Sri Lanka’s batting duo of Dhananjaya de Silva and Kamindu Mendis stole the show in the first Test against Bangladesh, scoring twin centuries each and scripting a historic feat. Their remarkable performances not only powered Sri Lanka to a convincing 328-run victory but also propelled them up the ICC Test Player Rankings.
The opening Test match of the ICC World Test Championship series between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh in Sylhet witnessed a batting masterclass. Sri Lanka’s batsmen, particularly Dhananjaya de Silva and Kamindu Mendis, dominated the proceedings with a rare display of twin centuries each. This batting blitz not only secured a dominant win for Sri Lanka but also rewrote the record books and significantly impacted the ICC Test Player Rankings.
A Record-Breaking Partnership: De Silva and Mendis Rewrite History
De Silva and Mendis’ batting exploits in Sylhet were truly remarkable. Both batsmen defied the Bangladeshi bowling attack, scoring twin centuries – a hundred in each innings of the Test match. This feat is incredibly rare in Test cricket, etching their names in history as only the third pair of teammates to achieve this feat. The previous instances occurred in 1973/74 (Australia) and 2014/15 (Pakistan).
De Silva’s knock of 108 and 164 showcased his ability to play long innings and convert starts into big scores. Mendis, on the other hand, played a more aggressive brand of cricket, amassing scores of 102 and 134. Their contrasting styles perfectly complemented each other, building a mammoth partnership of 202 runs in Sri Lanka’s first innings. This partnership laid the foundation for a formidable total that Bangladesh simply couldn’t chase down.
Ranking Rise: Rewards for Exceptional Performances
The brilliance of De Silva and Mendis wasn’t just reflected in the scorecard; it also translated into significant advancements in the ICC Test Player Rankings. De Silva’s consistent batting performance saw him climb a whopping 15 spots, reaching a career-best ranking of 14th. This rise signifies his growing stature as a vital cog in the Sri Lankan batting line-up.
Mendis, who had previously been absent from the rankings, made a remarkable re-entry at a joint-64th position. His twin tons served as a strong reminder of his talent and potential. The upward movement in the rankings for both players is a testament to the impact their performances had on the outcome of the Test match.
Beyond the Batting: A Collective Effort Secures Victory
While De Silva and Mendis’ batting heroics were the defining factors in Sri Lanka’s win, it’s important to acknowledge the contributions of other players. The Sri Lankan bowlers displayed commendable discipline and accuracy, bundling out Bangladesh for 275 and 163 in their respective innings. Kasun Rajitha and Vishwa Fernando were particularly impressive, claiming eight and seven wickets, respectively.
The fielding unit also played a crucial role, taking their catches cleanly and putting pressure on the Bangladeshi batsmen. This collective effort from the entire Sri Lankan team ensured a comprehensive victory and solidified their position in the ongoing World Test Championship series.
Conclusion:
The first Test between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh was a memorable one, primarily due to the exceptional batting displays of De Silva and Mendis. Their twin tons not only secured a dominant victory for Sri Lanka but also rewrote the record books and propelled them up the ICC Test Player Rankings. This match serves as a reminder of the immense talent Sri Lanka possesses and their potential to challenge other top teams in the Test arena. With the remaining matches in the series to come, Sri Lanka will be brimming with confidence, hoping to build on this strong start. Cricket fans around the world will be eagerly awaiting to see how the story unfolds.pen_sparktunesharemore_vert