Coach’s Challenge: Sri Lanka Tell Kusal Mendis to “Convert Starts into Hundreds”
Sri Lanka’s batting coach Thilina Kandamby has publicly challenged star batsman Kusal Mendis to transform his promising starts into substantial centuries ahead of the crucial ODI series decider against Bangladesh in Pallekele.
Despite Mendis’s explosive form – including a record-breaking 20-ball fifty at Khettarama in the second ODI – Kandamby believes the experienced campaigner is leaving runs on the table. “He could have easily gone on to score 150 to 200 runs in the first match,” Kandamby stated during his pre-match press conference.
The Numbers Tell the Story
Mendis has been in scintillating touch recently. He smashed 84 off 87 balls in the second Test, followed by 45 off 43 in the first ODI. His blistering 56 off 31 deliveries in the second ODI included the fastest-ever fifty at Khettarama, achieved in just 20 balls.
But these starts haven’t translated into match-winning knocks. Sri Lanka lost the second ODI by 16 runs despite Mendis’s fireworks, with the team collapsing from a comfortable position to fall short of Bangladesh’s 248.
“He has to understand that now, and he needs to convert those starts into hundreds,” Kandamby emphasized. “If he scores a hundred, we win 90 to 95% of our games. He knows that too.”
Decider Awaits at Pallekele
With the series locked at 1-1, Tuesday’s decider at Pallekele takes on added significance. The venue traditionally offers batting-friendly conditions, which could play into Kandamby’s plans for Mendis.
“Pallekele looks good for batting,” the coach noted. “I think there will be good bounce as well. We’ve had batting-friendly tracks here, with lots of runs scored in the past year.”
The message to Mendis is clear: when you’re in such sublime form, throwing away your wicket is criminal. Sri Lanka needs their star batsman to anchor the innings and deliver the big score that wins matches.
As Bangladesh seeks their first ODI series victory in Sri Lanka, the pressure mounts on Mendis to answer his coach’s challenge. Can he convert his explosive starts into the match-defining century Sri Lanka desperately needs?
