South Africa stamped their authority on day 3 of the first Test against Sri Lanka at Kingsmead, Durban, setting an imposing target of 516 runs. The home team’s charge was powered by a stellar batting display from the captain Temba Bavuma AND Tristan Stubbswho both notched centuries, and a devastating bowling performance from Marco Jansenwho claimed a remarkable seven-wicket haul in Sri Lanka’s first innings. In logs, the visitors were struggling at 103/5facing a monumental task to avoid a defeat in the series. With over two days left to play, South Africa’s all-round dominance has left Sri Lanka on the brink.
Temba Bavuma and Tristan Stubbs build a big advantage
After losing three early wickets in their second innings, South Africa looked in trouble but Bavuma and Stubbs steadied the ship with a remarkable 249-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Bavuma’s gritty 113 off 228 balls showed immense patience and leadership, while Stubbs’ Test century, a tally of 122 off 221 deliveries, cemented South Africa’s commanding position. The duo overwhelmed Sri Lanka’s bowling attack and accumulated runs methodically, frustrating the visitors. Their efforts allowed South Africa to declare at 366/5, setting a mammoth target of 516. This partnership displayed their class and ensured that Sri Lanka had little chance of staging a comeback.
Well played, Tristan Stubbs 👊🏏#cricket #TristanStubbs #SAvSL pic.twitter.com/wa4tHLPfO0
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) November 29, 2024
Sri Lanka’s tough battle in pursuit
Sri Lanka’s second innings started badly, with the openers Pathum Nissanka AND Dimuth Karunaratne falling early on Kagiso Rabada AND Gerald Coetzee. The middle order showed short resistance, with Dhananjaya de Silva fighting hard for an unbeaten 31 and Where in Mendi? trying to stabilize the ranks. However, constant pressure from the South African bowlers ensured that wickets continued to fall at regular intervals. By the end of Day 3, Sri Lanka were 103/5, still needing 413 runs for an unlikely victory. With two full days remaining, the visitors face an uphill battle to salvage the match and avoid a heavy defeat.
ALSO READ: Twitter Reactions: Temba Bavuma, Tristan Stubbs ignite Kingsmead with sensational centuries in SA vs SL 1st Test
Marco Jansen’s devastating bowling spell for South Africa
Earlier, Marco JansenSensational bowling in Sri Lanka’s first innings was South Africa’s highlight as he tore through the batting line-up to finish with 13/7 career best numbers. His sharp pace and sharp bounce exploited the conditions perfectly, leaving the batsmen in disarray. Sri Lanka’s innings crumbled to a miserable 42 all out in just 13.5 overs, with only Kamindu Mendis managing a double-digit score (13). Jansen’s fiery spell not only secured a huge 149-run lead for South Africa, but also sent a clear message about his abilities as a leading run-getter. His performance set the tone for South Africa’s dominance in the match.
Day 3 | timber
The day belonged to the Proteas, with a dominant batting performance, and our bowlers taking crucial wickets!😮💨🏏
🇿🇦South Africa: 191/10 (First Increases)
🇱🇰Sri Lanka: 42/10 (First Increments)
🇿🇦South Africa: 366/5 (Second innings – declared)
🇱🇰Sri Lanka: 103/5 (2… pic.twitter.com/xzlvX8qMhH— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) November 29, 2024
