Cricket

Sri Lanka's Kamindu Mendis has emerged as a formidable force in Test cricket, surpassing the 1,000-run milestone in just 13 innings. His exceptional batting performance has been instrumental in Sri Lanka's recent whitewash of New Zealand.In the second Test in Galle, Mendis showcased his brilliance with an unbeaten 182, guiding Sri Lanka to a massive 602/5. His innings was adorned with 16 fours and four towering sixes, propelling his team to an innings and 154-run victory.Mendis's success stems from a positive mindset and technical adjustments. "I'm enjoying scoring runs, especially since Galle is my hometown," he said. "I think I did well, and credit goes to Kusal and Chandimal as well. I think I had the same mindset and some small changes to the way I batted in England; I made some tweaks while playing spin."Mendis's achievement is remarkable, as he became the first player to score fifty or more in eight consecutive Test matches since making his debut. He also joined the legendary Don Bradman as the third-fastest player to reach 1,000 Test runs in just 13 innings.Overall, Mendis has amassed 1,004 Test runs in eight matches at an impressive average of 91.27. His contributions have been pivotal in Sri Lanka's recent resurgence in Test cricket.As Sri Lanka prepares for upcoming white-ball tours, Mendis is eager to continue his impressive form. "It is a great pleasure to score 1000 runs so quickly, but we have to improve day by day," he said. "There are upcoming tours, ODIs, and T20s as well. I want to keep doing well."Mendis's exceptional batting skills and unwavering determination make him a valuable asset to the Sri Lankan team. His ability to adapt and excel in different conditions bodes well for Sri Lanka's future in international cricket.

New Zealand's recent Test series loss to Sri Lanka may have been a disappointing outcome, but a closer examination reveals a more nuanced picture. In the first Test, the Kiwis pushed Sri Lanka to the brink, falling short by just 68 runs in the chase. They also had the hosts on the ropes on several occasions, but were unable to capitalize.Captain Tim Southee acknowledged that the team had its moments, particularly in the first innings of the first Test. "If we were able to push on there and gain a bit more of a lead, things may have been different in the series," he said.Losing the toss in the second Test proved to be a significant disadvantage for New Zealand. The team missed multiple catches and a stumping chance on the opening day, which Southee admitted was uncharacteristic. "It's something that us as a Kiwi side, we pride ourselves on, so we'll be looking to improve in that area as well," he said.Despite the setbacks, the series provided valuable experience for New Zealand's bowlers and batters. Ajaz Patel, Mitchell Santner, and Glenn Phillips bowled over 100 overs in the second Test alone, which Southee believes will be invaluable in the upcoming tour of India."I think just getting those overs into the spinners [was important]," Southee said. "They will all learn from that and we will hopefully do well in India."As for the batters, their response to the horror morning session on day three of the second Test offered a more accurate reflection of their potential. Despite the margin of defeat, New Zealand notched up their highest score in Galle - 360 - at an impressive run rate of 4.40 per over."The second innings was much more the way we want to play," Southee said. "The guys were quite positive and played in a more positive manner. It was a big shift from the first innings.""I think it was a much clearer way for the guys to play. They they went out and they played their shots. I don't think it was reckless at any stage... It was about picking the right moments to attack and right moments to defend."While the series loss is a setback, the experiences gained in Galle will undoubtedly benefit New Zealand in the future. The team will look to build on the positives and improve in the areas where they fell short.

Sri Lanka's remarkable series victory over New Zealand has ignited hopes of a World Test Championship (WTC) final berth next year. Currently ranked third behind Australia and India, Sri Lanka trails Australia by a mere 6.94 percentage points.Captain Dhananjaya de Silva, who has guided Sri Lanka to their best Test year since 2006, remains cautious. "We're only looking at it from one match to another," he said. "If you look too far ahead, you can miss out on what's immediately important."Despite their impressive performance, Sri Lanka faces a challenging tour of South Africa in November-December. However, de Silva believes that focusing on the present will ultimately lead to success.One of the standout performers in the series was Kamindu Mendis, who narrowly missed out on a double century in the first innings. De Silva's decision to declare with Mendis 18 runs short raised questions, but the captain explained that it was necessary to give Kusal Mendis an opportunity to score a century.Mendis supported his captain's decision, acknowledging that the team's total was already substantial and that batting in the final hour at Galle is challenging.Another key contributor was debutant Nishan Peiris, who claimed nine wickets with his offspin. De Silva praised Peiris' ability to keep the economy rate low, which put pressure on New Zealand.Sri Lanka's six Test wins this year have propelled them to fifth in the rankings. De Silva attributes this success to the team's hard work and improved bench strength. "We have got the right team makeup now," he said. "And now we also have combinations that can work on any surface, both at home and overseas."

