Prolific middle-order batter Kamindu Mendis struck a fine hundred to rescue Sri Lanka from a precarious position as the hosts reached 302-7 at stumps on Day 1 of the first test against New Zealand.

Sri Lanka's Kamindu Mendis scored a courageous century against New Zealand Wednesday as the hosts wrestled back the initiative to reach 302 for seven at stumps on the first day of the first Test.

With four hundreds in first 11 innings and an average reaching Bradmanesque levels, left-hander ignites hopes of being next in line after Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene.

Sri Lanka's Kamindu Mendis staged a back-to-wall half-century against New Zealand Wednesday, as the hosts reached 178 for five at tea on day one of the first Test. Sri Lanka had slumped to 106 for four just after lunch, but a 72-run partnership between ...

Centurion Kamindu Mendis led Sri Lanka to a total of 302-7 on the first day of the opening Test against New Zealand in Galle with a score of 114. Despite early trouble at 106-4, Kamindu's century and key partnerships helped SL recover.

Kamindu Mendis scored his fourth Test century, making 114 runs against New Zealand at Galle. His innings led Sri Lanka to a score of 302/7 by the end of Day One. Mendis' consistent form has made him one of the top performers in the World Test Championship.

The hosts faced a precarious situation at 106 for four shortly after lunch, but Mendis, named player of the series during Sri Lanka's recent tour of England, steadied the innings with his calm demeanor.

Sri Lanka won the toss and opted to bat after winning the toss in the first test against New Zealand at the Galle International Stadium on Wednesday. Both teams opted to play two spinners with Sri Lanka going for the left-arm spin of Prabath Jayasuriya and off-spin of Ramesh Mendis.

Kamindu Mendis once again helped his team get to a good position. Sri Lanka went from 33/2 to 302/7 by the end of Day 1. Kusal Mendis also played a crucial 50-run knock.