Sri Lanka staged a resilient fightback on Day 2 of the second Test against South Africa at St. George’s Park, Gqeberha, ending the day at a strong 242/3. Angelo Mathews (40*) and Kamindu Mendis (30*) remained unbeaten at stumps, with Sri Lanka reducing the first-innings deficit to just 116 runs.
Resuming their innings at 269/7, South Africa’s lower order made valuable contributions. Wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne, who began the day at 48*, scored a remarkable unbeaten 105, hitting 12 fours and three sixes. He brought up his century in style with a six off Asitha Fernando. Kagiso Rabada chipped in with 23, as the pair helped South Africa cross the 300-run mark.
Sri Lanka’s bowlers wrapped up the innings with Vishwa Fernando picking up two early wickets, dismissing Marco Jansen (4) and Keshav Maharaj (0). Lahiru Kumara and Asitha Fernando ended the Proteas’ resistance, claiming four and three wickets respectively, bundling out South Africa for 358.
In reply, Sri Lanka’s openers Dimuth Karunaratne and Pathum Nissanka built a cautious 41-run partnership. However, Kagiso Rabada struck to dismiss Karunaratne for 20, caught behind by Verreynne. Nissanka and Dinesh Chandimal then anchored the innings, guiding Sri Lanka to 103/1 by tea.
Nissanka was the standout performer, scoring a composed 89 off 157 balls, including 11 fours and a six. Despite missing out on a century, his efforts significantly narrowed South Africa’s advantage. Chandimal contributed a solid 44 before falling, but Mathews and Kamindu Mendis ensured stability, adding an unbeaten 43-run stand to end the day.
South Africa leads the two-match series 1-0, and with crucial ICC World Test Championship points at stake, both teams have everything to play for on Day 3.
Brief score:
- South Africa 358 (Ryan Rickelton 101, Kyle Verreynne 105*; Lahiru Kumara 4/79)
- Sri Lanka 242/3 (Pathum Nissanka 89, Dinesh Chandimal 44; Kagiso Rabada 1/40).