Dane Paterson excelled with 5 for 71, leading South Africa to a strong position against Sri Lanka on day three of the second Test. The hosts gained a 30-run first innings lead and ended the day at 191 for three, holding an overall advantage of 221 runs.
On the third day of the second Test against Sri Lanka at St George’s Park in Gqeberha, Dane Paterson showcased his resurgence by delivering an outstanding bowling performance. Paterson achieved a personal best by taking five wickets for 71 runs, which contributed significantly to dismissing Sri Lanka for 328 and gave South Africa a first innings lead of 30 runs. By the end of the day, South Africa had cemented their advantage with a score of 191 for three, translating to a 221-run overall lead.
Paterson’s pivotal moment came when he captured three wickets in a single over, stifling Sri Lanka as they added merely 86 runs while losing seven wickets from their overnight total of 242 for three. Despite a hiatus from active international cricket after appearing in 12 white-ball matches and two Tests in 2019-2020, the 35-year-old fast bowler has made a notable comeback. Following a successful stint with Nottinghamshire in England, Paterson was contacted by the new South African Test coach, Shukri Conrad.
Paterson’s revival was further fueled by the injuries sustained by teammates Gerald Coetzee and Wiaan Mulder during their first Test win in Durban, creating an opportunity for him in the Gqeberha Test. His precise bowling style served as an effective complement to the fiery pace of colleagues Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen. On the day, Jansen began South Africa’s assault by dismissing key players Angelo Mathews and Kamindu Mendis with each new ball.
On the batting front, Aiden Markram provided impetus to South Africa’s second innings with a brisk 55 runs. However, as Sri Lankan spinner Prabath Jayasuriya tightened his grip, the scoring became more challenging. The match was poised delicately at 109 for three when Tristan Stubbs and Temba Bavuma formed a crucial partnership, ending the day with an unbroken stand of 82 runs.
This article discusses the ongoing second Test match between South Africa and Sri Lanka, focusing on Dane Paterson’s impressive performance. The Test match is set in Gqeberha, where conditions have challenged both teams. Paterson’s successful outing is highlighted against the backdrop of his previous international struggles and his resurgence into the team amidst injuries to other players, marking a significant moment in his cricketing career as he seizes the opportunity to shine once again.
In conclusion, Dane Paterson’s remarkable bowling display has played a critical role in South Africa’s strong position in the second Test against Sri Lanka. With his five-wicket haul, he not only led the team’s bowling attack but also reaffirmed his credentials after a challenging phase in his career. As the match progresses, South Africa appears poised to capitalize further on their lead, thanks to solid contributions from their batting lineup, ensuring an engaging contest ahead.
Original Source: www.france24.com
