Pathum Nissanka’s 89 runs led Sri Lanka to a solid 242 for 3 on day two of the second Test against South Africa, chasing 358. His dismissal raised concerns over concentration, despite Sri Lanka’s improvement from their previous collapse. South Africa added 89 runs for their last three wickets, leaving the match finely balanced for the next stages.
At St George’s Park in Gqeberha, South Africa, Pathum Nissanka showcased an impressive performance on the second day of the second Test against South Africa, scoring 89 runs, which steered Sri Lanka to a strong position at 242 for 3 in response to South Africa’s first innings total of 358. Nissanka’s innings, characterized by skillful stroke play including 11 fours and a six off 157 deliveries, was cut short when he attempted an ambitious shot against spinner Keshav Maharaj and was subsequently bowled.
During his innings, Nissanka had a moment of fortune when he survived a slip catch chance off Kagiso Rabada at 22 runs. His dismissal marked a critical juncture in the innings, as noted by Sri Lanka’s batting coach Thilina Kandamby, who remarked on the slip in concentration that led to Nissanka’s out, stating, “Pathum was so good to watch but he will blame himself for the manner he got out.”
Nissanka built significant partnerships, sharing 41 runs with Dimuth Karunaratne (20), a monumental 109 runs with Dinesh Chandimal (44), and 49 runs with Angelo Mathews, who remained unbeaten at 40. Following Nissanka’s dismissal, Kamindu Mendis contributed a quick 30 runs, helping to establish a partnership of 43 runs with Mathews, signaling a resilient response from the Sri Lankan side, especially after their catastrophic collapse to just 42 runs in the first Test.
Kandamby reflected on the previous Test defeat, indicating a clear understanding of their earlier errors and an uplifted spirit, stating, “We all knew where we went wrong in Durban in the first innings. The boys were up for the challenge.” Meanwhile, South Africa’s innings concluded with an additional 89 runs for the loss of three wickets, thanks largely to wicketkeeper-batsman Kyle Verreynne’s aggressive 105 not out. He built a solid partnership with Kagiso Rabada for the ninth wicket, demonstrating resilience in their batting.
Verreynne commented on the current competitive state of the match, suggesting that success would depend on early wickets being taken in the next session. “It is very even at the moment… but they have come out and played really nicely, and the pitch looks like it is getting better and better to bat on.”
The ongoing second Test match between Sri Lanka and South Africa showcases a significant turnaround for the Sri Lankan cricket team following a dismal performance in the first Test, where they were bowled out for just 42 runs. This format of the game, known for testing both technical skill and mental resilience, positions the teams for a tightly contested battle as both sides seek to gain an upper hand in the Test series. Pathum Nissanka’s batting exemplifies the efforts of a team aiming to learn from past mistakes while building substantial partnerships to lay a solid foundation for their innings. The match is currently poised, with Sri Lanka in a strong position yet reliant on their bowlers to capitalize on their batting success.
In summary, Pathum Nissanka’s impressive 89 runs highlighted Sri Lanka’s strong batting response during the second Test against South Africa, where they finished the day at 242 for 3 chasing a target of 358. This marked a significant improvement from their previous outing, reflecting a learning curve and a collective effort to rectify past shortcomings. The outcome of the Test remains uncertain, with both teams aware that early breakthroughs will greatly influence the match’s trajectory.
Original Source: www.france24.com
