Kusal Mendis surpasses 1,000 T20I runs, slams 10th fifty: Stats
Kusal Mendis has become the ninth Sri Lankan player to complete 1,000 runs in T20Is. He achieved the feat during the clash against Ireland in the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup 2022. The right-handed batter also recorded his 10th T20I fifty during the contest. Overall, Mendis scored an unbeaten 43-ball 68 as Sri Lanka recorded a nine-wicket triumph. Here we decode Mendis' T20I numbers.
Why does this story matter?
Mendis has been a vital part of Sri Lanka's T20I team lately. He reached the 1,000-run mark in his 45th match. On a track where Ireland batters struggled to get going, the 27-year-old scored runs for fun. He finished off the game with a six as Sri Lanka chased down 129 in just 15 overs. Mendis was also adjudged the Player of the Match.
Fearless Mendis dismantles Ireland
The track seemed fruitful for bowlers as the Irish side lost wickets regularly. However, that wasn't the case in the second innings as Mendis dominated the proceedings. He attacked bowlers from the outset as the ball was flying all over the park. Mendis' 68-run knock was laced with five boundaries and three maximums. The dasher batted at a sensational strike rate of 158.14.
How has he fared in the tournament?
Mendis is now the highest run-scorer of the tournament with 171 runs in four games. No other Sri Lankan batter has scored over 100 runs so far. While his average reads 57, he has scored at a rate of 161.32. This was Mendis' second half-century of the competition. Earlier, he scored 79 against Netherlands, which secured Sri Lanka's berth in the Super 12 stage.
A look at Mendis' T20I numbers
Mendis, who made his T20I debut in 2016, has so far scored 1,007 runs in 45 games. His average, and strike rate read 23.41, and 131.29 respectively. Mendis' tally of 10 T20I fifty-plus scores is the joint-third-highest for a Sri Lankan. He shares the feat with Mahela Jayawardene. He has 322, 359, and 326 runs in home, away (opposition's home), and neutral venues respectively.
How has Mendis fared in 2022?
With 469 runs in 16 games, Mendis is Sri Lanka's second-highest run-getter in T20Is this year. Pathum Nissanka leads the list with 596 runs. Mendis has an average, and strike rate of 33.50, and 136.33 in 2022 (50s: 5). His highest score (79) came against Netherlands few days back. The wicket-keeper would like to continue his sensational run further in the competition.
