Sri Lankan cricketer Kamindu Mendis has etched his name in Test cricket history by matching a record set by Pakistan’s Babar Azam.
On the first day of Sri Lanka’s second Test against New Zealand, Mendis delivered an unbeaten half-century, marking his eighth consecutive 50-plus score in Test matches.
This achievement places Mendis in an elite group of players, as only Babar Azam had previously reached this milestone in 2022.
Mendis’s remarkable consistency has been a highlight since his return to the Test arena. His latest performance ties him with Azam and sets a new benchmark in Test cricket.
Mendis is now the first player to score a half-century or more in each of his first eight Test matches, surpassing the previous record held by Pakistan’s Saud Shakeel, who had achieved seven consecutive 50-plus scores.
This streak underscores Mendis’s exceptional form and resilience at the crease, making him a pivotal figure in Sri Lanka’s batting lineup.
His ability to maintain such high standards in the longest format of the game is a testament to his skill and determination. As Sri Lanka continues its Test series against New Zealand, all eyes will be on Mendis to see if he can extend his record-breaking run and further solidify his status as one of the most consistent performers in modern Test cricket.
Most consecutive 50-plus scores since debut in Tests:
| Kamindu Mendis (SL) | 8 Matches |
| Saud Shakeel (PAK) | 7 Matches |
| Bert Sutcliffe (NZ) | 6 Matches |
| Saeed Ahmed (PAK) | 6 Matches |
| Basil Butcher (WI) | 6 Matches |
| Sunil Gavaskar (IND) | 6 Matches |
It is saud shakeel not babar azam where is babar azam