Kusal Mendis Tops List Of Highest Run-Scorers In ICC T20 WC26 With Hattrick Of Fifties, Levels Virat Kohli's Record In T20 World Cup
Pallekele, February 16: Sri Lankan wicket-keeper batsman Kusal Mendis has become the first player in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 to hit three consecutive half-centuries in the tournament after hitting his third fifty of the T20 World Cup against Australia at Pallekele International Stadium on Monday. With his half-century, Kusal Mendis has also registered his name in the elite list of cricketers hitting three consecutive half-centuries in the history of T20 World Cup. Picked the bones out of that! Kusal Mendis & Pathum Nissanka get Sri Lankas chase back on track after an early wicket! ICC Mens #T20WorldCup | #SLvAUS | LIVE NOW https://t.co/J53l5oud0B pic.twitter.com/Lo0bZqAkt1 Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) February 16, 2026 Kusal Mendis scored his first half-century of the tournament against Ireland where he scored 56 off just 43 balls. He then scored his second consecutive fifty against Oman where he scored 61 off just 45 balls and today he managed to score 51 off just 38 balls against Australia, setting the tone for the chase in a must-win game for Australia. Unstoppable! Another half-century for Kusal Mendis. Thats 3 fifties in 3 games! #LionsRoar #SLvAUS #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/41XsDylzbQ Sri Lanka Cricket (@OfficialSLC) February 16, 2026 The half-century against Australia has added his name to the very short list of players who have achieved the feat in the history of the tournament. His name has now been added along with the greats like, Virat Kohli, Matther Hayden, Babar Azam and KL Rahul. SL VS AUS: Australia Openers Travis Head & Mitchell Marsh Smash Half-Centuries In Must-Win T20 WC26 Clash Players With Three Consecutive Fifties 1. Babar Azam (2021) Achieved the milestone with steady batting displays. 2. KL Rahul (2021) Recorded three back-to-back fifties in the same tournament. 3. Matthew Hayden (2007) One of the earliest players to set the benchmark. 4. Virat Kohli (2014) Delivered three consecutive 50-plus scores in a memorable campaign. 5. Kusal Mendis (2026) Latest entrant to this elite list. Virat Kohli holds another special record of the most 50-plus scores in the T20 World Cup history with 15 total fifties to his name.
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