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Sri Lanka seized complete control of the second Test against New Zealand on Friday, September 27, with batting sensation Kamindu Mendis scoring his fifth Test century. Mendis' unbeaten 182-run knock helped Sri Lanka post a massive 602/5 declared at the end of day two in Galle.
Sri Lanka dominate Day 2 against New Zealand
New Zealand faced an uphill battle, starting their innings at 22-2 with both openers dismissed by Asitha Fernando and Prabath Jayasuriya. They still trailed by a significant 580 runs at stumps. Local hero Kamindu Mendis, who had already scored a century in the first Test, continued his impressive form. His unbeaten 182 runs made him the fastest Asian to reach 1000 Test runs, achieving this milestone in just his 13th innings.
Run-machine Kamindu Mendis scripts history with stunning century
Kamindu reached this milestone in a spectacular fashion, stepping out and hitting a massive six off Rachin Ravindra. This achievement surpassed the effort of India's Vinod Kambli in 1994, making him the fastest Asian to reach 1000 Test runs. Mendis also joined the ranks of Australian great Don Bradman, becoming the second-quickest to reach this mark. Only Herbert Sutcliffe and Everton Weekes managed it in 12 innings.
Kamindu Mendis formed an impressive partnership with Kusal Mendis, an unbroken 200-run stand. Kusal Mendis also scored his 10th Test century and remained unbeaten on 106 when Sri Lanka declared their first innings. The pair dominated the afternoon session, putting Sri Lanka in a commanding position just a few days after the host's victory in the opening game of the two-match series by 63 runs at the same venue.
Resuming their innings at 306/3, Sri Lanka continued to build on their strong start. However, they lost Angelo Mathews for 88 runs when he miscued a sweep off Glenn Phillips. This was the second big wicket for the part-time off-spinner, who had earlier dismissed centurion Dinesh Chandimal.
Dhananjaya de Silva fell for 44 runs while attempting a similar stroke. Phillips struck again on the stroke of lunch, but not before the Sri Lankan captain had guided his side past 400 runs, putting pressure on New Zealand. Kamindu Mendis continued to delight fans with his effortless batting during the 107-run stand with Kusal Mendis. After the break, Kamindu reached his fifth Test century in just his eighth game, solidifying his status as a rising star in Test cricket.
Following Kamindu's milestone, Kusal Mendis took center stage, increasing the scoring rate with some aggressive shots. He helped the team surpass 500 runs with a massive six off Ravindra in the 144th over.
Both batters continued to pick off runs, helping Sri Lanka cross the 600-run barrier and leaving the tired tourists with a daunting task ahead.
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