Nissanka and Chandimal Anchor Sri Lanka's Response on Day Two Against South Africa



Sri Lanka made significant strides on day two of the second Test against South Africa in Gqeberha, closing the day on 242/3 in response to South Africa's first-innings total of 358. A vital 109-run partnership between Pathum Nissanka and Dinesh Chandimal laid the foundation for the visitors’ fightback.


When play ended, Angelo Mathews (40*) and Kamindu Mendis (30*) were at the crease, with Sri Lanka trailing by 116 runs and seven wickets in hand.


South Africa's Strong Start


The Proteas began the day on 269/7, with Kyle Verreynne and Kagiso Rabada extending their lead. Verreynne, in sublime form, notched up his third Test century, finishing unbeaten on 105 off 133 balls, including 12 boundaries and three sixes. His partnership with Rabada yielded 56 crucial runs before Asitha Fernando dismissed Rabada for 23.


South Africa’s innings concluded at 358, thanks largely to Verreynne’s brilliance and Ryan Rickelton’s 101 on day one. Lahiru Kumara spearheaded Sri Lanka's bowling with figures of 4/79, supported by Asitha Fernando (3/102) and Vishwa Fernando (2/65).


Sri Lanka’s Resilient Response


Sri Lanka started cautiously, surviving a brief but fiery spell from South Africa’s fast bowlers to reach 19/0 at lunch. Openers Dimuth Karunaratne and Pathum Nissanka then faced the South African attack with resolve after the break.


Karunaratne fell for 5, edging Kagiso Rabada to wicketkeeper Verreynne. However, Nissanka and Chandimal stabilized the innings, steadily building their partnership. The pair reached their 50-run stand in 73 deliveries, with Nissanka showing intent by dispatching Marco Jansen to the boundary to bring up the milestone.


Nissanka was dropped on 22 by David Bedingham but capitalized on the reprieve, advancing to a well-deserved half-century after tea. Chandimal contributed 44 off 97 balls before being caught behind off Dane Paterson, ending their valuable 109-run stand.


Nissanka continued his impressive innings, reaching 89 off 157 balls, including 11 fours and a six, before Maharaj bowled him. His dismissal left Sri Lanka at 199/3, still 159 runs adrift.


Mathews and Mendis played defensively but effectively, rotating the strike and ensuring no further wickets fell. Their unbroken 43-run partnership saw Sri Lanka close the day on a solid note.

With seven wickets in hand and experienced batters at the crease, Sri Lanka will aim to narrow the deficit and put pressure on South Africa in the remaining days of the Test. South Africa, on the other hand, will look to strike early and maintain their advantage.


The stage is set for an intriguing contest as the match progresses.


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