Dhananjaya de Silva and Kusal Mendis’s resilient partnership has kept Sri Lanka in the hunt against South Africa in the second Test at St George’s Park, with Sri Lanka reaching 205 for five at day’s end. Prabath Jayasuriya excelled with five wickets, helping Sri Lanka limit South Africa to 317 in their second innings.
On the fourth day of the second Test against South Africa at St George’s Park, Sri Lanka displayed remarkable resilience as Dhananjaya de Silva and Kusal Mendis led a valiant effort to keep their team in contention. The pair, both positioned as the last recognized batsmen, forged an unbeaten partnership of 83 runs, guiding Sri Lanka to a score of 205 for five, with a daunting target of 348 runs for victory. Earlier, the hosts had threatened to secure an early win after Sri Lanka fell to 122 for five, with South African bowlers Dane Paterson and Keshav Maharaj each claiming two crucial wickets. Nonetheless, de Silva and Mendis countered by maintaining a steady scoring rate above four runs per over, both finishing the day on 39 not out. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka’s left-arm spinner, Prabath Jayasuriya, achieved a remarkable milestone by taking five wickets for 129 runs in South Africa’s second innings, marking his tenth five-wicket haul in Test matches but his inaugural feat outside of Sri Lanka as the visitors bowled out South Africa for 317 after resuming with 191 for three. Jayasuriya’s perseverance was evident as he dominated the morning session, capturing three wickets before lunch. Kagiso Rabada initially disrupted Sri Lanka’s innings by dismissing Dimuth Karunaratne in the third over, yet South Africa was compelled to exert considerable effort to claim further wickets on a pitch that remained favorable for batting.
The second Test match between Sri Lanka and South Africa has witnessed intense competition, with both teams striving for dominance. The match is significant as it blends the individual achievements of players—such as Prabath Jayasuriya’s impressive bowling and the critical batting partnerships—against the backdrop of a challenging batting surface. Sri Lanka entered this match seeking to avoid a series sweep after their previous losses, heightening the stakes for their performance.
In summary, Sri Lanka’s commendable fightback, spearheaded by Dhananjaya de Silva and Kusal Mendis, has rekindled their hopes in the second Test against South Africa. Prabath Jayasuriya’s exceptional bowling performance further bolstered the team’s efforts, showcasing the resilience and skill of Sri Lankan cricketers. As the match proceeds, anticipation builds regarding whether Sri Lanka can successfully chase the target or if South Africa will claim a decisive victory.
Original Source: sports.ndtv.com
