Sri Lankan all-rounder Angelo Mathews has become the third player from his country to achieve the milestone of 8,000 Test runs, joining cricketing legends Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene. Mathews reached this significant landmark during the second Test against South Africa in Gqeberha.
Mathews achieved the milestone while scoring an unbeaten 40 runs off 71 balls, including six fours, on the second day of Sri Lanka’s first innings. Since his Test debut in 2009, Mathews has played 116 matches, amassing 8,006 runs at an impressive average of 45.23. His career includes 16 centuries and 44 fifties, with his highest score being an unbeaten 200.
Mathews now stands third on Sri Lanka’s all-time Test run-scorers list. Ahead of him are Mahela Jayawardene, who scored 11,814 runs in 149 matches at an average of 49.84, and Kumar Sangakkara, who leads with 12,400 runs in 134 matches at an extraordinary average of 57.40.
South Africa, after winning the toss and batting first, overcame a shaky start at 44/3 thanks to a 133-run partnership between captain Temba Bavuma and Ryan Rickelton. Bavuma scored 78 off 109 balls, including eight fours and a six, while Rickelton reached his maiden Test century, scoring 101 off 250 balls with 11 boundaries. Wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne added a vital 105* off 133 balls, featuring 12 fours and three sixes, guiding South Africa to a total of 358. Lahiru Kumara shone for Sri Lanka with figures of 4/79, while Asitha Fernando and Vishwa Fernando chipped in with three and two wickets, respectively.
Sri Lanka’s reply began steadily. Despite losing skipper Dimuth Karunaratne for 20, Pathum Nissanka (89 off 157 balls, with 11 fours and a six) and Dinesh Chandimal (44 off 97 balls, with five fours) forged a crucial 109-run partnership. Mathews (40*) and Kamindu Mendis (30*) ended the day strongly, leaving Sri Lanka in a promising position heading into the third day.