Sri Lanka ended the second day on one commanding position at 242/3 in 67 oversreducing their deficit to just 116 runs. The foundation of their ranks was laid by Pathum Nissankawho played a composed knock of 89 off 157 balls, displaying exceptional temperament and technique. His efforts were complemented by Dinesh Chandimal’s A steady 44 off 97 deliveries as the duo spearheaded Sri Lanka’s reply after South Africa’s solid first innings.
South African Growths: Centuries by Ryan Rickelton and Kyle Verreynne
ACTIvE Day 1South Africa rode ahead Ryan Rickelton brilliant century and Buy Bavuma’s 78 off 109 heavy balls to reach a run 269/7 from logs. When play resumed on Day 2, overnight strikes Kyle Verreynne AND Keshav Maharaj took the field hoping to extend the total. However, Maharaj returned to the pavilion in the first innings without making a significant contribution.
Despite the early setback, Verreynne cooperated with him Kagiso Rabada to create a crucial 55-run partnership, standing at South Africa’s level. Verreynne showed tremendous patience, bringing up his half-century in 95 balls, while Rabada backed him up with a gritty 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 tall, hitting a well-earned century off 132 deliveries, a knock that underlined his determination and ability. South Africa’s innings eventually ended at 358 all out, with Dane Patterson falling like the last gate. The total gave the hosts a solid platform, but Sri Lanka’s reply quickly turned the momentum.
3️⃣ Kyle Verreynne’s 100th Test 👏🏏#Cricket #SAvSL #KyleVerrynne pic.twitter.com/0Dk9hhuQRj
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) December 6, 2024
ALSO READ: SA vs SL: Fans in awe as Kyle Verreynne smashes spectacular hundred on Day 2 of second Test
The Sri Lankan openers set the tonee
Sri Lanka openers, Pathum Nissanka AND Dimuth Karunaratneapproached their pieces with a cautious mindset, making sure they didn’t lose early points. They carefully negotiated six overs before lunch, coming through 19/0still behind by a whopping 339 runs.
After lunch, the pitch in Gqeberha offered a mix of dance and rhythm, challenging the players. The Sri Lankan duo adopted a resolute defensive approach, scoring at a measured pace. However, Karunaratne broke the shackles with three crisp boundaries Marco Jansen in the 12th and 14th overs, injecting momentum into the innings. As the partnership began to flourish, Kagiso Rabada struck, dismissing Karunaratne for 25 and giving South Africa their first breakthrough.
Despite the setback, Nissanka and Chandimal joined forces to stay on the ship. Their partnership combined caution with opportunistic strokeplay, ensuring the scoreboard ticked along. By 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
The third session saw Nissanka display his class as he brought up his seventh Test half-century off 107 deliveries. Anchoring the innings, he forged a vital 109-run partnership Dinesh Chandimalwhich proved instrumental in Sri Lanka’s recovery. The pair displayed a perfect blend of aggression and caution, frustrating the South African bowlers with their ability to rotate the strike and take advantage of loose deliveries.
Just when the partnership seemed unbreakable, Dane Patterson provided a much-needed breakthrough for the hosts, dismissing Chandimal for a fine 44. Nissanka, however, continued to dictate terms, building another promising partnership with Angelo Mathews. Together, they guided Sri Lanka to 175/2 in 51 overs, leaving with 183 runs.
Angelo Mathews and Kamindu Mendis provide stability at the stumps
Nissanka’s streak came to an unfortunate end when he fell Keshav Maharaj for a brilliant 89, attempting an ambitious shot that missed. His departure left Sri Lanka in the 199/3but the platform he had built ensured the visitors maintained control. As the day drew to a close, Mathews (37 not out) and Kamindu Mendis (21 not out) 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 lead in this Test match. Day three promises to be a critical one, with South Africa looking for early breakthroughs to regain control, while Sri Lanka will aim to build an early lead to dictate terms in this enthralling contest.
Day 2 | Logs 🡵
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 (First Increments)
🇱🇰Sri Lanka: 242/3 (first innings)Sri Lanka trail by 116 runs going into day three.… pic.twitter.com/kvlZpvam3Q
— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) December 6, 2024
