Galle: Sri Lankan all-rounder Kamindu Mendis has etched his name in cricketing history, equalling the legendary Don Bradman’s record by becoming the joint third-fastest player to reach 1000 Test runs. This remarkable feat came during the second Test against New Zealand in Galle, where Mendis reached the milestone in just 13 innings, making him the quickest to do so since 1949.
Mendis now shares this achievement with Bradman, who reached 1000 runs in 13 innings back in 1930 against England. Only two other players have surpassed this milestone quicker: England’s Herbert Sutcliffe and West Indies’ Everton Weekes, both achieving it in 12 innings.
As if equalling Bradman wasn’t enough, Kamindu set another record by becoming the first cricketer in history to score fifty or more runs in each of his first eight Tests. This feat was crowned by his fifth Test century and his second consecutive hundred, further highlighting his consistent brilliance.
Mendis sealed his 1000th run in style, stepping down the pitch to New Zealand’s Rachin Ravindra and lofting a six straight over the bowler’s head. This stroke not only put him in the elite 1000-run club but also made him the fastest Sri Lankan and the fastest Asian to achieve the milestone. He surpassed fellow Sri Lankan Roy Dias, who completed the milestone in 23 innings, and India’s Vinod Kambli, who did so in 14 innings. India’s Yashasvi Jaiswal also features on the list, reaching 1000 runs in 16 innings.
Despite his phenomenal form, Kamindu narrowly missed his maiden double century as Sri Lanka declared their innings with him unbeaten on a stunning 182 off 250 balls, punctuated by 16 boundaries and four sixes.
Mendis’ teammate Angelo Mathews was all praise for the young all-rounder. “Kamindu Mendis has been sensational for us this year,” Mathews said. “He’s doing things we couldn’t dream of early in our careers. His maturity, game awareness, and positive approach are remarkable. In the first Test, after a collapse, he brought us back with a hundred. In this Test, even when the pitch was flat, his concentration and determination were incredible. It was a terrific knock.”
Mathews further highlighted how Mendis has been pivotal across different conditions. “He was the player of the series in Bangladesh earlier this year, where batting was tough. Then in England, when the ball was seaming, he played beautifully. Now, here on turning tracks, he’s looked a class apart,” Mathews added.
Mendis, alongside Kusal Mendis, who notched up his tenth Test century, formed an unbroken 200-run partnership. This stand set a new record for the highest sixth-wicket partnership for Sri Lanka against New Zealand on home soil, while also becoming the highest-ever sixth-wicket stand in Galle by any team.
Kamindu Mendis’ latest achievement has not only cemented his place in cricketing lore but also signals a bright future for Sri Lankan cricket. His consistency and adaptability have placed him in a unique category, drawing comparisons to some of the greatest players the sport has ever seen. With a series sweep against New Zealand now within Sri Lanka’s reach, Kamindu’s inspirational performances are likely to motivate both his teammates and fans alike, offering hope for a new era of Sri Lankan cricketing excellence.
