Kamindu Mendis' Record-Breaking Century Headlines Tri-Series Final Vs Pakistan

Mayank

Kamindu Mendis scored his maiden ODI century [Source: X.com]

Sri Lanka continued their run-scoring form in the ongoing tri-series in Pakistan, as they took on the hosts in the final on Saturday afternoon at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore. After previously crossing the 300-run mark in two run-chases, they replicated that form in the first innings against Pakistan.

Opening batter Kamindu Mendis was in the thick of things, anchoring the innings to reach his maiden ODI century and break several records in the process.

Kamindu Mendis special vs Pakistan shatters records

Sri Lanka were asked to bat first in the afternoon, after they previously beat Pakistan in a run-chase at the same venue earlier in the tournament. Kamindu Mendis, who has been promoted up the order in the last couple of series, was on the lookout to make his mark in ODIs after impressing in the Tests and T20Is.

Coming into the match, he had an average of 27.66 in 34 ODI innings, but when it was time to step up in a big game, he batted for 41.1 overs and scored his maiden ODI ton. By the end of the knock, he scored 131 off 128 with 12 fours and two sixes to set Sri Lanka for a big total.

Kamindu stitched an 87(104) partnership with Avishka Fernando and a 146(119) stand with the in-form Pavan Rathnayake as Sri Lanka finished with 325/8, with a strong hold on the game. Below is a list of the major records Kamindu broke in his century in the tri-series final.

Highest Individual Score in Lahore in ODI Finals (3 or More Team Tournament):

131 - Kamindu Mendis (Sri Lanka) vs Pakistan, 2026, Today*
107* - Aravinda de Silva (Sri Lanka) vs Australia, 1996
99 - Lance Klusener (South Africa) vs Sri Lanka, 1997

Dilshan Madushanka Skittles Pakistan With Record ODI Figures For Sri Lanka

Highest Individual Score vs Pakistan in ODI Finals (3 or More Team Tournament):

153 - Brian Lara (West Indies), Sharjah, 1993
131 - Kamindu Mendis (Sri Lanka), Lahore, 2026, Today*
124 - Sourav Ganguly (India), Dhaka, 1998

Highest Individual Score for Sri Lanka in ODI Finals (3 or More Team Tournament):

189 - Sanath Jayasuriya vs India, Sharjah, 2000
132* - Marvan Atapattu vs England, Lord's, 1998
131 - Kamindu Mendis vs Pakistan, Lahore, 2026, Today*
125 - Sanath Jayasuriya vs India, Karachi, 2008
110 - Tillakaratne Dilshan vs India, Dambulla, 2010

Kamindu creates headache for selectors

Leading up to the tri-series, Sri Lanka only had Pathum Nissanka as one of the openers who had cemented his spot at the top of the order. Several other names in Kamil Mishara, Nishan Madhuska and Nuwanidu Fernando were tried but all failed to impress.

This series saw Nissanka out injured, and interestingly, both Avishka Fernando, who returned to the team after February 2025 and Kamindu Mendis did well. Fernando scored 204 runs in the series, averaging 40.80, while Mendis is the third-highest run getter with 259 runs at an average of 64.75, creating a headache for the selectors.