Lahiru Kumara shines with 100th Test Wicket, Rocks South Africa

On the first day of the second Test between South Africa and Sri Lanka in Gqeberha he produced early drama. Lahiru KumarasHis fiery spell left the hosts reeling at St George’s Park. Opting to bat first after the win, South Africa stumbled to 82/3 by lunch.

South Africa’s top order crumbles

South Africa’s start could not have been worse. Tony de Zorzi departed for a duck in the second over, leaving Proteas scrambling. Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton then steadied the ship briefly, batting for 11 overs. Just as the pair began to build momentum, Kumara struck with a peach of a delivery.

The second ball of the 12th over—a fast full-length missile—left Markram completely unfazed. A straight drive effort saw him miss the line completely, with the ball zipping past the middle stump, sending the Proteas opener back for 20 runs.

Markram’s dismissal became the turning point. Kumara’s blistering pace and accuracy rocked the South African dressing room and the hosts struggled to recover from there.

IPL Brand Value Hits $12 Billion, CSK Leads Franchise Ranking at $122 Million

See the dismissal here:

Lahiru Kumara completes 100 goals

Kumara was not done yet. He returned to haunt the home side further, dismissing Tristan Stubbs for just 4 runs. With this wicket, Kumara reached a remarkable milestone, becoming the fifth Sri Lankan paceman and the ninth Sri Lankan all-rounder to claim 100 Test wickets.

The morning session saw the Proteas’ top order falter under pressure. Tony De Giorgi fell early in the second over, leaving the home side at 0/1. Markram and Rickelton tried to steady the ship, lasting 11 overs together, but Kumara’s brilliance broke the stand.

By lunch, Rickelton remained unbeaten on 19*, with South Africa hoping for a revival in the remaining two sessions. He would be accompanied by the South African governor Temba Bavuma. Bavume is coming fresh from a century in the last game.

Stay updated with all the cricket action, follow Cricket on WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, Telegramand Instagram