Tristan Stubbs and Temba Bavuma each scored centuries, leading South Africa to a strong declaration at 366 for five. Sri Lanka struggled in response, ending day three at 103 for five, chasing a daunting target of 516 runs. South African bowlers Rabada and Jansen continued to dominate, dismissing key batsmen and leaving Sri Lanka in a precarious position.
In Durban, South Africa, the third day of the inaugural Test match witnessed a strong performance from South African batsmen Tristan Stubbs and Temba Bavuma, who both scored centuries. Their partnership of 249 runs for the fourth wicket propelled South Africa to declare their second innings at 366 for five, setting a challenging target of 516 runs for the Sri Lankan team. The Sri Lankan response faltered, concluding the day at 103 for five, significantly better than their first innings score of just 42 runs.
Resuming at 132 for two, Stubbs and Bavuma methodically increased their team’s total, with Stubbs scoring 122 and Bavuma contributing 113 runs. Their innings showcased a disciplined approach to batting, notably during a partnership that lasted through a sunny morning session, where they added 101 runs in 33 overs before lunch. Despite some assistance for seam bowlers, Stubbs was eventually dismissed, bowled by Vishwa Fernando. Bavuma called for the innings closure shortly after, falling leg before wicket to Asitha Fernando.
South African bowlers then took charge, with Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen each claiming two wickets, and Gerald Coetzee adding one. Sri Lanka’s Dimuth Karunaratne was dismissed early once more, with Rabada continuing his impactful performance. While Pathum Nissanka showed some aggression during his brief innings, the overall batting struggled against South Africa’s pace attack. By the end of the day, Dinesh Chandimal remained not out on 29, but the pressure remained heavily against the Sri Lankan side.
This cricket match highlights the ongoing competition between South Africa and Sri Lanka, showcasing how the game has evolved with specific player dynamics influencing the results. South Africa’s bowling strength, particularly the prowess of Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen, contrasts sharply with Sri Lanka’s batting challenges. This Test is significant not only for its immediate implications on the series but also as a reflection of each team’s current form and talent depth. The performance of young players like Tristan Stubbs suggests a promising future for South African cricket.
In summary, South Africa’s bowlers successfully put Sri Lanka under severe pressure on the third day of their Test by dismissing five batsmen, as the latter faltered in their pursuit of an imposing target. The centuries from Stubbs and Bavuma laid a strong foundation for their team’s innings, while Rabada and Jansen maintained their dominance with the ball. This match underscores the competitive edge South Africa holds as Sri Lanka looks to recover in the remaining days of the Test.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
