Kusal Mendis races past 3,000 ODI runs with 23rd half-century
Kusal Mendis has added another feather to his hat as he completed 3,000 runs in ODI runs. The wicketkeeper-batter accomplished the feat with a brilliant half-century in Sri Lanka's 2023 Asia Cup second match against Afghanistan in Lahore. He entered the game, requiring 50 runs to get the mark and slammed a fine 84-ball 92. This is Mendis's 23rd half-century in ODIs. Here's more.
A fine knock from Mendis
Mendis came to the crease after a 63-run stand by the SL openers. However, they lost a couple of wickets and were reduced to 86/3. The 28-year-old and Charith Asalanka stitched a crucial 102-run stand, which helped SL gain some momentum. Mendis continued after Asalanka's departure as he added 33 more runs with Dhananjaya de Silva. He was dismissed by Rashid Khan through run-out.
Here are his career stats
Mendis has been a vital part of SL's ODI team since his debut in the format in 2016. He has now raced past 3,042 runs in 108 games at an average of 31.68. His strike rate in the format read 84.57. The tally includes two tons besides 23 fifties. No other SL batter has scored even 2,000 ODI runs since Mendis's debut.
Sensational run of form in 2023
Mendis has been on a roll across formats in 2023. He has raced past 1,223 runs in 33 international innings 40.76, a tally that includes two tons and seven fifties. As many as 586 of these runs have come in Tests at 58.60. In T20Is, he owns 211 runs at 35.16. 426 of his runs have come in ODIs at 30.42 (50s: 3).
How has he fared as a wicket-keeper?
Meanwhile, Mendis has been SL's designated keeper in the 50-over format for a while. As the designated keeper, he has compiled 856 runs in 30 ODIs at an average of 35.66. The tally includes seven fifties with his highest score being 92.
