Sri Lanka finished the second day in a commanding position at 242/3 in 67 oversreducing their deficit to just 116 runs. The foundation of their innings was laid by Patum Nisankawho played a composed knock of 89 off 157 balls, displaying exceptional temperament and technique. His efforts were complemented by Dinesh Chandimal a steady 44 off 97 deliveries as the duo steered Sri Lanka's reply after a solid first innings in South Africa.
South Africa's Innings: Centuries by Ryan Rickelton and Kyle Vereen
On Day 1South Africa were driving Ryan Rickeltonis brilliant century and Buy Bavuma's sandy 78 off 109 balls to achieve competitive 269/7 from the logs. When play resumed on Day 2, they batted overnight Kyle Vereen and Keshav Maharaj stepped onto the field hoping to extend the total. However, Maharaj was sent back to the pavilion in the first over without making any significant contribution.
Despite the early failure, Vereen collaborated with Kagiso Rabada to form a crucial partnership of 55 runs, stabilizing South Africa's success. Vereen showed exceptional 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, Vereen stood tall, reaching a well-earned century off 132 deliveries, a knock that highlighted his determination and skill. South Africa's innings eventually ended at 358 all out, with Dane Patterson falling as the last opening. The total provided the hosts with a solid platform, but Sri Lanka's reply quickly swung the momentum.
3️⃣ Test hundred for Kyle Vereen 👏🏏#Cricket #SAvSL #KyleVereen pic.twitter.com/0Dk9hhuQRj
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) December 6, 2024
READ also: SA vs SL: Fans in awe as Kyle Vereen smashes spectacular hundred on day two of second Test
Sri Lanka's openers set the tonee
The Sri Lanka openers, Patum Nisanka and Dimuth Karunaratneapproached their innings with a cautious mindset, ensuring that they did not lose early wickets. They carefully negotiated the six overs before lunch, arriving 19/0still trailing by a daunting 339 runs.
After lunch, the Gkeberha pitch offered a mixture of bounce and pace, challenging the batting. 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, bringing momentum to the innings. Just as the partnership began to blossom, Kagiso Rabada struck, dismissing Karunaratne for 25 and giving South Africa their first breakthrough.
Despite the setback, Nissanka and Chandimal join forces to save the ship. Their partnership combined caution with opportunistic stroke play, ensuring the board ticked together. With Thea, Sri Lanka reached 103/1 in 33 overs, reducing the deficit significantly and positioning themselves for a strong finish to the day.
Pathum Nisanka anchors the session after tea
In the third session Nissanka showed his class as he brought up his seventh Test half-century off 107 deliveries. Anchoring the innings, he formed a vital 109 run partnership with Dinesh Chandimalwhich proved instrumental in Sri Lanka's recovery. The pair displayed the perfect mix of aggression and caution, frustrating the South African bowlers with their ability to rotate the strike and capitalize on loose deliveries.
Just when the partnership seemed unbreakable, Dane Patterson provided the much-needed breakthrough for the hosts, dismissing Chandimal for a well-made 44. Nissanka, however, continued to dictate terms, building another promising partnership with Angelo Matthews. Together, they guided Sri Lanka to 175/2 in 51 overs, falling behind by 183 runs.
Angelo Mathews and Kamindu Mendis provide stability to the stumps
Nisanka met an unfortunate end when he fell Keshav Maharaj for an outstanding 89, an ambitious shot attempt that failed. His departure left Sri Lanka in the 199/3but the platform he built ensured visitors remained in control. As the day approached, Mathews (37 not out) and Kamindu Mendis (21 not out) held the fort, managing Sri Lanka to 242/3 at stumps. Their unbroken partnership added crucial runs, setting the stage for a strong Day 3. Day three promises to be a critical turning point, with South Africa looking for early breakthroughs to wrest control back, while Sri Lanka will look to build on their first-innings lead to dictate terms in this fascinating contest.
Day 2 | The logs
Another exciting day of test match cricket!🏏
Verein Vek started the day with several clips taken in the last 2 sessions.🇿🇦South Africa: 358/10 (1st Innings)
🇱🇰Sri Lanka: 242/3 (1st innings)Sri Lanka's 116-run track going into day three.… pic.twitter.com/kvlZpvam3Q
— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) December 6, 2024
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