Sri Lanka's newly appointed Test captain Kusal Mendis marked his leadership debut in spectacular fashion during the opening Test match against Pakistan in Rawalpindi. Leading from the front, the right handed batter anchored the innings with a composed 119 off 202 deliveries, striking 10 boundaries and four sixes along the way. Mendis forged a pivotal 249 run partnership for the fifth wicket alongside Dhananjaya de Silva, who compiled an impressive 167. Their massive stand rescued Sri Lanka from early trouble and helped the side counter Pakistan's formidable first innings effort.
Sri Lanka Secures Narrow First-Innings Lead Of 12 Runs
The contest in Rawalpindi remained tightly poised through the first two days. In response to Pakistan's first innings total of 434 for 9, Sri Lanka folded for 446, managing a slim lead of 12 runs. Beyond the massive contributions from Mendis and Dhananjaya de Silva, middle order batter Kamindu Mendis also chipped in with a valuable half century, scoring 58 before being dismissed. The rest of the Sri Lankan lineup struggled to build significant scores against the bowling attack. By the close of play on the second day, Pakistan reached 57 for the loss of one wicket in their second turn at the crease.
Entering Elite Company With A Century On Test Captaincy Debut
With this performance, Mendis scripted history for his country by becoming the first Sri Lankan cricketer to score a century on Test captaincy debut. The achievement places him in rare international company alongside several modern batting greats who delivered hundreds in their maiden matches as skipper. Virat Kohli famously achieved the feat in 2014 by scoring twin centuries of 115 and 141 against Australia. Current India captain Shubman Gill also recorded a captaincy debut hundred last year, making 147 against England. In 2017, England's Joe Root struck 190 against South Africa in his first Test at the helm, while Australia's Steve Smith similarly began his captaincy tenure with a ton against India in 2014.
Surpassing The 13000 Run Landmark In International Cricket
In addition to his captaincy milestone, Mendis crossed the threshold of 13000 runs in international cricket during his knock against Pakistan. He is now the eighth Sri Lankan cricketer to reach this milestone across all international formats. The all-time run scoring chart for Sri Lanka remains led by Kumar Sangakkara, who accumulated 27757 runs throughout his illustrious career. Mahela Jayawardene sits second on the list with 25688 runs, followed by Sanath Jayasuriya in third place with 20966 runs. Mendis now joins this distinguished roster of legendary Sri Lankan run-getters.