Sanath Jayasuriya's remarkable success as Sri Lanka's interim head coach has prompted Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) to extend his contract for a year. Since taking over in July, Jayasuriya has guided the team to notable victories, including an ODI series win over India, a Test triumph at The Oval, and another Test victory against New Zealand in Galle.Jayasuriya's appointment as permanent head coach was initially uncertain, as SLC had advertised the position following Chris Silverwood's departure. However, the team's improved performances under Jayasuriya's leadership have convinced SLC to offer him a longer-term contract."We are in the final stages of negotiating the contract with him," said SLC CEO Ashley de Silva. "Probably in the next two or three days you will get to hear more."Jayasuriya's initial role as cricket consultant, appointed in December 2022, was primarily focused on working with the High Performance Centre. However, he accompanied the team to the T20 World Cup and subsequently assumed the head coach position.Under Jayasuriya's guidance, Sri Lanka has also experienced setbacks, including a T20I series loss to India and two Test defeats in England. Nonetheless, the team's overall progress has been significant, with a strong chance of qualifying for the World Test Championship final.Jayasuriya's contract extension will extend beyond the current World Test Championship cycle. Feedback from players has been overwhelmingly positive, with Angelo Mathews, the most experienced Test player, praising Jayasuriya's leadership."Sanath Jayasuriya was superb as cricket director and now as coach," said Mathews. "He communicates well and has given us a lot of freedom. We are all working towards one goal, and now everyone is on the same page. He's also done a superb job grooming the players. He has been amazing. I wish him all the very best."Jayasuriya's previous stints as chief selector were marked by mixed results. However, his current assignment has brought greater stability to the team.

Sri Lanka's senior batsmen, Dimuth Karunaratne, Dinesh Chandimal, and Angelo Mathews, responded to their batting coach's call for responsibility with a collective 306 runs on the opening day of the second Test against New Zealand in Galle.Chandimal, batting at No. 3 for the first time in his Test career, led the way with a composed 116 off 208 deliveries. He came to the crease early in the innings and played aggressively, striking at a run-a-ball pace.As the spinners took control, Chandimal adjusted his approach, slowing down his scoring rate but maintaining his positive intent. He survived several close calls, including edges that fell short of the slips and a leading edge that narrowly missed short cover."Things like that need to be there for you to score a hundred," Chandimal said. "You need to have a bit of luck go your way."Karunaratne contributed 83 runs, while Mathews scored 64. The trio's efforts helped Sri Lanka post a strong total of 364 for 3 at the end of the day.Chandimal acknowledged that he had accepted full responsibility for a run-out that involved Karunaratne before tea. "I apologized to Dimuth as soon as I came off for tea," he said. "It was my fault and I accept it."Despite the run-out, Chandimal's innings was a testament to his experience and adaptability. He has now scored five Test centuries since 2022, including two this year.

Sri Lanka's Kamindu Mendis has etched his name in the annals of cricket history by becoming the first batsman to score fifty or more in eight consecutive Test matches. This remarkable feat was achieved during the second Test against New Zealand at Galle International Stadium.Mendis, a stylish left-hander, has been in scintillating form throughout the series. Coming in at number five, he once again displayed his exceptional batting acumen, notching up his fourth half-century in Test cricket. His latest knock of 51* helped Sri Lanka post a formidable total of 306 for three at the end of day one.Mendis' milestone came as Sri Lanka recovered from a shaky start in their first innings. After captain Dhananjaya de Silva won the toss and chose to bowl, Sri Lanka's early innings suffered a setback with Pathum Nissanka dismissed cheaply. However, veteran campaigners Dimuth Karunaratne and Dinesh Chandimal steadied the innings with a crucial 122-run partnership for the second wicket.Karunaratne's unfortunate run out provided New Zealand with a breakthrough, but Chandimal continued his fine form to bring up a century before being dismissed. It was Kamindu Mendis' arrival that solidified Sri Lanka's position. Alongside Angelo Mathews, Mendis guided the team past the 300-mark, scoring a sublime 51* by the end of day one.Mendis' incredible consistency has been a defining feature of his game, starting with his fifty against Australia in Galle in 2022, followed by awe-inspiring scores against Bangladesh and England earlier this year. His latest half-century against New Zealand not only helped Sri Lanka post a formidable total but also saw him break a world record that stood untouched for years.Mendis' remarkable run is a clear sign of his growing stature in world cricket, making him one of Sri Lanka's most reliable middle-order batsmen. His ability to score consistently in different conditions and against various oppositions highlights his exceptional talent and determination.

