Sri Lanka Fights Back After Verreynne Century, Trails South Africa by 116 Runs
GQEBERHA, South Africa, Dec 6 (Reuters) – Sri Lanka’s Pathum Nissanka spearheaded a determined fightback on the second day of the second Test against South Africa, finishing the day on 242-3, still trailing by 116 runs.
Nissanka was dropped on 22 early in his innings and capitalized on the reprieve, standing firm against a testing South African seam attack at St George’s Park. He put on a crucial 109-run partnership for the second wicket with Dinesh Chandimal, who fell for 44 after edging Dane Paterson behind to wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne. Nissanka’s solid knock came to an end when he attempted a wild swipe at a delivery from Keshav Maharaj, missing the ball and getting bowled for 89, just 11 runs shy of a century.
Earlier, Dimuth Karunaratne (20) had been dismissed by a rising delivery from Kagiso Rabada, leaving Sri Lanka at 41-1. Despite the early breakthroughs, Nissanka’s resilience and the partnerships that followed put Sri Lanka back in the contest. Angelo Mathews (40*) and Kamindu Mendes (30*) were not out at the close of play, and they will resume the innings on Saturday, hoping to reduce the deficit and potentially take control on a good batting surface.
South Africa were all out before lunch for 358, with Verreynne’s stunning century becoming the highlight of the morning session. The wicketkeeper-batter, who had been on 48 overnight, produced a remarkable knock, finishing on 105* from just 134 balls. His partnerships with Rabada (23) and Paterson (33*) allowed South Africa to add 89 runs to their overnight score. Verreynne’s century came in an unlikely fashion, as he moved from 48 to 105* with a rapid 19-run stand alongside Paterson, who provided valuable support in an exciting final wicket partnership.
Lahiru Kumara, who claimed his 100th Test wicket on Thursday, finished with the best bowling figures for Sri Lanka, taking 4-79. South Africa’s innings was the second in the series to feature a century after Ryan Rickelton’s 101 on day one.
Both teams are fighting for a spot in the World Test Championship final at Lord’s next year, with this match becoming a must-win for both sides. South Africa had won the first Test by 233 runs in Durban last week.
The third day of the second Test will be crucial for Sri Lanka as they look to erase the deficit and take control of the match.
