• Sri Lanka ended Day 2 of the second Test in a commanding position at 242/3 in 67 overs against South Africa.

  • The foundation of their innings was laid by Pathum Nissanka, who played a composed knock of 89 off 157 balls.

Sri Lanka takes command over South Africa with a solid batting display on Day 2 of the second Test
South Africa vs Sri Lanka (Image Source: X)

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Sri Lanka ended Day 2 in a commanding position at 242/3 in 67 overs, reducing their deficit to just 116 runs. The foundation of their innings was laid by Pathum Nissanka, who played a composed knock of 89 off 157 balls, showcasing exceptional temperament and technique. His efforts were complemented by Dinesh Chandimal’s steady 44 off 97 deliveries, as the duo steered Sri Lanka’s reply after South Africa’s solid first innings.

South Africa’s innings: Centuries by Ryan Rickelton and Kyle Verreynne

On Day 1, South Africa rode on Ryan Rickelton’s brilliant century and Temba Bavuma’s gritty 78 off 109 balls to reach a competitive 269/7 by stumps. When play resumed on Day 2, overnight batters Kyle Verreynne and Keshav Maharaj stepped onto the field hoping to extend the total. However, Maharaj was sent back to the pavilion in the very first over without making a significant contribution.

Despite the early setback, Verreynne partnered with Kagiso Rabada to forge a crucial 55-run partnership, steadying South Africa’s innings. Verreynne exhibited exceptional patience, bringing up his half-century in 95 balls, while Rabada supported him with a gritty approach. Their partnership took South Africa to 324/8 in 100 overs, but the stand was broken when Asitha Fernando dismissed Rabada.

Even after Rabada’s departure, Verreynne stood tall, reaching a well-earned century in 132 deliveries, a knock that underlined his determination and skill. South Africa’s innings eventually concluded at 358 all out, with Dane Paterson falling as the last wicket. The total provided the hosts with a solid platform, but Sri Lanka’s response quickly shifted the momentum.

Also READ: SA vs SL: Fans in awe as Kyle Verreynne smashes a spectacular hundred on Day 2 of the second Test

Sri Lanka’s openers set the tone

Sri Lanka’s openers, Pathum Nissanka and Dimuth Karunaratne, approached their innings with a cautious mindset, ensuring they did not lose early wickets. They carefully negotiated the six overs before lunch, reaching 19/0, still trailing by a daunting 339 runs.

After lunch, the pitch at Gqeberha offered a mix of bounce and pace, challenging the batters. The Sri Lankan duo adopted a resolute defensive approach, scoring at a measured rate. However, Karunaratne broke the shackles with three crisp boundaries off Marco Jansen in the 12th and 14th overs, injecting momentum into 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 joined forces to steady the ship. Their partnership blended caution with opportunistic stroke play, ensuring the scoreboard ticked along. By Tea, Sri Lanka had reached 103/1 in 33 overs, reducing the deficit significantly and positioning themselves for a strong finish to the day.

Pathum Nissanka anchors the post-tea session

The third session saw Nissanka showcasing 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 Chandimal, which proved instrumental in Sri Lanka’s recovery. The pair displayed a 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 Paterson provided a 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 Mathews. Together, they guided Sri Lanka to 175/2 in 51 overs, trailing by 183 runs.

Angelo Mathews and Kamindu Mendis provide stability at stumps

Nissanka’s innings came to an unfortunate end when he fell to Keshav Maharaj for a superb 89, attempting an ambitious shot that did not come off. His departure left Sri Lanka at 199/3, but the platform he had built ensured the visitors maintained control. As the day drew to a close, Mathews (37 not out) and Kamindu Mendis (21 not out) held fort, steering Sri Lanka to 242/3 at stumps. Their unbroken partnership added crucial runs, setting the stage for a strong Day 3. With the deficit reduced to just 116 runs and seven wickets in hand, Sri Lanka holds the upper hand in this Test match. The third day promises to be a critical juncture, with South Africa seeking early breakthroughs to wrest back control, while Sri Lanka will aim to build a first-innings lead to dictate terms in this fascinating contest.

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

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