The second test between South Africa and Sri Lanka started on 5th December 2024 at St George’s Park in Gqeberha.
South Africa won the toss and opted to bat. They had a poor start as Tony de Zorzi was trapped leg before wicket in the second over by Asitha Fernando. Then they lost Aiden Markram (20 runs) and Tristan Stubbs (4 runs) in just 12 runs.
The hosts were 44-3 at one point but Ryan Rickelton and skipper Temba Bavuma steadied the ship with a 133-run partnership. Rickleton was the star of the day for Proteas as he scored his maiden test century. He was dismissed for 101. Temba Bavuma continued his great form as he scored 78 runs.
Kyle Verreynne (48*) also chipped in with a crucial contribution. The day ended with Marco Jansen getting bowled off Vishwa Fernando. South Africa are 269-7 at the end of Day 1.
Sri Lanka pacers kept their side in play with late blows to South Africa
South Africa were looking in a comfortable position with 263-5. Kyle Verreynne and Ryan Rickleton had scored 77 runs between them and were looking good. But, the Sri Lankan pacers dealt two crucial blows to the hosts right at the end of Day 1.
Lahiru Kumara dismissed the set batter Rickelton and then Vishwa Fernando cleaned up Marco Jansen to finish the day on a high for the visitors. Lahiru Kumara picked up 3 wickets with Asitha Fernando picking up 2. Vishwa Fernando and Prabath Jayasuriya picked up one wicket each.
Sri Lanka will look to wrap up things as quickly as possible on Day 2. South Africa, meanwhile, will hope that the last three batters assist Verreynne and they score as many more runs as they can.
South Africa won the first test by 233 runs at Durban. The game is pretty much balanced after Day 1 and it will be interesting to see how it pans out in the remaining four days.
