Mendis was batting in a new position at No.7 in Sri Lanka's opening Test against New Zealand, after he was demoted to make way for Kamindu Mendis to move up to five. While the Sri Lanka top order all fell cheaply, the latter Mendis stood firm and scored his fourth Test century, and was joined at the crease by Kusal when Sri Lanka were 178-5. The two put on a 103-run stand together before Mendis fell to the unusual dismissal.

Having brought up his half century the ball before, Mendis was faced with a ball short and outside the off stump from Phillips. The ball turned in off the surface, and Mendis looked to play it off the back foot, pulling it into the leg side. Unfortunately for him, the ball hammered straight into Latham's leg where he was fielding at short leg, and popped up into the air. Spying an opportunity, Southee followed the ball's flight from his position at short mid wicket and dived forward with both arms outstretched. The ball safely nestled in his hands just above the turf, prompting Phillips to celebrate with both arms in the air.

The wicket left Sri Lanka 281-6, with Ramesh Mendis the next batter in. He remained unbeaten on 14 off 42 balls at the end of the day, batting alongside Prabath Jayasuriya. Kamindu Mendis was the other wicket to fall during the rest of the opening day's play, and Sri Lanka finished on 302-7

Watch: Kusal Mendis falls for freak dismissal on opening day of first Sri Lanka v New Zealand Test

Phillips gets his second. Bit unlucky for Kusal Mendis. Ends a 100-run partnership with Kamindu. #SLvNZ | #SLvsNZ pic.twitter.com/zzkfFnZ9BU

— Kanishk Agarwal (@kanishkdabaav27) September 18, 2024

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