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Sri Lanka’s Kamindu Mendis made cricket history in September 2024 by becoming the fastest Asian to score five Test centuries, achieving the feat in just 13 innings. This remarkable milestone came during the second Test against New Zealand at Galle, where Mendis scored his fifth ton, continuing his meteoric rise in red-ball cricket.
At just 25 years old, Mendis not only set a new Asian record but also equaled the legendary Don Bradman’s milestone of five centuries in 13 innings, placing him among the greats of the game. The only players to reach the milestone faster than Mendis and Bradman are Everton Weekes (10 innings), Herbert Sutcliffe (12 innings), and Neil Harvey (12 innings), which emphasizes the extraordinary nature of Mendis’ achievement.
A Record-Breaking Career Start
Mendis made his Test debut in July 2022 against Australia, and since then, he has been a consistent performer for Sri Lanka. His early performances hinted at greatness, with a debut knock of 61 that contributed to a crucial victory against Australia. However, his true breakthrough came in 2024, during a series against Bangladesh where Mendis scored twin centuries (102 and 164) in just his second Test. This stunning performance solidified his place in the team and set the stage for his remarkable run of form.
Since his return to the Test side, Mendis has been in sensational form, scoring fifty or more runs in every match. His ability to contribute consistently has made him a key figure in Sri Lanka’s batting lineup. His century against New Zealand in the ongoing series is his second of the series, following another hundred in the first Test. With this, Mendis now holds the record as the fastest Asian batter to score five Test hundreds, breaking Pakistan’s Fawad Alam’s previous record of 22 innings.
Equaling Don Bradman’s Milestone
Don Bradman, widely regarded as the greatest cricketer of all time, set a near-impossible benchmark with his rapid accumulation of Test centuries. Mendis joining Bradman in achieving five centuries in 13 innings is a testament to his skill, temperament, and ability to perform under pressure. While Mendis may still have a long way to go to match Bradman’s legendary status, his early career trajectory shows immense promise.
His innings of 147 balls in Galle helped Sri Lanka build a dominant first-innings total, pushing them past the 400-run mark. Mendis shared a crucial 100-run partnership with veteran Angelo Mathews, steering Sri Lanka to a commanding position. The Galle pitch, traditionally favoring spinners, posed challenges, but Mendis’s adaptability and skill shone through as he crafted yet another important innings for his side.
The Road Ahead for Mendis
With two hundreds in the ongoing series against New Zealand, Mendis is now poised to break more records. He is also on the verge of becoming the fastest Asian to score 1,000 Test runs, having already crossed the 900-run mark. Given his current form, it seems only a matter of time before he achieves this landmark as well.
Sri Lanka, once known for producing legends like Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene, now seems to have found another batting prodigy in Mendis. His unflappable temperament at the crease and his ability to play both pace and spin with equal ease make him a versatile asset for Sri Lanka’s middle order. As Sri Lanka rebuilds its Test team, Mendis is expected to play a pivotal role in their future successes.
Conclusion
Kamindu Mendis’s achievement of becoming the fastest Asian to score five Test centuries, alongside equaling Don Bradman’s record, is a significant moment in cricket history. His rise from a promising debutant to a record-breaking star in such a short period speaks volumes about his talent and potential. If his current form continues, Mendis could well become one of the greatest Test cricketers of his generation, cementing his place in Sri Lanka’s cricketing legacy.