Kamindu Mendis sets world record with eight consecutive half-centuries in Test cricket

Mendis surpassed Saud Shakeel's streak of half-centuries, setting a new Test cricket record.

Sri Lanka’s all-rounder, Kamindu Mendis, has made history by becoming the first cricketer to score a half-century in each of his first eight Test matches.

Kamindu Mendis achieved this remarkable feat during the second Test against New Zealand, which is currently being held at the Galle International Cricket Stadium.

Walking in to bat at No. 5, Mendis displayed an impressive performance, helping Sri Lanka to a commanding position on Day 1.

He reached an unbeaten 51 off 56 balls, smashing eight boundaries and a six.

His consistency in the longest format of the game has now put him above Pakistan's Saud Shakeel, who previously held the record with half-centuries in his first seven matches.

Mendis has now surpassed legendary cricketers like Bert Sutcliffe, Saeed Ahmed, Basil Butcher, and Sunil Gavaskar, all of whom had six successive 50+ scores from their Test debuts.

In total, Mendis has scored four centuries and five half-centuries in his first eight Test appearances, a feat unmatched since the inception of Test cricket in 1877.

In the ongoing match against New Zealand, Sri Lanka closed Day 1 at 306/3, with Mendis and Angelo Mathews (78*) leading an 85-run unbeaten partnership.

Earlier in the day, Dinesh Chandimal's stellar innings of 116 runs had set a solid foundation for the hosts.

Previously, Kamindu Mendis delivered a composed century for Sri Lanka during the first Test against New Zealand, helping the hosts recover from a precarious position of 106 for four.

Known for his ambidextrous batting and bowling abilities, Mendis anchored Sri Lanka's innings, scoring 114 runs before being dismissed late in the day.

His performance, along with a crucial 103-run partnership with Kusal Mendis, allowed Sri Lanka to reach 302 for seven by stumps.

New Zealand's rookie fast bowler, William O'Rourke, had earlier rattled Sri Lanka’s top order, taking two key wickets before lunch.

The 23-year-old justified his selection over veteran bowler Matt Henry by dismissing Dimuth Karunaratne for just two runs and clean bowling Pathum Nissanka, who had posted 27.

Despite early setbacks, Sri Lanka fought back, with Mendis leading the recovery.

New Zealand, currently ranked third in the World Test Championship, are looking to extend their dominance over Sri Lanka, having won four series and drawn two since 2009.

The first Test is being played in the historic surroundings of Galle, with the second match scheduled to take place at the same venue later in September.