The second Test between South Africa and Sri Lanka is set for a thrilling conclusion as both teams chase a result that could shape their aspirations for the ICC World Test Championship final. At stumps on Day 4, Sri Lanka were 205 for 5, needing 143 runs to pull off a record-breaking chase of 348, while South Africa required five wickets to secure a 2-0 series sweep.
Sri Lanka’s hopes were kept alive by an unbeaten 83-run stand between skipper Dhananjaya de Silva and Kusal Mendis, both resolute on 39. The duo demonstrated remarkable intent, maintaining a brisk run rate of over four an over, but the challenge ahead remains daunting. The highest successful run chase at this venue is Australia’s 271 for 8 against South Africa in 1997, making this task a herculean one for the visitors.
South Africa vs Sri Lanka, 2nd Test Day 4 HIGHLIGHTS
South Africa, meanwhile, will take confidence from their ability to strike in crucial moments. The day began with Sri Lankan spinner Prabath Jayasuriya claiming his first five-wicket haul outside home soil, finishing with figures of 5 for 129 as South Africa were bowled out for 317 shortly after lunch. Temba Bavuma’s 66 anchored the hosts’ innings, as he reached his 24th Test fifty before falling to Jayasuriya.
In response, Sri Lanka’s chase started aggressively but faltered early. Pathum Nissanka (18) and skipper Dimuth Karunaratne (1) were dismissed before tea. Kagiso Rabada trapped Karunaratne lbw, while Nissanka was undone chasing a wide delivery from Dane Paterson.
Dinesh Chandimal (29) and Angelo Mathews (32) provided brief resistance, but South Africa’s spinners turned the tide. Keshav Maharaj delivered a pivotal spell, removing Mathews with a flatter delivery and then trapping the dangerous Kamindu Mendis (35) with a sharp bat-pad catch by Kyle Verreynne.
Sri Lanka found themselves teetering at 122 for 5, but Dhananjaya and Kusal stabilized the innings, taking the contest into the final day. The duo’s challenge on Day 5 will not only involve countering the second new ball, due in 28 overs, but also navigating potentially tricky morning conditions.
South Africa, riding high after their dominant 233-run win in the first Test in Durban, remain favorites to seal the series. However, Sri Lanka can draw inspiration from their historic chase at the same venue in 2019, where Kusal Mendis was pivotal in an unbeaten partnership to secure victory.
With both teams eyeing a place in the WTC final at Lord’s, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
