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 the half-century against New Zealand, Mendis has now scored 50 runs or more in each of the first seven Tests he has played. Pakistan’s Saud Shakeel was the first player to do so.

Sri Lanka managed to stay ahead of the proceedings on an eventful opening day of the first Test against a visiting New Zealand side in Galle on Wednesday, September 18. Kamindu Mendis's hundred was the highlight of the Sri Lankan first innings as the hosts reached Stumps at 302 for 7 in 88 overs.

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.

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.

Opener Tom Latham made 70 to power New Zealand's reply before departing in the final over before tea on the second day of the first Sri Lanka Test with the tourists 136-2 on Thursday. Latham put on a 63-run opening stand before Sri Lanka broke through when Devon Conway missed a straight ball from off-spinner Ramesh Mendis and was sent back lbw for 11.