Dominic Sibley’s maiden hundred and Ben Stokes’s brutal 47-ball 72 helped England to reach in a commanding position on Day 4 of the Cape Town Test against South Africa. The visitors declared the innings on 391-8 and set a mammoth target of 438 runs for the hosts to win the match.
England declare.
South Africa require 438 runs for victory!#SAvENG 👉 https://t.co/uKxPElpzEU pic.twitter.com/OY7FS8pLIw
— ICC (@ICC) January 6, 2020
Stokes showed his intentions when the day began.
In the 84th over of England’s second innings, the southpaw took Dwaine Pretorius to cleaners after hitting him for a six followed by a reverse sweep for a boundary. During the 95th over, Stokes implemented the ‘switch-hit’ against Keshav Maharaj for a four. However, Maharaj had the last laugh as the spinner dismissed stokes on 72.
47 balls, 7 fours, 3 sixes, 72 runs 🔥
How good was Ben Stokes this morning?! #SAvENG pic.twitter.com/RniDqotEeZ
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) January 6, 2020
Far from the fireworks at the other end, Sibley slowly and steadily reached his career’s maiden triple-figure mark. The right-hander celebrated the moment by kissing his helmet and raising the bat towards the dressing room.
A moment @DomSibley will never forget! 🙌
How impressed with his maiden Test 💯 have you been, 🏴 fans? #SAvENG pic.twitter.com/PRWw4462eF
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) January 6, 2020
Sibley remained not-out on 133 before England’s captain Joe Root declared the innings at 391-8.
DECLARATION | ENG 391/8d
Joe Root has decided to declare 👋
🇿🇦 now require 438 runs for the win
Opening pair of Elgar & Malan will step to the crease shortly, for the Proteas.🏏
How should they approach the session before tea?
#ProteaFire #SAvENG pic.twitter.com/bEFYybfUWm— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) January 6, 2020
https://twitter.com/KP24/status/1214148782432149504
