Sri Lanka ended Day 2 at 242 for 3, trailing South Africa by 116 runs thanks to Pathum Nissanka’s 89 runs and Angelo Mathews’ 40 not out. South Africa scored 358, led by Kyle Verreynne’s unbeaten 105. Sri Lanka is well-placed to take control in their first innings with seven wickets remaining.
On Day 2 of the ongoing Test match, Sri Lanka made significant strides, reducing their deficit against South Africa to 116 runs, finishing at 242 for the loss of three wickets by stumps. Pathum Nissanka led the charge with a commendable score of 89 runs off 157 balls, forming a crucial 109-run partnership with Dinesh Chandimal. Notably, Angelo Mathews remained not out on 40 and Kamindu Mendis added an unbeaten 30 runs, leaving Sri Lanka with seven wickets in hand and well-placed to take control in their first innings.
South Africa had earlier reached a total of 358, bolstered by Kyle Verreynne’s stellar performance, as he scored an unbeaten 105 runs alongside contributions from his teammates, including Rickelton and Bavuma. Despite Kagiso Rabada’s relentless bowling, which saw him claim one wicket, the South African attack struggled to contain the Sri Lankan batsmen as they confidently countered threats from the pace and spin bowlers on a flat pitch at Gqeberha. Nissanka’s innings demonstrated patience initially, followed by aggressive stroke play against shorter deliveries, although he was ultimately dismissed by Maharaj just as he was approaching his century.
The Test match is an important fixture in the ICC World Test Championship, where both teams compete for critical points. South Africa commenced their innings strongly, with notable contributions from their players, leading to a formidable total. Sri Lanka, having struggled in previous encounters, showcased improvement in their batting performance, particularly from their top order, indicating a potential shift in momentum in the series. The match conditions, particularly the batting-friendly surface, allowed for assertive performances from the batsmen on both sides, contributing to the competitive atmosphere of the match.
In summary, Sri Lanka’s response on Day 2 against South Africa has provided them with a strategic advantage as they aim to gain a lead in the first innings. With solid performances from Nissanka, Mathews, and Mendis, they established their first substantial pressure in the series. In contrast, South Africa’s total of 358 still poses a challenge, but the Sri Lankan batsmen demonstrated resilience and a strong collective effort. The match is poised for an intriguing continuation as both teams strive for an edge in this Test encounter.
Original Source: www.espncricinfo.com
