Sri Lanka scripted a rare World Record on Day 2 of the second Test against Bangladesh in Chattogram on Sunday, March 31. In a historic turn of events, Sri Lanka etched their name in the record books. They piled on a mammoth total of 531 runs in their first innings, achieving a rare feat without a single batsman scoring a century.
Sri Lanka create rare World Record
Sri Lanka's first innings score became the highest-ever total in a Test innings where no player managed a triple-digit score.
Sri Lanka's batting dominance was evident as six of their top seven batsmen reached fifties, showcasing their depth and consistency. Kusal Mendis led the charge with a well-compiled 93, while Kamindu Mendis fell agonisingly short of a century, finishing unbeaten on 92. Kamindu fell just short of achieving the impressive feat of three consecutive Test centuries. Notably, Sri Lanka's record-breaking total surpasses the previous highest score set by India against New Zealand (524/9 declared) in Kanpur way back in 1976. Interestingly, that Indian innings also mirrored Sri Lanka's current one, with six batsmen scoring fifties.
Teams to post highest totals in Tests without an individual hundred:
Team | Total | Opposition | Year | Highest individual score |
| Sri Lanka | 531 | Bangladesh | 2024 | 93 |
| India | 524/9d | New Zealand | 1976 | 70 |
| Australia | 520/7d | West Indies | 2009 | 99 |
| South Africa | 517 | Australia | 1998 | 87* |
| Pakistan | 500/8d | Australia | 1981 | 95 |
Talking about the match, Sri Lanka's commanding total puts them in a good stead position to win the series after their comprehensive victory in the first Test. Their strong batting performance has undoubtedly tilted the balance of power heavily in their favor
Mendis falls short of century in Sri Lanka's mountainous total
Sri Lanka's first innings in the second Test against Bangladesh ended at 531. Kamindu Mendis, who remained unbeaten on 92, missed out on a century after his partner was run out. Two of Sri Lanka's last three wickets fell due to run outs. Despite losing wickets in the afternoon session, Sri Lanka dominated day two. They are currently in a strong position, nearing 500 runs. Captain Dhananjaya de Silva and Dinesh Chandimal batted solidly, frustrating Bangladesh's seamers with the new ball. The bowlers managed to beat the bat on a couple of occasions, but the ball landed safely. Shakib Al Hasan finally provided Bangladesh a breakthrough, dismissing Chandimal to claim his second wicket and break the 86-run partnership with de Silva.
Bangladesh's fast bowlers, Khaled Ahmed and Hasan Mahmud, created some pressure by finding the edge of the Sri Lankan bats several times. However, they were unlucky as the ball landed safely away from fielders. Shakib Al Hasan, the left-arm spinner, finally provided the breakthrough Bangladesh desperately needed. He dismissed Dinesh Chandimal, ending the 86-run partnership between Chandimal and de Silva. This was Shakib's second wicket of the innings. Sri Lanka had enjoyed a fruitful first session, scoring runs freely and surpassing the 400-run mark. However, their progress was slightly halted just before lunch. Captain Dhananjaya de Silva, who played a positive knock with six fours and two sixes, was dismissed by Khaled Ahmed for 70, giving the bowler his first wicket.
There was another moment of fortune for Sri Lanka when Prabath Jayasuriya, batting at number eight, was dropped in a comical fashion. Three Bangladeshi fielders in the slip cordon - Najmul Hossain Shanto, Shahadat Hossain, and Mahmudul Hasan Joy - all converged on the catch but failed to complete it. Mendis and Jayasuriya continued to frustrate Bangladesh with a solid partnership that lasted for an hour and a half. However, their resistance was broken yet again by the reliable Shakib Al Hasan, offering Bangladesh a glimmer of hope.
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