• Home
  • Match Hub
  • Angelo Mathews Joins Sangakkara Jayawardene In 8000 Test Runs Club For Sri Lanka

Angelo Mathews Joins Sangakkara, Jayawardene In 8000 Test Runs Club For Sri Lanka

Jatin

Angelo Mathews hit the 8000 run milestone in Test cricket [Source: @CricCrazyJohns/x.com]Angelo Mathews hit the 8000 run milestone in Test cricket [Source: @CricCrazyJohns/x.com]

Story continues below ADVERTISEMENT

Sri Lanka’s go-to man for years, Angelo Mathews hit a massive milestone during Day 2 of the second Test against South Africa at St George’s Park, Gqeberha. Mathews crossed the 8,000-run mark in Test cricket and joined legends like Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene to become the third batter from the island nation to achieve the coveted feat.

Angelo Mathews Completed 8,000 Test Runs

Angelo Mathews got there with his 34th run of the innings and finished the day unbeaten on 40, looking as solid as ever. The seasoned all-rounder has been a constant for Sri Lanka, showing up when it matters the most. 

Playing his 116th Test, he’s now scored over 8,000 runs in 205 innings with 16 centuries and 44 fifties already, with one more half-century just around the corner.

Mathews has done it everywhere. At home, he’s racked up 4,198 runs at an average of 45.63. When playing away, he’s scored more than 3,200 runs, averaging over 41. Neutral venues? He’s a beast there too, averaging a brilliant 73.37. Wherever he’s played, he’s been a reliable presence in the middle order.


Taking on South Africa and SENA Challenges

Mathews has always had a knack for standing tall against tough opponents, and South Africa is no exception. In 12 matches against the Proteas, he now has over 730 runs, including six half-centuries.

And let’s not forget his performances in SENA (South Africa, England, New Zealand, Australia) countries, where he’s piled up over 1,800 runs. These aren’t easy places to score runs, but Mathews has made it look manageable.

What Happened on Day 2 of the SA vs SL Test?

Mathews came to the crease with Sri Lanka at 150/2 after Dinesh Chandimal’s wicket. It wasn’t panic time, but Sri Lanka needed someone steady. Mathews did what he always does – stayed calm, batted sensibly, and built partnerships. He added 49 runs with Pathum Nissanka, who unfortunately fell for 89 after a rash shot.

Kusal Mendis then joined Mathews, and together they stitched a 43-run stand. At Stumps, Sri Lanka are 243/3, still 115 runs behind South Africa’s first innings score of 358. Mathews will be key on Day 3 if Sri Lanka wants to take control of this Test.

If Mathews can keep anchoring the innings, Sri Lanka has a real chance to get ahead in this Test. The Proteas won’t make it easy, but if anyone can handle the pressure, it’s Mathews.