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In an extraordinary display of skill, Mendis, 25, has been breaking records left and right. His recent innings of 182 runs against New Zealand in the second Test allowed him to reach the landmark of 1,000 Test runs in just 13 innings. This achievement makes him the fastest batter from the sub-continent to reach this milestone, surpassing former Indian star Vinod Kambli and tying with the legendary Don Bradman. Only Everton Weeks and Herbert Sutcliffe can claim a quicker ascent, reaching the milestone in just 12 innings. Mendis's innings played a pivotal role in propelling Sri Lanka to a staggering first-innings total of 602/5 declared, a feat complemented by strong contributions from Dinesh Chandimal and Kusal Mendis. Such high scores have become increasingly rare in modern Test cricket, where teams often prioritize results over sheer run accumulation. By the end of Day 2, Sri Lanka had seized the initiative, reducing New Zealand to a precarious 22/2. What makes Mendis's recent form even more impressive is his remarkable consistency. In his last 11 innings, his scores read 102, 164, 92, 9, 12, 113, 74, 4, 64, 114, and 3. This latest performance brings his tally to five centuries in just eight Tests, resulting in a staggering average of 91.27. Mendis began his Test career against Australia two years ago with a gritty 61 and has since transformed into a prolific run-scorer. After a nearly two-year wait for a chance, he made an explosive return in March, scoring twin centuries against Bangladesh in Sylhet. His standout performances included a resilient 113 against England in Manchester, followed by a solid 74 at Lord’s and a half-century at the Oval. In 2024, Mendis has distinguished himself further by outpacing notable names like Shubman Gill and Joe Root in various statistical categories. Currently, he holds the highest average and most centuries among Test batters this year, while only trailing Joe Root in total runs. Mendis has also surpassed Ollie Pope, Shubman Gill, and Kane Williamson, solidifying his place among the elite. The cricketing community has taken notice of Mendis's meteoric rise, with Sri Lankan legends Kumar Sangakkara and Lasith Malinga vocalizing their admiration. Malinga remarked, “Second fastest to 1,000 Test runs, just behind Bradman. Kamindu Mendis is on his way to greatness.” Meanwhile, Sangakkara succinctly celebrated his achievements with the statement, “Kamindu Mendis - Becoming of greatness.” As Mendis continues to dazzle fans and experts alike, the cricketing world is left to ponder just how far this young talent can go. With his combination of skill, temperament, and remarkable consistency, Kamindu Mendis is undoubtedly a name to watch in the years to come.

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