Sri Lanka's Test squad for the second and final Test against New Zealand has undergone a change, with uncapped offspinner Nishan Peiris replacing injured seamer Vishwa Fernando. Fernando, who did not feature in the first Test, which Sri Lanka won by 63 runs, has developed a tightness in his right hamstring and will undergo rehabilitation.Peiris, 27, has been on the fringes of the Test team for several years, having been included in the squad twice previously but never making his debut. However, with Ramesh Mendis' performance coming under scrutiny after the first Test, Peiris may have an opportunity to break into the playing XI.Mendis, who has been Sri Lanka's leading spinner in recent years, took six wickets in the first Test but was criticized for his lack of control. His economy rate was the poorest of Sri Lanka's spinners, and he often allowed New Zealand batters to score freely.Peiris, on the other hand, has a strong first-class record, having taken 172 wickets in 41 matches at an average of 24.37. He recently represented Sri Lanka A in South Africa, where he picked up three wickets in the first unofficial Test.If Peiris does make his Test debut, he will be tasked with providing Sri Lanka with control and wicket-taking options. The offspinner has the ability to turn the ball sharply and generate bounce, which could be effective against New Zealand's right-handed batters.The second Test between Sri Lanka and New Zealand will begin on Thursday, August 25, at the Galle International Stadium. Sri Lanka will be looking to secure a series victory after their impressive win in the first Test.

Sri Lanka's women's cricket team has made a significant change to its squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024, recalling experienced left-arm spinner Inoka Ranaweera while omitting young seamer Kawya Kavindi.Ranaweera, 38, has been a mainstay of the Sri Lankan team for over a decade, with 91 T20I wickets to her name. Her inclusion is seen as a strategic move, given the spin-friendly conditions expected in the UAE, where the tournament will be held.Despite her experience, Ranaweera's bowling has not been particularly penetrative in the shortest format this year. However, her economy rate of 5.86 and ability to control the run rate make her a valuable asset.Kavindi's omission leaves Sri Lanka with just three main seam-bowling options in their World Cup squad: Udeshika Prabodhani, Achini Kulasuriya, and Ama Kanchana. This could be a concern, especially considering the strength of the opposition in Group A, which includes Australia, India, and New Zealand.On the batting front, Sri Lanka boasts a formidable lineup led by captain Chamari Athapaththu. Harshitha Samarawickrama and 18-year-old Vishmi Gunaratne have also been in impressive form, giving the team confidence that they can compete with the best in the world.Sri Lanka's triumph in the recent Asia Cup has further boosted their morale and given them a belief that they can reach the final four of the T20 World Cup. The tournament is scheduled to begin on October 3, and Sri Lanka will be eager to make a strong statement in their opening match against Pakistan.

Sri Lanka's slow bowlers struggled for accuracy on day two of their Test against New Zealand in Galle, a venue they hadn't played in for over a year. Spin bowling coach Craig Howard acknowledged that the bowlers needed time to adjust, but also emphasized the need for better execution."If we'd bowled the way we'd have liked to, we'd be in a much better position," Howard said. "We need to hold our line and length for longer, making it harder for the New Zealand batters to rotate the strike and limiting boundary balls."Primary spinners Ramesh Mendis and Prabath Jayasuriya took just one wicket each on Thursday, with Jayasuriya conceding 99 runs in 31 overs. Howard attributed Jayasuriya's performance to a slight deviation from his usual accuracy."Prabath is a very proud man," Howard said. "He's averaged 22 at Galle for a reason, so I'm confident he'll bounce back and have a significant impact on this Test."Mendis, who hadn't played a red-ball game in several months, was more expensive than Jayasuriya, with an economy rate of over four in his 17 overs. Howard suggested that Mendis' lack of recent match practice may have contributed to his inaccuracy."Ramesh Mendis hasn't played a red-ball game for a few months," Howard said. "He's been on an England tour without playing and in the LPL before that. He was probably a bit off from a length-and-line point of view."Despite the challenges posed by the New Zealand batters, Howard expressed confidence that Sri Lanka's spinners could turn the match in their favor with improved accuracy."Control of line and length is paramount," Howard said. "If we do that, there's enough in this wicket to make a difference. The game can speed up quickly in the back end. We could be one or two wickets away from having a first-innings lead. Ideally, we can go through them quickly and end up with a lead, but if not, we'll have a small target to catch up."