Sri Lanka fought hard on day four of the second Test against South Africa, with Dhananjaya de Silva and Kusal Mendis leading resistance with an unbeaten 83-run partnership. Facing a target of 348, Sri Lanka ended the day at 205 for five. South Africa had initially taken control, reducing them to 122 for five, but the efforts of De Silva and Mendis offered hope. Prabath Jayasuriya took five wickets in South Africa’s second innings, underlining the match’s competitive spirit.
Sri Lanka demonstrated resilience on the fourth day of the second Test against South Africa at St George’s Park in Gqeberha. Dhananjaya de Silva and Kusal Mendis, the last recognized batsmen for Sri Lanka, forged a crucial unbeaten partnership of 83 runs. As the team faced a daunting target of 348, they concluded the day at 205 for five, with both batsmen ending at 39 not out. Initially, South Africa appeared poised for a swift victory, reducing Sri Lanka to 122 for five, courtesy of fast bowler Dane Paterson and left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj, each securing two wickets. However, De Silva and Mendis effectively countered the aggressive South African attack, accelerating the scoring rate beyond four runs per over.
In the earlier phase of the match, left-arm spinner Prabath Jayasuriya made a significant contribution, claiming five wickets for 129 runs. This achievement marked his tenth five-wicket haul in Test matches, though it was notably his first such performance outside Sri Lanka. South Africa, starting their second innings at 191 for three, were all out for 317 following Jayasuriya’s exceptional bowling, which included three dismissals before lunch. The bowler capitalized on deliveries that pitched outside the leg stump, exploiting the rough patches effectively. Although Kagiso Rabada removed Dimuth Karunaratne early in Sri Lanka’s final innings, South Africa struggled to secure further wickets on a pitch providing favorable batting conditions.
The ongoing second Test between Sri Lanka and South Africa unfolds in Gqeberha, where the stakes are particularly high for Sri Lanka, needing a strong performance to avoid a series sweep. Having lost the first Test, Sri Lanka aimed to reclaim momentum. Dhananjaya de Silva and Kusal Mendis emerged as key players, tasked with stabilizing their innings after a challenging start against South Africa’s formidable bowling attack. Meanwhile, Prabath Jayasuriya’s impactful bowling performance underscored the competitive dynamic of the match, particularly in the context of the series. The fluctuating fortunes of the match highlight both teams’ strengths and weaknesses. While South Africa seeks a series victory, Sri Lanka’s efforts to consolidate their innings offer a glimpse of their fighting spirit, particularly in challenging circumstances. The developments in this match are positioned to influence the players’ trajectories and strategic decisions moving forward in international cricket.
In summary, Sri Lanka showcased their determination on the fourth day of the second Test against South Africa, with significant contributions from Dhananjaya de Silva and Kusal Mendis. Their unyielding partnership provided a glimmer of hope as Sri Lanka approached the target of 348 runs. Meanwhile, Prabath Jayasuriya’s bowling excellence played a crucial role in restricting South Africa, illustrating the competitive nature of this Test match. As the final day approaches, the outcome remains uncertain, with both teams vying for victory.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
