The second Test between South Africa and Sri Lanka is poised for an thrilling finish on the fifth day. With five wickets remaining for South Africa and 143 runs required for Sri Lanka to win, both teams are desperate for a victory with World Test Championship (WTC) final spot in mind.
Sri Lanka need 143 runs to win 2nd Test vs South Africa
Sri Lanka ended the Day 4's play at 205/5 while chasing a target of 348 runs at the St George's Park Cricket Ground in Gqeberha. An unbeaten 83-run partnership between captain Dhananjaya de Silva (39*) and Kusal Mendis (39*) has kept Sri Lanka's hopes alive. However, they face a challenging task, as they need to surpass Australia's record of 271/8, the highest successful run chase at the venue.
South Africa, on the other hand, will aim to dismantle Sri Lanka's batting lineup and secure a 2-0 series win, strengthening their position in the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-2025 points table.
On the fifth and final day of the second Test between South Africa and Sri Lanka, Dhananjaya de Silva and Kusal Mendis will resume their partnership with the target of 348 runs. A win for Sri Lanka will keep their hopes alive for a spot in the World Test Championship final. On the other hand, a South African win will propel them to the top of the WTC standings, surpassing Australia.
After dismissing South Africa for 317 runs, Sri Lanka started their chase with attacking intent. However, they lost early wickets, with Pathum Nissanka (18) and Dimuth Karunaratne (1) falling to Kagiso Rabada and Dane Paterson, respectively. Dinesh Chandimal was also dismissed by Paterson, leaving Sri Lanka in a precarious position. Keshav Maharaj played a crucial role in South Africa's bowling attack, dismissing Angelo Mathews, who was bowled for 32.
Kamindu Mendis continued to play aggressively, scoring 35 runs off 35 balls. However, he was caught by Kyle Verreynne off a delivery from Maharaj.
Earlier in the match, spinner Prabath Jayasuriya had a breakthrough performance, claiming his first five-wicket haul outside Sri Lanka. South African captain Temba Bavuma was the top scorer for the hosts in their second innings.
South African captain Temba Bavuma continued his impressive form on the second day of the first Test against Sri Lanka. Resuming on 48, he quickly reached his 24th Test half-century and went on to score 66 runs before being dismissed by Prabath Jayasuriya.
Notably, South Africa are already 1-0 up in the two-match Test series after thrashing Sri Lanka by 233 in the series opener. They will be on a prowl to secure a series sweep against Sri Lanka by putting on a show on the final day of the second Test.
