Sri Lanka whitewashed New Zealand 2-0 in the home Test series, highlighting the team’s emerging strength and resilience. The highlight of Sri Lanka’s historic win was Kamindu Mendis, who not only solidified his place in the middle order but also showcased his immense talent with a magnificent unbeaten 182 in the second Test in Galle.

Kamindu Mendis’ remarkable performance allowed Sri Lanka to declare their first innings with a commanding 602/5. New Zealand could only manage 88 and 360 runs in their innings to achieve a historic innings and a 154-run win in the second Test to complete a clean sweep.

Kamindu Mendis powers Sri Lanka to dominant sweep in Test series against New Zealand

The fifth century of his young career reinforced his status as a rising star in international cricket. Kamindu Mendis’ ability to anchor the innings and create partnerships has breathed new life into the Sri Lankan batting line-up. Along with him, Dinesh Chandimal, who rose to the number three spot, also made his mark by scoring a century.

This strategic reshuffle in the batting order proved to be a masterstroke as it allowed both players to flourish under pressure. Kamindu Mendis’ achievement of reaching 1,000 Test runs in just 13 innings has made him the fastest Asian player to reach the 100 Test run milestone.

After receiving the Man of the Match award, Kamindu Mendis expressed his delight at his scoring streak, especially in Galle, his hometown. His words reflected a mix of pride and humility, as he recognized the need to continually improve despite his rapid rise in the game.

I think Kamindu Mendis at five can play the long innings: Dhananjaya de Silva

Kamindu Mendis said in the post-match press conference: “I am enjoying scoring runs, especially since Galle is my hometown. It is a great pleasure to get 1,000 runs so quickly, but we have to improve day by day.”

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka captain Dhananjaya de Silva said Mendis had significantly strengthened his middle-order and would love to see him batting at No. 5 in Tests. Praising the contributions of Kamindu Mendis, he predicted a bright future for Sri Lanka with a strong middle order already in place.

Dhananjaya de Silva said: “I think Kamindu at five can play the long innings and I can finish the game at number six.”

New Zealand, by contrast, found conditions in Galle challenging. Known as a spinner’s paradise, the pitch proved unforgiving for the New Zealand cricket team, leading to their swift dismissal for just 88 runs in their first innings.

While they fought back with a more respectable 360 ​​in their second innings, thanks to brilliant half-centuries from Devon Conway, Tom Blundell, Glenn Phillips and Mitchell Santner. However, their efforts were not enough to avoid their toughest defeat against Sri Lanka.

With this dominant Test series win over New Zealand in the home Tests after their historic ODI series against India, the Sri Lankan team has sent a clear message to the world that they are a force to be reckoned with.