need. However, with Sri Lanka’s lower order yet to come, the hosts have every chance of pushing the Kiwis further into a corner and batting them out of the game.
New Zealand’s bowlers, especially the spinners, will need to regroup and find a way to break through Sri Lanka’s resilient lineup. But as things stand, Sri Lanka are firmly in control and will look to bat long and deep, ensuring that they post a total beyond New Zealand’s reach.
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