SA vs SL [WATCH]: Lahiru Kumara picks his 100th Test wicket with an unplayable delivery to Aiden Markram

Sri Lankan pacer Lahiru Kumara celebrated a significant milestone in his Test career by claiming his 100th wicket on Day 1 of the second Test against South Africa in Gqeberha on Thursday (December 5). The dismissal came in style as Kumara delivered a gem of a ball to clean up South Africa’s top-order batter, Aiden Markram, leaving the Proteas struggling. The dismissal not only marked a personal achievement for Kumara but also provided a crucial breakthrough for Sri Lanka in a challenging contest.

The dismissal of Aiden Markram: A masterclass in seam bowling

In the 12th over of South Africa’s first innings, Kumara bowled a full-length delivery from over the wicket that pitched around the off-stump. Seam movement off the surface caused the ball to jag back sharply into the batter, catching Markram completely off guard. Tempted by the full length, Markram attempted a drive, but the ball’s subtle deviation exploited the gap between his bat and pad. The result was spectacular: the ball crashed into the middle stump, sending it cartwheeling and leaving the batter stunned. Markram’s failure added to the team’s early woes after the Proteas had already lost Tony de Zorzi for a duck, leaving them in a precarious position.

Here’s the video:

1️⃣0️⃣0️⃣ 𝐓𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠!

Watch the 2nd #SAvSL Test LIVE on #JioCinema & #Sports18#JioCinemaSports #LahiruKumara pic.twitter.com/kg6pFaGPk4

— JioCinema (@JioCinema) December 5, 2024

A landmark moment for Lahiru Kumara

Kumara’s 100th Test wicket is a testament to his perseverance and skill as a fast bowler. Making his Test debut in 2016, Kumara has been a vital cog in Sri Lanka’s bowling unit, known for his raw pace and ability to generate movement off the pitch. Achieving this milestone against a formidable South African side, particularly by dismissing a batter of Markram’s caliber, adds significance to the occasion. His ability to deliver under pressure, as evidenced by the dismissal of Markram, makes him a cornerstone of the team’s bowling attack.

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South Africa’s fragile start against Sri Lanka

South Africa, opting to bat first in the second Test against Sri Lanka at Gqeberha, faced a challenging first session on Day 1. The hosts lost Tony de Zorzi in the opening over to a contentious LBW decision off Asitha Fernando. Aiden Markram looked promising, striking four crisp boundaries in his 20-run cameo, but Kumara ended his stay with a sharp delivery that dismantled the stumps. Kumara struck again to remove Tristan Stubbs, who managed just 4 runs before being caught behind by Kusal Mendis.

Despite the early setbacks, Ryan Rickelton, playing his first game of the series, held firm with a composed knock of 23 off 63 balls. Skipper Temba Bavuma provided stability at the other end, striking three boundaries in his unbeaten 17. The pair added 22 runs for the fourth wicket, steadying the innings after being reduced to 44/3. By lunch, South Africa reached 82/3 in 27 overs, maintaining a run rate around 3. Kumara emerged as the standout bowler with figures of 2/17, while the spinners kept things tight.

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