Sri Lanka finished the 2nd day in a commanding position at 242/3 in 67 oversreducing their deficit to just 116 runs. The foundations of their holdings were laid by Pathum Nissankawho played a composed knock of 89 off 157 balls, displaying excellent temperament and technique. His efforts were complemented by Dinesh Chandimal’s a solid 44 off 97 deliveries as the duo guided Sri Lanka’s reply after South Africa’s solid first innings.
South Africa’s innings: Centuries from Ryan Rickelton and Kyle Verreynne
On Day 1South Africa was riding Ryan Rickelton‘small brilliant century and Buy Bavuma’s 78 off 109 balls to reach a competitive 269/7 from premna. When play resumed on Day 2, overnight batteries Kyle Verreynne and Keshav Maharaj entered the field hoping to extend the total. However, Maharaj was sent back to the stand in the first over without making any significant contribution.
Despite the early failure, Verreynne worked with Kagiso Rabada to forge a crucial 55-run partnership, steadying South Africa’s run. Verreynne showed great patience, bringing up his half-century in 95 balls, while Rabada backed him up with a tough approach. Their partnership took South Africa to 324/8 in 100 overs, but the stand was broken when We hate Fernando dismissed Rabada.
Even after Rabada’s departure, Verreynne stood his ground, reaching a winning century off 132 deliveries, a knock that underlined his determination and ability. South Africa’s innings was eventually finished at 358 all out, with Dane Patterson falling to the last net. The set gave the hosts a solid platform, but Sri Lanka’s reply quickly changed the momentum.
3️⃣ Test hundred for Kyle Verreynne 👏🏏#Cricket #SAvSL #KyleVerrynne pic.twitter.com/0Dk9hhuQRj
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) December 6, 2024
READ ALSO: SA vs SL: Fans in awe as Kyle Verreynne smashes spectacular hundred on Day 2 of second Test
The Sri Lankan openers set the tonem
the sri lanka openers, Pathum Nissanka and Dimuth Karunaratnethey approached their innings with a cautious mindset, ensuring they didn’t lose early wickets. They carefully negotiated the six overs before lunch, arriving 19/0still trailing by a daunting 339 runs.
After lunch, the pitch at Gqeberha offered a combination of bounce and pace, challenging the batters. The Sri Lankan duo adopted a resolute defensive approach, scoring at a measured pace. However, Karunaratne broke the deadlock with three clear boundaries off Marco Jansen in the 12th and 14th overs, giving momentum to the innings. Once the partnership began to blossom, Kagiso Rabada he struck, dismissing Karunaratne for 25 and giving South Africa their first win.
Despite the failure, Nissanka and Chandimal join forces to stabilize the ship. Their partnership combined caution with opportunistic play, ensuring the scoreboard stood. With Tea, Sri Lanka had reached 103/1 in 33 overs, reducing the deficit significantly and positioning themselves for a strong finish to the day.
Pathum Nissanka anchors the session after tea
In the third session, Nissanka showed his class as he brought up his seventh Test half-century from 107 deliveries. Anchoring the innings, he formed a vital partnership of 109 runs with Dinesh Chandimalwhich proved instrumental in Sri Lanka’s recovery. The pair displayed a perfect combination of aggression and caution, frustrating the South African bowlers with their ability to spin the strike and capitalize on loose deliveries.
Just when the partnership seemed unbreakable, Dane Patterson provided a breakthrough for the hosts, dismissing Chandimal for a well-made 44. Nissanka, however, continued to dictate terms, building yet another promising partnership with Angelo Mathews. Together, they guided Sri Lanka to 175/2 in 51 overs, trailing by 183 runs.
Angelo Mathews and Kamindu Mendis provide stability in the stumps
Nissanka’s innings came to an unfortunate end when he fell Keshav Maharaj for a superb 89, attempting an ambitious shot that missed. His departure left Sri Lanka at 199/3but the platform he had built gave visitors control. As the day drew to a close, Mathews (37 not out) and Kamindu Mendis (21 off) held the fort, guiding Sri Lanka to 242/3 at stumps. Their unbroken partnership added crucial runs, setting the stage for a strong Day 3. With the deficit reduced to just 116 runs and seven wickets in hand, Sri Lanka hold the upper hand in this Test match. Day three promises to be a crucial juncture, with South Africa looking for early breakthroughs to regain control, while Sri Lanka will look to build an early innings lead to dictate terms in this exciting match.
Day 2 | Koutsounia 🟡
Another exciting day of test cricket!🏏
A century Verreynne started the day with a couple of wickets taken in the last 2 sessions.🇿🇦South Africa: 358/10 (1st Innings)
🇱🇰Sri Lanka: 242/3 (1st innings)Sri Lanka trail with 116 routes going into Day 3.… pic.twitter.com/kvlZpvam3Q
— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) December 6, 2024
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