Kusal Mendis racks up maiden Test double century

Sri Lanka’s right-handed batter Kusal Mendis, on Thursday (April 27), racked up his maiden double century in the first innings of the second Test match against Ireland.

Mendis, who arrived at number three, scored his double-ton shortly after Nishan Madushka racked up his maiden Test century.

Sri Lanka collected 557/2 in the first innings a short while ago, leading by 65 runs.

The hosts saw a brilliant start as openers Nishan Madushka (205) and Dimuth Karunaratne (115) added 228 runs for the first wicket on the rain-affected third day on Wednesday.

Both Karunaratne and Madushka hit centuries as Sri Lanka amassed 357-1 on a rain-affected third day of the second test against Ireland on Wednesday. 

Karunaratne fell on the stroke of lunch after miscuing a pull shot for 115 off seamer Curtis Campher.

However, Madushka and Mendis continued their unbroken stand as Sri Lanka replied soundly to Ireland’s 492 before a heavy downpour halted play shortly before the tea break.

Earlier today, Madushka racked up his maiden Test century by hitting Harry Tector over the deep midwicket boundary, converting his maiden Test ton to a double-ton in partnership with Mendis, who remains unbeaten on the field after crossing the 200-mark.

Madushka is the second Sri Lankan cricketer after Brendon Kuruppu to convert his maiden Test ton to a double-ton. Kuruppu scored 201 not out at his debut Test against New Zealand in 1987.

The fourth day of the second Test against Ireland is being played at the Galle International Stadium.