Record Alert! Dinesh Chandimal matches Sanath Jayasuriya with his 16th Test century

New Delhi: Dinesh Chandimal, the seasoned batsman from Sri Lanka, showcased his prowess by scoring a century in the second Test against New Zealand on Thursday. Coming to the crease after Pathum Nissanka's dismissal, Chandimal reached his century in just 171 balls. This remarkable feat marks his 16th century in Tests, putting him on par with the legendary Sanath Jayasuriya for the most 50-plus scores while representing Sri Lanka. However, Chandimal's innings was short-lived as Glenn Philip sent him back to the pavilion soon after reaching the milestone.

Dinesh Chandimal strikes a gritty century in the second Test against New Zealand #WTC25 | #SLvNZ: https://t.co/XLVfOANfzM pic.twitter.com/BAea1BWQvl

— ICC (@ICC) September 26, 2024

This was Dinesh Chandimal’s 45th fifty-plus score in Test cricket. With this, he has equalled Sanath Jayasuriya’s record. Jayasuriya had scored fifty plus 45 times in 110 matches. Dinesh Chandimal has achieved this feat in just 84 matches. Kumar Sangakkara (90) holds the record for most fifty-plus scores for Sri Lanka. Mahela Jayawardene (84), Angelo Mathews (59) and Dimuth Karunaratne have achieved this feat 55 times.

Dinesh shared a 122-run partnership for the second wicket with Dimuth Karunaratne. Sri Lanka defeated New Zealand by 63 runs in the first Test match. Sri Lanka’s journey to the WTC final is not going to be easy. They will have to win all the remaining matches including the ongoing Test against New Zealand, two Tests against South Africa and two Tests at home against Australia. If they manage to do this, they will be in a good position to qualify for the final.