South Africa requires eight wickets to win the second Test against Sri Lanka, who are chasing a record target of 348 runs at Gqeberha. Sri Lanka is currently at 60-2 at tea on day four after South Africa set the target by being all out for 317. The match sees significant performances from key players including Bavuma and Jayasuriya, crucial to both teams’ aspirations in the series.
In the second Test match at St George’s Park in Gqeberha, South Africa set Sri Lanka a daunting target of 348 runs for victory, requiring the visitors to claim eight wickets to achieve a series-tying draw. As of tea on the fourth day, Sri Lanka found themselves at 60 runs for the loss of two wickets. Sri Lanka had earlier bowled South Africa out for 317, needing 288 more runs to meet the target.
Pathum Nissanka and Dimuth Karunaratne, Sri Lanka’s openers, fell victim to aggressive bowling, both marked by decisions that showcased their attacking intent. Nissanka, who initially survived an lbw appeal, eventually scored 18 runs before chasing an open delivery and departing. Karunaratne, however, was less fortunate, falling for a mere one run after an unsuccessful review against Kagiso Rabada. As the game progressed, Dinesh Chandimal and Angelo Mathews remained at the crease, with Chandimal contributing 29 runs before the interval.
South Africa resumed play after lunch to extend their lead, with captain Temba Bavuma scoring 66 runs in a match where he had previously excelled with a century and three fifties throughout the series. However, he faced challenges converting fifties into hundreds. Bavuma’s innings took an unfortunate turn due to a mix-up with Tristan Stubbs, resulting in Stubbs being run out for 47.
The Sri Lankan bowler, Prabath Jayasuriya, emerged as a standout performer, capturing five wickets for 129 runs, marking his first five-wicket haul outside of Sri Lanka, solidifying his growing reputation on the international stage. This match comes after South Africa’s heavy victory over Sri Lanka by 233 runs in the previous Test in Durban, positioning the home team favorably in the series.
The context of this article revolves around the competitive Test match series between South Africa and Sri Lanka, where South Africa aims to secure a series victory after winning the first Test. The current match in Gqeberha serves as a crucial decider for Sri Lanka, who find themselves needing to chase a considerable target to level the series. The performance of individual players, such as South African captain Temba Bavuma and Sri Lankan bowler Prabath Jayasuriya, illustrates the tensions and dynamics of the match. Setting a target of 348 runs is historically significant for this venue, Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth), as it would require Sri Lanka to set a record chase. The match showcases critical batting and bowling performances that could determine the outcome and future implications for both teams in international cricket.
In summary, South Africa leads Sri Lanka in the second Test at Gqeberha by a steep target of 348 runs, necessitating eight wickets for South Africa to secure the win. The match has seen significant contributions from both teams, particularly from Bavuma for South Africa and Jayasuriya for Sri Lanka. With the series on the line, Sri Lanka’s ability to navigate the challenging chase will be crucial, as they seek to bounce back from a recent defeat.
Original Source: www.channelnewsasia.com
