South Africa have taken a commanding lead in the first Test against Sri Lanka riding on exceptional centuries from Tristan Stubbs and Temba Bavuma. After setting a challenging target of 516 runs, the Proteas reduced Sri Lanka to 103/5 on the third day of the match.
South Africa on cusp of win against Sri Lanka after Stubbs-Bavuma's centuries
The day was dominated by a magnificent batting performance from Tristan Stubbs and Temba Bavuma. The duo formed a record-breaking partnership of 249 runs, the second-highest fourth-wicket partnership for South Africa and the highest at Durban.
Stubbs, who scored a century, became the first South African batsman in six years to achieve this feat at Kingsmead. Bavuma followed suit with his third Test century.
South Africa declared their innings at 366/5, setting up a daunting target for Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka faced a daunting task on Day 3, chasing a massive target of 516 runs. They ended the day at 103/5, still needing 413 runs to win. None of the Sri Lanka batters could cross the 300-run mark as they looked helpless in front on Proteas' sharp bowling attack. It was Dinesh Chandimal (29 not out) and captain Dhananjaya de Silva (0 off 1) who are still intact on the crease and will look to launch a fightback going into Day 4.
Notably, Anrich Nortje, Kagiso Rabada, and Simon Harmer were the pick of the South African bowlers, making significant inroads into the Sri Lankan batting lineup.
Tristan Stubbs, Temba Bavuma set new record
Meanwhile, Tristan Stubbs and Temba Bavuma set a new record for the highest fourth-wicket partnership for South Africa against Sri Lanka in Test cricket. Their 249-run stand surpassed the previous record of 192 runs held by AB de Villiers and Jacques Kallis.
Both Stubbs and Bavuma scored centuries, setting Sri Lanka a challenging target of 516 runs. Their partnership is also the fourth-highest fourth-wicket stand against Sri Lanka in Test cricket history. The highest partnership record is held by Travis Head and Joe Burns, who scored 308 runs in 2019. Michael Hussey and Shaun Marsh's 258-run partnership in 2011 ranks second, followed by Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly's 256-run stand in 1997.
As of now, South Africa is ranked fifth in the ICC World Test Championship standings with 52 points and a points percentage of 54.17. India and Australia currently occupy the top two positions.
