Play was halted after lunch on day one of the first Test between South Africa and Sri Lanka at Kingsmead due to rain. South Africa finished the day at 80 for four.
Lahiru Kumara secured two wickets for 35 runs, capitalizing on the seamer-friendly conditions. Sri Lanka effectively targeted the South African top order. Both teams are eager for a victory to boost their World Test Championship final chances.
South African captain Temba Bavuma (28 not out) and Kyle Verreynne (9 not out) will return to the crease on Thursday. The weather forecast looks promising for the remaining days of the match.
Sri Lanka won the toss and opted to bowl first under overcast conditions. They quickly put pressure on the South African batsmen, exploiting the movement off the wicket.
Sri Lanka’s seamers found success early, inducing edges from the South African batsmen, resulting in catches in the slips.
Aiden Markram (9) edged Asitha Fernando to Angelo Mathews at first slip. Shortly after, opener Tony de Zorzi (4) edged Vishwa Fernando to Kamindu Mendis at second slip.
Tristan Stubbs contributed 16 runs before becoming Kumara’s first victim, caught by Dimuth Karunaratne at third slip. Sri Lanka’s bowlers maintained a consistent line, forcing the batsmen into difficult shots.
David Bedingham (4) was bowled by Kumara with a delivery that nipped back sharply. Kumara nearly had another wicket when Bavuma was caught down the leg side, but the delivery was ruled a no-ball due to an overstep.
Both teams are still vying for a spot in the World Test Championship final. They will likely need to win at least three of their remaining four Tests to secure a place. A draw would be unhelpful for either team.
South Africa will host Pakistan for a two-Test series after the Sri Lanka series. Sri Lanka will then host Australia for two Tests starting in January.
