Record-breaking Kamindu puts Sri Lanka in charge

Text: Shamil Amit / Pix: Kushan Pathiraja

(Galle) - Sri Lanka continued their domination on day two with two more centuries from Kamindu Mendis and Kusal Mendis, which helped the home side to make a massive 602 for five in the second Test against New Zealand at the Galle Stadium.

Kamindu, who was on 51, on day one was the hero of the second day’s proceedings as he made an unbeaten 182 - his fifth hundred in 13 innings off eight Test matches. 

In the process he equalled the legendary Don Bradman’s record while Kusal who was having a bad patch got back to form and made an unbeaten 106 - his 10th century of his career. 

Sri Lanka resuming from their overnight score of 306 for three lost an early wicket for the addition of 22 runs with Angelo Mathews departing having added 10 runs to his overnight score of 78 after having added 107 for the fourth wicket with Kamindu. 

Kamindu, joined by Skipper Dhananjaya de Silva, took things under control as the pair went on to post their 50-run stand for the fifth wicket. 

But in the last over before lunch De Silva became the second victim of Glenn Phillips having made 44 and Sri Lanka went into the break on 402 for five with Kamindu unbeaten on 93. 

After the break Kamindu raced to his century off 147 balls inclusive of 12 boundaries and a six. This followed with the pair posting their 50-run stand for the sixth wicket and Kusal reached his half century off 86 balls. 

Kamindu also became Sri Lanka’s fastest to 1,000 Test runs as he remained unbeaten on 182 made in 282 balls which had 16 boundaries and four sixes. 

He shared an unbroken 200-run stand for the sixth wicket with Kusal, who made 106 inclusive of six boundaries and three sixes as Sri Lanka declared their innings on 602 for five.