• Sri Lanka required 143 runs more to achieve a historic victory against South Africa in the second Test.

  • South Africa are just five wickets away from sealing a commanding 2-0 series triumph.

Twitter reactions: Sri Lanka’s gritty batting display keeps their series hopes alive against South Africa on Day 4 of Gqeberha Test
South Africa vs Sri Lanka (Image Source: X)

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The second Test between South Africa and Sri Lanka has reached a tantalizing climax, with both sides vying for a decisive outcome. Chasing an imposing target of 348, Sri Lanka ended Day 4 at 205/5, requiring another 143 runs to achieve a historic victory. Meanwhile, South Africa stands just five wickets away from sealing a commanding 2-0 series triumph.

Dhananjaya de Silva and Kusal Mendis hold Sri Lanka’s fort

Sri Lanka’s fading hopes were reignited by an unbeaten 83-run partnership between skipper Dhananjaya de Silva and Kusal Mendis, both resolute on 39. The pair displayed immense determination and urgency, maintaining a brisk run rate exceeding four an over. Yet, the scale of their task is immense. The highest successful chase at this venue, 271/8 by Australia in 1997, underscores the enormity of the challenge. With Sri Lanka’s lower order comprising bowlers, the sixth-wicket stand represents the visitors’ last credible resistance. The team’s survival and success hinge on this duo navigating the morning session on Day 5.

South Africa’s bowlers deliver under pressure

South Africa’s attack struck crucial blows to stymie Sri Lanka’s progress. Kagiso Rabada’s opening spell set the tone, dismissing skipper Dimuth Karunaratne lbw for just 1, marking the fourth time Rabada has removed him in the series. Pathum Nissanka followed soon after, edging a wide delivery from Dane Paterson for 18. Middle-order batters Dinesh Chandimal (29) and Angelo Mathews (32) offered fleeting resistance, adding 53 runs for the fourth wicket. However, the introduction of Keshav Maharaj proved pivotal. The left-arm spinner accounted for both Mathews and Kamindu Mendis (35), leaving Sri Lanka teetering at 122/5.

Also WATCH: Tristan Stubbs gets bizarrely run out after mix-up with Temba Bavuma on Day 4 of Gqeberha Test

Prabath Jayasuriya’s heroics shine amid South Africa’s middle-order collapse

Earlier in the day, South Africa resumed their innings at 191/3 but collapsed under pressure from left-arm spinner Prabath Jayasuriya. The spinner completed a remarkable maiden five-wicket haul on foreign soil, finishing with 5/129. Despite their middle-order struggles, captain Temba Bavuma steadied the innings with a resilient 66, his 24th Test fifty. Neverthless, Bavuma’s dismissal, along with a run-out of Tristan Stubbs for 47, contributed to South Africa’s slide. The last-wicket stand between Maharaj and Paterson added 27 invaluable runs, stretching their lead to 348.

Sri Lanka’s pursuit of 348 would shatter the venue’s fourth-innings record. Their previous highest chase here, 197/2 in 2019, featured a masterful unbeaten 84 by Mendis. A repeat performance, albeit under far tougher circumstances, is now critical for Sri Lanka’s survival.

Here’s how Twitter reacted:

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

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