|Sri Lanka: 242/3 (Day 2, 66 overs), 3:00 PM (Time in Sri Lanka)
Pathum Nissanka’s resilient knock of 89 helped Sri Lanka put themselves in a commanding position at 242/3 at St George’s Park, Gqeberha, against South Africa’s total of 358 in their second Test on Wednesday. With the deficit down to just 116 runs, Sri Lanka will enter the third day in a strong position.
Kyle Verreynne Hits Century to Lead South Africa to 358
South Africa started Day 2 at 269/7, adding more runs with Kyle Verreynne on 48. Despite the tail being exposed and a second new ball looming, Verreynne, with help from Kagiso Rabada and Dane Paterson, guided South Africa to a total of 358 that felt competitive. South Africa’s top scorer was Verreynne, who was unbeaten on 105 with 12 fours and three sixes. This ton came from Ryan Ricketson’s century on Day 1.
Lahiru Kumara (4/79) was Sri Lanka’s best bowler. Fast bowlers Vishwa Fernando and Asitha Fernando each took two and three wickets as they helped contain South Africa to a total.
Sri Lanka Responds Strongly with Nissanka’s Stiff 89
Sri Lanka batted well in reply to South Africa’s 358. Pathum Nissanka, with a cool head, scored 89 (11 fours, 1 six), which was crucial in Sri Lanka’s fightback. His composed effort shaped the spine of Sri Lanka’s innings following a brief opening stand before setting the stage for a key second wicket stand of 109 with Dinesh Chandimal.
Chandimal scored a brisk 44 runs before being dismissed by Dane Paterson. Nissanka’s dismissal brought Angelo Mathews and Kamindu Mendis together, and they revised Sri Lanka’s outlook — a 43-run alliance for the fourth wicket. Mathews, who surpassed the 8000-Test run mark during this partnership, became only the third Sri Lankan batsman after Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene to reach the milestone.
Kamindu Mendis, whose brisk 30 off 38 balls kept Sri Lanka going. On the other hand, Kagiso Rabara, Dane Paterson and Keshav Maharaj took one wicket each, while Marco Jansen, the star of the first Test, ended wicketless at 0/75. Aiden Markram bowled four wicketless overs in the Sri Lankan innings.
Looking Ahead
Day 3 scenario is in the mind of Sri Lanka, which will be looking to swallow 116 more runs to bring the scores level heading into the final hour with seven wickets apart. While South Africa can run down the last few wickets and take the lead—completing the textbook, Sri Lanka will look for Mathews and Mendis to bat them past in the extended third session.
The second Test promises to be an exciting contest as both teams battle for superiority.
Key Players:
Pathum Nissanka – 89 (11 fours, 1 six)
Kyle Varennes — 105* runs (12 fours, three sixes)
Milestone 2: Angelo Mathews joins the 8000 Test Runs Club
Lahiru Kumara – 4/79
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