Hosts Sri Lanka (SL) took on New Zealand (NZ) in the first Test of the series at the Galle International Stadium, in Galle, on (Wednesday) September 18. Sri Lanka won the toss and opted to bat first. They lost Dimuth Karunaratne in the fourth over and Pathum Nissanka followed suit scoring two and 27 runs, respectively. Veteran pair of Dinesh Chandimal and Angelo Mathews started building the partnership. The duo stitched a crucial 55-run stand for the third wicket to provide some recovery from early jolts.
Chandimal departed scoring 30 runs and Mathews played a draining innings of 36 runs using 116 deliveries. But it was Kamindu Mendis who was rock solid for the hosts in the middle order. He was well-partnered by Kusal Mendis after Dhananjaya de Silva walked back mustering just 11 runs. The duo put up 103 runs for the sixth wicket and positioned Sri Lanka in a better state. Kamindu dazzled with 114 off 173 and Kusal trudged back scoring 50 off 68.
However, at the end of Day 1, Sri Lanka’s innings read 302/7. Things were bleak for the hosts at the start thanks to the young New Zealand pacer, William O’Rourke. He plucked three wickets playing just his second Test and to add, a game away from home. He was well assisted by Glenn Phillips as the all-rounder chipped in with two scalps. The Lankan Lions will be hoping to cease the first session of Day 2 and put up a total, their bowlers will feel confident enough to express themselves.
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Here’s how ‘X’ users reacted to Day 1 of SL vs NZ first Test:
Kamindu Mendis is a top nut for Sri Lanka especially in tests….4 centuries in 6-7 matches is amazing👍👍#SlvsNZ
— ₴łⱠɆ₦₵Ɇ (@248_shukla) September 18, 2024
Is kamindu Mendis going to be the next generational star for SriLanka?
He has got great defense and footwork. And he scored 4 fifities and 3 centuries in just 10 innings.
Good to see him bat up the order at no5. Dont forget that he can bowl.#KaminduMendis #SriLanka #SLvsNZ
— Cricket Sense (@_cricketsense) September 18, 2024
2 Hundreds vs Bangladesh.
– 1 Hundred vs England.
– 1 Hundred vs New Zealand.
4 TEST HUNDREDS FOR KAMINDU MENDIS FROM JUST 11 INNINGS IN TEST CRICKET
A star in making from Sri Lankan cricket.#SLvsNZ
— cricket 4 ever (@RitikRa27596005) September 18, 2024
2 Hundreds vs Bangladesh.
– 1 Hundred vs England.
– 1 Hundred vs New Zealand.
4 TEST HUNDREDS FOR KAMINDU MENDIS FROM JUST 11 INNINGS IN TEST CRICKET
A star in making from Sri Lankan cricket.#SLvsNZ
— cricket 4 ever (@RitikRa27596005) September 18, 2024
Srilanka have really founded a gem from their new generation players. Obviously he is new but the quality he showed that was excellent #SLvsNZ pic.twitter.com/MXAKLfz4qE
— AJEET 🇮🇳 (@ajityadas) September 18, 2024
KAMINDU MENDIS – Future of Sri Lanka Cricket.⭐
– 7 Test Matches.
– 11 innings.
– 797 runs.
– 89 Average.
– 4 Hundreds.
– 4 Fifties.#SLvsNZ pic.twitter.com/abJq7eiEY6
— Jaipal Abhishek singh (@JaipalabhishekS) September 18, 2024
After winning the toss, Srilanka made 302 runs with the loss of 7 wickets and Newzeland bowlers bowled pretty well on day 1, these game is evenly poised at the end of day 1 #WTC25 #ICC #TestCricket #SLvsNZ #Day1 pic.twitter.com/KoZa7HsxYC
— SPORTY HIRESH (@SportyHiresh) September 18, 2024
So consistent Kamindu, congratulations on a well deserved century 👏
#SLvsNZ
— Sea (@AngelofHealing3) September 18, 2024
William was good in bowling, and Phillips as the Dixon’s best bowler on the day. Hope Southee will come stronger tomorrow. #SLvsNZ #WTC25
— Dax (@Dax2305) September 18, 2024
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