Dhananjaya de Silva-led Sri Lanka cricket team is taking on Tim Southee's New Zealand in the first Test of the two-match Test series at the Galle International Stadium in Galle. The day 1 of the opening Test started on September 19 (Wednesday). Both teams had a good outing, the visitors were doing a phenomenal job with the ball and could have thrown the hosts on the backfoot if it was not for the century of Kamindu Mendis. He revived the innings for the Lankan Lions with his innings.
NZ bowlers lead charge
New Zealand bowlers were exceptionally good and got the first two wickets inside the first six overs itself. Sri Lankan batters were unable to make their partnerships big and lost wickets at intervals. William ORourke got three crucial wickets and was leading the charge of NZ bowlers. He got good support from Glenn Phillips who picked two wickets and captain Tim Southee and Ajaz Patel, who got one wicket each.
Kamindu Mendis' century
Kamindu Mendis once again helped his team get to a good position. He once again displayed the terrific form he is in. During the three Tests against England, Kamindu scored two fifties and a century. He continued the form in this series as well and scored another crucial century for his team. This is also his fourth Test hundred in just 11 innings. Mendis has emerged as rising prospect in SL cricket and his performance on the big stage is proof of how big of a star he is.
Sri Lanka went from 33/2 to 302/7 by the end of Day 1. Apart from Kamindu Mendis, Kusal Mendis also played a crucial 50-run knock. These innings have put their team in a good position in the first innings. Even if they get all out early on the second day, they will have the opportunity to either get lead on New Zealand or restrict them from putting a big lead over them.
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