Kiwis stumble at 22-2 after Kamindu’s 1,000-run milestone

TDT | Manama

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New Zealand were flailing at 22-2 and trailing by 580 yesterday against a dominant Sri Lankan batting attack that saw middle-order maestro Kamindu Mendis reach 1,000 runs from just eight Test appearances.

Sri Lanka declared at 602-5 shortly before stumps on day two in Galle after a 200-run partnership between Kamindu and Kusal Mendis -- the third century-plus stand of the innings.

The tourists then lost their openers inside nine overs, with Tom Latham caught on the fifth ball of the innings for two and Devon Conway dismissed for nine.

Kane Williamson (six) and Ajaz Patel (nought) will resume on Saturday.

Kamindu reached the 1,000- run milestone in 13 innings played since his debut at the same ground two years ago, equalling the record of Australian great Don Bradman.

Only two others -- England’s Herbert Sutcliffe and Everton Weekes of the West Indies -- have surpassed him, both reaching the landmark in 12 innings.

“Kamindu Mendis, obviously he has just taken off,” all-rounder and former captain Angelo Mathews told reporters.

“He doesn’t get rattled and plays one ball at a time,” he added. “He is quite amazing.” Kamindu, a 25-year-old Galle native, made an unbeaten 182 before the declaration alongside Kusal on 106.