Sri Lanka trail by 116 runs

Sri Lanka trail by 116 runs

By Brian Thomas.

South Africa resuming day 2 on 269 for 7 wickets lost Keshav Mahraj before South Africa could open their scoring when Vishwa Fernando got the right-handed lower order to nick at his back of a length delivery as South Africa looked in disarray with 8 wickets scalped with no addition to the over night score.

A 56-run partnership by overnight batter Kyle Verrnne, who started the day unbeaten on 48, was partnered by Kagisgo Rabada, who is known for his prowess with his ability in using the long handle. Rabada added 23 runs against his name as the 9th wicket pair took the Protease to 325 runs with runs being made with exquisite stroke play by this pair , however, this dangerous partnership came to an end when Kagisco Rabada was caught off guard to be bowled by Asitha Fernando.

Dane Patterson did well to hang around, facing a hostile attack of the Sri Lankan seam trio with a valuable 9 runs to his personal score and helped Verrynine to score the second century of the South African innings when he cartered 3 sixes and 8 hits to the boundary when he compiled an unbeaten 105 , as South Africa were ultimately bowled out for 358 runs in their first innings.

Lahiru Kumara, the leading wicket taker of Sri Lanka, recorded 4 wickets for 79 runs whilst Asitha Fernando had 3 scalps for an expensive 102 runs by his standard , Vishwa Fernando 2 for 65 , Prabath Jayasuriya 1 scalp for 85.

The experts at the com box stated that the pitch condition on a South Westerly breezy day would help the South African seamers. Hence, Sri Lanka openers had the initial challenge to bat out 6 overs before the lunch break.

Dimuth Karunaratne and Pathum Nissanka had their hearts in their mouth as Kagisgo Rabada and Marco Jansen dished out not only chin music mixed with off and full length deliveries bowled with absolute accuracy.

The pair lasted until the lunch break. However, Dimuth Karunaratne and his vulnerability against Kagisgo Rabada seem to live with his willow to infinity. With Sri Lanka on 41, Karunaratne got undone by a Rabada short delivery to be caught by Verrynine the Wicket keeper when the extra bounce got big on him. He was out for 20.

Chandimal and Pathum Nissanka then came up with a sterling batting display with a 109 run partnership for the second wicket, and the Sri Lankan pair made the South Africans toil and even drop their shoulders. Patterson, who bowled with an excellent line and length, gave Soth Africa the much needed break through when he had the free scoring Chandimal for 44 caught by Verrynine behind the stumps.

Pathum Nissanka and Angelo Mathews found the batting conditions, ease as Pathum looked set for a well-deserved century, but sadly, he was bowled by Keshav Mahraj batting on 89 , guilty of a loose stroke.

Angelo Mathews and Kamindu Mendis took Sri Lanka to respectability with 242 runs for 3 wickets at stumps with Mathews on 40 and Kamindu Mendis on 30.

South Africa has bowled 67 overs. The new ball is due in just 13 overs. This is the challenge Sri Lanka will have to address. Obviously, they will look at getting close to the South African total or even get past 358 madenby the protease.

Interesting day ahead tomorrow.