Sri Lanka’s middle-order star Kamindu Mendis has achieved a remarkable milestone, becoming the fastest Asian batter to score five Test centuries. Mendis reached this feat in just his 13th Test inning during the ongoing match against New Zealand at the Galle International Stadium.

In doing so, the 25-year-old equaled the legendary Australian Don Bradman, who also reached five centuries in 13 innings. Mendis is now the joint-third fastest player globally, sharing the spot with Bradman and West Indies’ George Headley.

This achievement also breaks Pakistan’s Fawad Alam’s record for the fastest Asian to five Test centuries, which was previously set in 22 innings. Mendis has surpassed Sri Lankan legend Aravinda de Silva, who took 38 innings to reach the same mark.

Only two players, Everton Weekes (10 innings) of the West Indies, and Herbert Sutcliffe (12 innings) of England, achieved the milestone faster than Mendis. His brilliant century has further cemented his place as one of the most exciting talents in international cricket, putting Sri Lanka in a dominant position against New Zealand.

Mendis's Consistent Rise in Test Cricket

This achievement is a testament to Mendis's rapid rise in Test cricket. He made his debut in July 2022 against Australia and helped Sri Lanka script a famous win with a valuable hand of 61.

After a wait of almost two years, his second Test came in March against Bangladesh in Sylhet where he scored twin hundreds (102 and 164), becoming only the seventh Sri Lankan to achieve the feat. His 164 is the fourth-highest score by a No. 8 batter in Test cricket. He has registered scores of over fifty in an innings in every match since his comeback to the team in March.

Equaling Don Bradman in Another Record

Mendis’s consistency has seen him climb the ranks quickly in Test cricket. He has reached the milestone of 1000 Test runs in just 13 innings, equaling the record held by Don Bradman.

Mendis's achievement comes just days after he became the fastest Asian to score five Test centuries. In the ongoing second Test against New Zealand, Mendis reached the landmark of 1000 Test runs in the second innings, becoming only the third player in history to achieve this feat in 13 innings, along with Bradman and West Indies legend Everton Weekes.

Looking Ahead

Mendis's remarkable achievements are a testament to his talent and dedication to the game. His performances have brought joy to Sri Lankan fans and have propelled the team to new heights in Test cricket.

He is set to become a pivotal figure in Sri Lanka's Test cricket future. Fans eagerly await his next performance, hoping for a continued display of brilliance that will further establish him as one of the leading batsmen of the modern era.