Kusal Mendis becomes SL's fastest centurion in World Cup: Stats
Sri Lanka batter Kusal Mendis has slammed his third century in One-Day Internationals. The right-handed batter reached the three-figure mark against Pakistan in the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad. Mendis took SL past 100 along with Pathum Nissanka after the side lost Kusal Perera early on. Notably, Mendis slammed the fastest WC ton by a SL batter.
A brilliant knock from Mendis
Mendis came to the middle after Perera departed for a four-ball duck (second over). The former added 102 runs with Nissanka to get the Lankans past 100. Although Perera lost his way, Mendis then joined forces with Sadeera Samarawickrama. Mendis reached his century off just 65 deliveries in the 27th over. He smashed 13 fours and 4 sixes en route to his ton.
The fastest WC ton by a SL batter
As mentioned, Mendis now has the fastest century by a Sri Lankan player in the World Cup (65 balls). The right-handed batter surpassed SL legend Kumar Sangakkara, who smashed a 70-ball ton against England in the 2015 World Cup. Notably, Sangakkara also holds the third spot on this list. He slammed a 73-ball century against Bangladesh in the same edition.
Maiden ODI ton against Pakistan
As mentioned, Mendis slammed his third ODI ton and a first against Pakistan. In 114 matches, he has raced past 3,350 runs at over 33. Versus Pakistan, Mendis has surpassed 200 ODI runs at over 50. As per ESPNcricinfo, Mendis has now gone past 2,100 ODI runs in Asia. He also slammed his maiden ODI century at neutral venues.
Fastest ton against Pakistan in World Cup
According to cricket statistician Rajneesh Gupta, Mendis's 65-ball ton is now the fastest against Pakistan in the World Cup. It is also the third-fastest century against Pakistan in ODI cricket.
More feats for Mendis
Mendis's 122 is now the second-highest score by a SL wicket-keeper in the World Cup. Sangakkara, who slammed 124 against Scotland in 2015 in Hobart, occupies the top spot. Mendis has now joined the elite list of players to have scored an ODI hundred as a designated wicket-keeper for Sri Lanka. He also recorded the highest ODI score by a SL wicket-keeper against Pakistan.
Back-to-back 50+ scores for Mendis
Mendis finished with 122 off 77 balls, a knock laced with 14 fours and 6 sixes. He had a strike rate of 158.44. Mendis did well for the Lankans in their World Cup opener against South Africa. He smashed 76(42) in a losing cause. The Lankan batter now has 797 runs from 24 ODIs at an average of 39.85 in 2023.
