India and Sri Lanka are playing the first Test of their two-match series at Galle International Stadium. Team India posted 462 runs during its opening innings. In response, Sri Lanka slipped to 90 for five at one stage. However, wicketkeeper-batter Niroshan Dickwella rescued the hosts with an impressive 80. He faced 115 deliveries and struck seven boundaries. Moreover, that knock gave Dickwella his 23rd Test half-century.
Dickwella Reaches a Record Few Batters Would Want
Dickwella now holds the record for most fifty-plus Test scores without reaching a century. However, very few cricket followers may know about this unusual milestone. It also represents an achievement that most batters would hardly desire. Every batter dreams about scoring a Test hundred. Yet, Dickwella has still not reached three figures. Remarkably, he has crossed 50 on 23 occasions. His highest Test score remains 96.
Who Follows Dickwella on the Unusual List?
Dickwella leads this list with 23 fifty-plus scores and a highest knock of 96. India’s Chetan Chauhan follows with 16 such innings. His best Test score stands at 97. Australia’s Ken Mackay recorded 13 fifty-plus knocks, with 89 as his highest. Mitchell Starc also achieved 13 scores above 50. However, Starc’s best remains 99. Shane Warne registered 12 such innings and also peaked at 99.
Another Century-Less Test Record for Dickwella
Dickwella also ranks second for most Test runs without scoring a century. Alongside 23 fifty-plus innings, he has accumulated 2,837 runs. Former Australian great Shane Warne occupies first place on this list. The late cricketer finished with 3,154 runs without a Test hundred.
Meanwhile, Dickwella began his Test career in 2014. Since then, he has played 55 matches. His latest 80 against India added another half-century while extending an unusual record
