On Day 1 of the first Test between Sri Lanka and New Zealand at Galle, Kamindu Mendis dazzled with his maiden Test century on home soil. His commanding innings of 114 runs off 173 balls was instrumental in propelling Sri Lanka to a substantial total of 302/7 by the end of Day 1.

Mendis’ innings, characterized by 11 boundaries, showcased his solid technique and temperament, giving Sri Lanka a formidable position against a competitive New Zealand bowling attack.

Pathum Nissanka and Dimuth Karunaratne’s brief and impactful appearances

Sri Lanka’s innings commenced with a shaky start as opening batsmen Pathum Nissanka and Dimuth Karunaratne struggled to establish a strong foundation. Nissanka, who contributed 27 runs from 25 balls, fell to William O’Rourke, while Karunaratne managed just 2 runs before being dismissed by the same bowler. Their early dismissals placed Sri Lanka at a precarious 20 for 1 and soon 33 for 2, putting pressure on the middle order to stabilize the innings.

Angelo Mathews and Dinesh Chandimal steady the ship with crucial contributions

Angelo Mathews and Dinesh Chandimal emerged as the stabilizers for Sri Lanka, with their crucial innings providing a much-needed backbone to the team’s total. Mathews, scoring 36 runs from 116 balls, displayed resilience against the New Zealand bowlers before falling to O’Rourke. Chandimal, with his 30 runs off 71 balls, contributed significantly before being caught off Tim Southee’s bowling. Their solid partnerships were key in recovering the innings from early setbacks and laying the groundwork for the middle-order batsmen.

Kamindu Mendis and Kusal Mendis forge a dominant partnership

Kamindu and Kusal Mendis formed a formidable partnership, enhancing Sri Lanka’s position with their dominant batting. Kamindu’s innings was particularly noteworthy, as he meticulously crafted 114 runs, including 11 boundaries, showcasing his skill and composure. Kusal supported him well, adding 50 runs from 68 balls, highlighted by 7 boundaries. Their partnership was pivotal in advancing Sri Lanka’s score, proving crucial in withstanding the pressure from New Zealand’s bowlers.

Also WATCH: Glenn Phillips bowls an ripper to dismiss Dhananjaya de Silva on Day 1 of the first Test

Late blows and resilience from the lower order

As the day drew to a close, Sri Lanka experienced a few late setbacks with the dismissals of Dhananjaya de Silva for 11 runs and Kamindu for 114 runs. Despite these losses, the lower-order batters demonstrated resilience. Ramesh Mendis remained unbeaten on 14 from 42 balls, while Prabath Jayasuriya was not out at 0 from 5 balls. Their efforts ensured that Sri Lanka maintained a competitive total, providing a strong foundation for the subsequent days of the Test.

New Zealand’s bowling efforts against Sri Lanka

New Zealand’s bowlers put up a determined effort, with O’Rourke emerging as the most successful, claiming 3 wickets for 54 runs in 17 overs. Southee and Ajaz Patel each contributed with a wicket, while Glenn Phillips picked up 2 wickets for 52 runs. Despite the challenges, New Zealand’s bowlers made significant inroads into Sri Lanka’s batting lineup, but Kamindu’s resolute performance ensured Sri Lanka remained in a commanding position as they look forward to Day 2 of the Test.

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Also WATCH: William O’Rourke rattles Pathum Nissanka’s stumps with an inswinging yorker on Day 1 of first Test