Hyderabad, October 10 – Sri Lankan cricket witnessed history on Tuesday as Kusal Mendis etched his name in the record books with a remarkable century during the men’s World Cup. The talented young batter achieved the fastest-ever century for the Lankan Lions in World Cup history during a thrilling league stage encounter in Hyderabad against Pakistan.
Mendis left cricket enthusiasts in awe as he blazed his way to a century in just 65 deliveries, setting a new benchmark for Sri Lanka in World Cup cricket. His dazzling innings, which included a total of 14 boundaries and 6 towering sixes, saw him finish with an impressive 122 runs off just 77 balls.
This incredible feat by Mendis saw him surpass the legendary Kumar Sangakkara, who had held the record for the fastest century by a Sri Lankan in a World Cup for eight long years. Sangakkara’s memorable century had come during the 2015 World Cup, where he reached the three-figure mark in 70 balls.
Mendis, batting at No.3, took the Pakistani bowling attack to task, displaying remarkable aggression and skill as he dominated the proceedings at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad. His assault included a sensational hook shot for six that left even the seasoned Pakistani bowler, Shaheen Afridi, shell-shocked.
Fastest World Cup Centuries for Sri Lanka (Men’s):
- Kusal Mendis – 65 balls
- Kumar Sangakkara – 70 balls
- Kumar Sangakkara – 73 balls
- Mahela Jayawardene – 80 balls
- Mahela Jayawardene – 84 balls
Before Mendis’s heroics, Kumar Sangakkara held not only the fastest World Cup century for Sri Lanka but also the second-quickest hundred by a Sri Lankan player in the tournament, achieved during the 2015 World Cup against Bangladesh.
Mendis’s exceptional performance on the global stage showcased his fearless approach to batting and his ability to take on strong bowling attacks. Despite the early dismissal of Sri Lankan opener Kusal Perera for a duck, Mendis’s aggressive approach allowed Sri Lanka to maintain control of the match.
Although Mendis now holds the record for the fastest century by a Sri Lankan in a World Cup, the overall record still belongs to South African prodigy Aiden Markram, who achieved a breathtaking 49-ball century earlier in the competition.
Kusal Mendis’s historic century will be remembered as a significant moment in Sri Lankan cricket history, and it has undoubtedly left fans eagerly anticipating more remarkable performances from this promising young talent.