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Kusal Mendis Punishes Bangladesh With Fiery Fifty, Joins Sangakkara In Rare Record

Debashis Sarangi

Kusal Mendis in action [Source: AP]Kusal Mendis in action [Source: AP]

Kusal Mendis had a memorable outing in the ODI series decider against Bangladesh as he struck a magnificent half-century, helping Sri Lanka dominate the first half of the contest. The experienced batter's sublime knock not only saved Sri Lanka from a batting collapse but also made him only the second batter after Kumar Sangakkara to achieve an elite milestone. 

Mendis Stuns Bangladesh With Flamboyant Knock

After winning the toss and opting to bat first, Sri Lanka had a disastrous start to their innings, losing Nishan Madushka for one in the fourth over. Pathum Nissanka managed only 35 runs, while Kamindu Mendis was trapped plumb in front by Mehidy Hasan Miraz for 16 runs. 

However, Kusal Mendis steadied the ship for Sri Lanka, forming a valuable partnership with Charith Asalanka for the fourth wicket. The explosive keeper-batter thus completed his fifty, leaving Bangladesh frustrated with his scintillating stroke play. 

Thus, Mendis became only the second Sri Lankan player to score 2000 international runs against Bangladesh across formats. The legendary Kumar Sangakkara is the only other batter from the Island nation to achieve the milestone. 

Most international runs for Sri Lanka against Bangladesh

  • Kumar Sangakkara - 3090
  • Kusal Mendis - 2032
  • TM Dilshan - 1903
  • Mahela Jayawardene - 1723
  • Upul Tharanga - 1507

As mentioned above, Sangakkara claims the first place, with Kusal Mendis, Dilshan, Jayawardene, and Tharanga following him in second, third, fourth, and fifth spots, respectively. 

The series has witnessed a riveting contest between the two sides. While Sri Lanka won the first match convincingly, Bangladesh bounced back remarkably by emerging victorious in the subsequent affair. 

The decider is well-poised at the moment, with the hosts comfortably placed at 147 for three in 30 overs. As of writing, Mendis and Asalanka were batting on 65* and 27*, respectively.