Sri Lanka displayed remarkable resilience on Day 2 of the second Test against South Africa, ending the day at 242 for 3 in response to South Africa’s first innings score of 358. Key contributions came from Pathum Nissanka, Dinesh Chandimal, and the unbeaten pair of Angelo Mathews and Kamindu Mendis, reducing the deficit significantly as Sri Lanka seeks to level the series.
On the second day of the second Test match at St George’s Park in Gqeberha, Sri Lanka’s batsmen demonstrated commendable resilience against South Africa, concluding the day at 242 for 3. Angelo Mathews and Kamindu Mendis remained unbeaten on the crease, showcasing their capabilities in the face of adversity. South Africa, having resumed the day at 269 for 7, managed to amass a total of 358 runs, propelled by Kyle Verreyne’s impressive unbeaten century.
Sri Lanka’s innings began cautiously with openers Pathum Nissanka and Dimuth Karunaratne facing a formidable bowling attack. Although Karunaratne fell victim to Kagiso Rabada after scoring 20 runs, Nissanka and Dinesh Chandimal held firm, allowing Sri Lanka to reach 103 for 1 at the end of the second session. The final session saw Nissanka contribute significantly with 89 runs before Mathews and Mendis added valuable runs without losing further wickets as Sri Lanka steadily closed the gap.
Vishwa Fernando made significant contributions with the ball, taking two early wickets to support his team’s efforts, while Asitha Fernando and Lahiru Kumara each claimed three and four wickets respectively, ensuring South Africa’s innings concluded expeditiously. As the match progresses, both teams recognize the importance of this fixture, particularly with the ICC World Test Championship points on the line.
The context of the article revolves around the ongoing second Test match between Sri Lanka and South Africa. After losing the first match of the series, Sri Lanka aimed to level the series in the second Test. This day of play was particularly crucial as they sought to respond effectively to South Africa’s first innings total, which was bolstered by strong performances lower down the order. The match also holds significance in the ICC World Test Championship context, compelling both teams to perform at their best.
In summary, Sri Lanka’s application and tenacity on the second day of the Test match reflect their determination to level the series against South Africa. With Angelo Mathews and Kamindu Mendis at the crease and the team looking set to build a substantial score, the upcoming days promise to deliver intense competition. Ultimately, the match is crucial not only for pride but also for critical ICC World Test Championship points, elevating the stakes further as they enter Day 3.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
