SA vs SL (2nd Test) – Highlights
In this article, we will discuss the thrilling 2nd Test match between SA and SL, held at Gqeberha from December 5 to 9, 2024. This encounter was marked by intense competition, as both teams showcased their skills in a match filled with twists and turns. South Africa set the stage with solid batting performances and relentless bowling, while Sri Lanka fought valiantly to stay in contention. Ultimately, the Proteas emerged victorious with a commanding 109-run win, sealing the series and delivering a memorable cricketing spectacle.
South Africa’s first innings began shakily, with Tony de Zorzi dismissed for a golden duck and Aiden Markram falling for 20. However, Ryan Rickelton anchored the innings with a patient 101 off 250 balls, combining with Captain Temba Bavuma, who scored a fluent 78 off 109. Kyle Verreynne added an unbeaten 105, propelling the Proteas to a respectable total of 358. Lahiru Kumara was the standout bowler for Sri Lanka, claiming four wickets for 79 runs, while Asitha Fernando and Vishwa Fernando contributed with two wickets each.
In reply, SL put up a spirited performance, with opener Pathum Nissanka leading the charge. His composed 89 off 157 balls, laced with 11 boundaries and a six, set the tone for the innings. Contributions from Angelo Mathews (44), Kamindu Mendis (48), and Dinesh Chandimal (44) kept the scoreboard ticking. Despite their efforts, the Proteas’ bowlers, led by Dane Paterson’s impressive five-wicket haul for 71 runs, restricted Sri Lanka to 328, giving South Africa a slender lead of 30 runs. Keshav Maharaj also played a crucial role, picking up two wickets for 65 runs.
In their second innings, SA showcased a more assertive approach. Aiden Markram’s 55 and Temba Bavuma’s composed 66 formed the backbone of their innings, while Tristan Stubbs contributed a valuable 47. David Bedingham chipped in with 35, but the lower order struggled against Prabath Jayasuriya’s five-wicket haul. South Africa rallied to put up a commanding total of 317, leaving Sri Lanka with a daunting chase of 348 runs to conquer. Jayasuriya bowled tirelessly, finishing with figures of 5 for 129, while Vishwa Fernando and Asitha Fernando provided crucial breakthroughs.
Sri Lanka’s chase began on a shaky note, with Dimuth Karunaratne falling for just 1 and Pathum Nissanka dismissed for 18. Dinesh Chandimal and Angelo Mathews attempted to steady the ship with contributions of 29 and 32, respectively. Kamindu Mendis and Captain Dhananjaya de Silva added crucial runs in the middle order, scoring 35 and 50, respectively.
Despite their efforts, batters couldn’t build momentum as wickets tumbled consistently, escalating the tension with every passing over. Kusal Mendis offered resistance with a fighting 46, but Keshav Maharaj’s brilliant five-wicket haul for 76 runs dismantled the batting order. Maharaj was well-supported by Paterson, who picked up two wickets, and Kagiso Rabada, who took two key scalps.
Sri Lanka’s chase came to an abrupt halt at 238 after 69.1 overs, sealing a dominant 109-run triumph for South Africa. The win not only sealed the series for the Proteas but also highlighted their dominance with both bat and ball. Key performances from Rickelton, Verreynne, and Maharaj underscored South Africa’s strength in all departments, while Sri Lanka’s spirited efforts, particularly by Nissanka and Jayasuriya, and were not enough to overcome the hosts. This enthralling contest was a testament to the enduring appeal of Test cricket, blending moments of resilience and brilliance across five riveting days.
South Africa vs Sri Lanka Scoreboard
South Africa– 358 & 317
Sri Lanka– 328 & 238
Result – South Africa won by 109 runs
Player of the Match – Dane Paterson
SA vs SL Playing XI
South Africa
Aiden Markram, Tony de Zorzi, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Temba Bavuma(C), David Bedingham, Kyle Verreynne(WK), Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Dane Paterson
Sri Lanka
Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Dinesh Chandimal, Angelo Mathews, Kamindu Mendis, Dhananjaya de Silva(C), Kusal Mendis(WK), Prabath Jayasuriya, Lahiru Kumara, Vishwa Fernando, Asitha Fernando