On the fourth day of the second Test, Sri Lanka’s Dhananjaya de Silva and Kusal Mendis formed a crucial unbeaten partnership of 83 runs to keep their hopes alive against South Africa, reaching 205 for five in pursuit of 348 runs. Prabath Jayasuriya excelled with five wickets as South Africa posted 317 in their second innings.
Sri Lanka displayed remarkable resilience on the fourth day of the second Test against South Africa, held at St. George’s Park, as Dhananjaya de Silva and Kusal Mendis fought valiantly to sustain the team’s chances. With Sri Lanka requiring 348 runs for victory, the duo, remaining unbeaten at 39 runs each, formed a crucial partnership of 83 runs, guiding the total to 205 for five at the day’s conclusion. Initially, South Africa seemed poised to secure an early victory, having reduced Sri Lanka to 122 for five, with Dane Paterson and Keshav Maharaj each claiming two wickets. However, the partnership between De Silva and Mendis not only thwarted South Africa’s momentum but also maintained a commendable scoring rate above four runs per over.
In the preceding innings, Prabath Jayasuriya excelled with the ball, achieving figures of five for 129. This marked his tenth five-wicket haul in Test matches but notably his first achieved outside of Sri Lanka. South Africa, starting their second innings on 191 for three, was bowled out for 317, and Jayasuriya’s impressive spell included three wickets before lunch, utilizing the rough outside the leg stump effectively to trouble right-handed batsmen. Despite the early breakthrough of Dimuth Karunaratne by Kagiso Rabada, South Africa found the Sri Lankan batting resilient against a pitch that remained conducive to runs.
The ongoing Test match between Sri Lanka and South Africa represents a vital contest with significant implications for both teams. Having been set a challenging target of 348 runs to win, Sri Lanka faced considerable pressure after an early collapse in their innings. The performance of their remaining batsmen is crucial in determining the outcome of the match, as they strive to avoid a series defeat and maintain competitive stature in international cricket. South Africa, seeking a clean sweep in the series, presents a formidable challenge, underscoring the importance of this encounter.
In conclusion, Sri Lanka’s performance on the fourth day of the second Test against South Africa illustrates their determination to secure a favorable result. The partnership between Dhananjaya de Silva and Kusal Mendis highlights the resilience of the batting lineup, while Prabath Jayasuriya’s exceptional bowling further underscored his capabilities as a vital player. While the match remains poised with South Africa in a strong position, Sri Lanka’s efforts on day four provide a glimmer of hope for a successful chase in their quest for victory.
Original Source: sports.ndtv.com
