Kamindu Mendis’ world record is a first in 147 years of Test cricket’s existence

It was a world record eighth consecutive fifty for Kamindu since the 25-year-old’s debut against Australia at the same venue two years ago.

Sri Lanka all-rounder Kamindu Mendis created history by becoming the first cricketer in the 147 years of Test cricket’s existence to hit a 50-plus score in all of his first eight Test matches. Mendis etched his name on the record books on Day 1 of the second Test against New Zealand by slamming his fifth half-century and eighth consecutive 50-plus score.

Since making his Test debut against Australia in 2022, Mendis has registered at least a half-century in each of his eight Tests. He has converted four of those to centuries with 164 being his highest score so far. He will resume proceedings on Day 2 with senior-pro Angelo Mathews for company, eyeing to add another century to his already impressive beginning to Test cricket.