SA vs SL, 2nd Test: Pathum Nissanka's solid 89 leaves Sri Lanka well placed at 242/3 after Kyle Verreynne's 105 helped SA post 358 on Day 2

Pathum Nissanka's impressive 89 helped Sri Lanka give a strong retort to South Africa in the second Test

Sports Tak

• Fri • 06 Dec 2024

Sri Lanka's Pathum Nissanka (left) plays a shot while South Africa's Kyle Verreynne looks on during 2nd Test

Sri Lanka's Pathum Nissanka plays a shot while South Africa's Kyle Verreynne looks on during 2nd Test

Highlights:

Pathum Nissanka led Sri Lanka to a strong 242/3 in the 2nd Test against South Africa

Earlier, Kyle Verreynne's unbeaten century helped South Africa post 358 on the board

Pathum Nissanka's impressive 89-run knock has propelled Sri Lanka to a strong position in their second Test against South Africa at St George's Park in Gqeberha on December 6. At the end of Day 2's game, the Sri Lanka were well placed at 242/3, reducing the deficit to 116 runs in their first innings.

Kyle Verreynne's ton lifts South Africa to 358

South Africa resumed their first innings on Day 2 at 269/7, with Kyle Verreynne intact on the crease at 48. With the tail exposed and the second new ball in play, reaching 300 seemed challenging. However, Verreynne, supported by fast bowlers Kagiso Rabada and Dane Paterson, steered South Africa to a competitive total of 358. The highlight of the South Africa's batting after Ryan Rickleton's ton on Day 1, was certainly Verreynn, who went on to belt an unbeaten 105 riding on 12 fours and three sixes. Meanwhile, Lahiru Kumara was the standout bowler for Sri Lanka, who bowled a superb spell of 4/79. Vishwa Fernando and Asitha Fernando contributed with two and three wickets respectively.

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Sri Lanka give it back to South Africa after Pathum Nissanka's solid 89

While replying to South Africa's 358, Sri Lanka gave it back to them with a phenomenal show with the bat on Day 2. It was Pathum Nissanka who helped Sri Lanka give a strong retort to South Africa with his sturdy 89-run knock.

Nissanka's robust knock was decorated with 11 fours and a six, laid the foundation for Sri Lanka's strong position. After a brief opening stand, Nissanka and Dinesh Chandimal forged a crucial 109-run partnership for the second wicket.

Chandimal's solid 44-run contribution was cut short by Dane Paterson. Following Nissanka's dismissal, Angelo Mathews and Kamindu Mendis consolidated Sri Lanka's position with a 43-run partnership for the fourth wicket. A big milestone was achieved as Mathews became the third Sri Lankan batsman, after Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene, to amass 8000 Test runs.

Kamindu Mendis continued the momentum with a quick-fire 30 off 38 deliveries. While Kagiso Rabada, Dane Paterson, and Keshav Maharaj each claimed a wicket, Marco Jansen, who was a force to reckon with in the opening Test, remained wicketless with figures of 18-2-75-0. Aiden Markram also bowled four overs without any success.