Kusal Mendis struck a 128-ball 143 against New Zealand in Dambulla, falling 26 runs short of equalling Kumar Sangakkara’s all-time record for Sri Lanka.
The No.3 struck his first hundred in nearly a year, racing away to his fourth ODI ton in 102 deliveries. Walking out after the dismissal of Pathum Nissanka in the third over, Mendis combined with Avishka Fernando and steadied the innings with a mammoth 206-run stand. Fernando also reached his 100, his first since September 2021.
Mendis became only the fifth Sri Lanka wicketkeeper with two or more centuries in the format when he knocked an Ish Sodhi delivery to sweeper cover for a single. It was Mendis’ first ODI hundred at home since 2020 and was his third in Sri Lanka overall. His only overseas ton has come in India, against Pakistan in the World Cup last year.
He was eventually dismissed for 143 in 128 deliveries, as Sri Lanka posted 324-5 before rain came down with four balls to go in the innings.
The score came within touching distance of Kumar Sangakkara’s score of 169, the highest by a Sri Lanka batter in ODIs from No.3. The former wicketkeeper had made the runs against South Africa in 2013. Overall, no other Sri Lanka batter except Sangakkara and Mendis has made more than 140 at No.3 in men’s ODIs.
Mendis’ 143 is also the second-highest by a Sri Lanka wicketkeeper in ODIs. Before the game, Sangakkara occupied the top seven spots on the list. Out of the top eleven scores by a Sri Lanka wicketkeeper, Sangakkara owns nine, and Mendis the other two. Niroshan Dickwella's 116 against Zimbabwe in July 2017 is in twelfth place.
Follow Wisden for all cricket updates, including live scores, match stats, quizzes and more. Stay up to date with the latest cricket news, player updates, team standings, match highlights, video analysis and live match odds.
