Kusal Mendis Sets Record: First Sri Lankan with 2,500 T20I Runs
Star Sri Lankan cricketer Kusal Mendis has made history by becoming the first player from Sri Lanka to surpass 2,500 runs in T20 International cricket. He achieved this milestone during the 2025 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, in a match against Oman held at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium.
Kusal Mendis Sets Record in T20I Cricket
Mendis reached the impressive landmark while batting in his 102nd T20I match. The decisive moment came when he scored his 19th run, marking his entry into the elite 2,500-run club.
Match Highlights
- Date: 2025 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup
- Opponent: Oman
- Location: Pallekele International Cricket Stadium
- Total Runs Scored by Sri Lanka: 225/5 in 20 overs
Despite a shaky start where Sri Lanka was reduced to 42/2 during the Powerplay, Mendis played a pivotal role in stabilizing the innings. Partnering with Pavan Rathnayake, he facilitated a strong recovery, with Rathnayake scoring a rapid half-century off just 24 balls.
Mendis himself contributed significantly, reaching a total of 61 runs off 45 deliveries, with seven boundaries to his name. His innings came to an unfortunate end in the 19th over due to a mix-up with teammate Kamindu Mendis, resulting in a run-out.
Mendis’s Career Statistics
| Statistics | Value |
|---|---|
| Total T20I Runs | 2,542 runs |
| Matches Played | 102 |
| Batting Average | 26.47 |
| Half-Centuries | 19 |
With this achievement, Mendis stands as a standout player in Sri Lanka’s cricketing history. Alongside Mendis, Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Perera are the only other Sri Lankan cricketers to reach over 2,000 runs in T20I cricket.
As Kusal Mendis continues to excel, his contributions are vital for Sri Lanka’s success in international T20 cricket.
