Sri Lanka 143 runs away from win in 2nd test vs South Africa

 



South Africa and Sri Lanka are set for a dramatic finale in the second Test, as both teams vie for a decisive result that could impact their ICC World Test Championship ambitions. At the close of play on Day 4, Sri Lanka reached 205 for 5 in pursuit of a daunting target of 348. They require another 143 runs to complete a record-breaking chase, while South Africa need five wickets to secure a 2-0 series triumph.


Sri Lanka’s hopes rest heavily on the unbeaten sixth-wicket partnership between captain Dhananjaya de Silva and Kusal Mendis. The pair, both unbeaten on 39, have added 83 runs and shown great intent, scoring at over four runs per over. However, the challenge ahead is monumental—no team has successfully chased more than 271 at this venue, a record set by Australia against South Africa in 1997.


Earlier in the day, South Africa were bowled out for 317 in their second innings, with Sri Lankan spinner Prabath Jayasuriya claiming a well-earned 5 for 129—his first five-wicket haul outside of home conditions. Temba Bavuma anchored the innings with a gritty 66, his 24th Test half-century, before falling to Jayasuriya.


Sri Lanka’s reply began with aggressive intent but suffered early setbacks. Pathum Nissanka (18) and skipper Dimuth Karunaratne (1) fell cheaply before tea. Kagiso Rabada trapped Karunaratne lbw, while Nissanka was caught off a wide delivery by Dane Paterson.


Middle-order contributions from Dinesh Chandimal (29) and Angelo Mathews (32) briefly steadied the innings. However, South Africa’s spinners, led by Keshav Maharaj, dismantled Sri Lanka’s momentum. Maharaj struck twice, dismissing Mathews with a quicker delivery and trapping Kamindu Mendis (35) with a sharp catch by Kyle Verreynne at short leg.


At 122 for 5, Sri Lanka looked to be in deep trouble before Dhananjaya and Kusal staged a spirited recovery, setting the stage for an enthralling final day. Their biggest hurdles on Day 5 will include tackling the second new ball, which becomes available in 28 overs, and negotiating challenging morning conditions.


South Africa, fresh from their emphatic 233-run victory in the first Test in Durban, remain favorites to seal the series. However, Sri Lanka can take heart from their remarkable chase at this ground in 2019, when Kusal Perera orchestrated a famous win with an unbroken partnership.


With both sides eager to enhance their chances of reaching the WTC final at Lord’s, the outcome of this Test could prove pivotal.


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