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Match 29, ICC CWC Challenge League B, 2024-26

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South Africa vs Sri Lanka, 1st Test Commentary, Live Updates
SA vs SL, 2024 - Test Live Commentary
Match Ended
Kingsmead, Durban
, Nov 27, 2024
191&366/5d
42&282 (79.4)
South Africa beat Sri Lanka by 233 runs
% Chance to Win
SA
SL
DRAW
Inn Break
That ends a pretty one-sided contest from Durban. South Africa were always the favourites but given the confidence Sri Lanka have been blooming with in the past few months, we expected much better. The second Test is not far away, scheduled on Thursday, in Gqeberha and rest assured, there is going to be no letup in terms of a green deck. The Lankans have been decent with the ball, but need to find a way to bat better and longer. Both teams still have a decent chance to make it to the World Test Championship final with the Proteas now in SECOND PLACE and will be eager to strike the right chord in the second Test. The first ball will be bowled at 8 am GMT on Thursday, 5th December, 2024, in that game but our buildup will begin much earlier. Do join us early then. But before that, there is cricketing action to be followed from New Zealand, in the NZ-Eng Test, also from West Indies, in the WI-Ban Test and also the Zimbabwe-Pakistan T20Is. ADIOS! TAKE CARE!
TEMBA BAVUMA, South Africa's victorious skipper, is up for a chat now. Bavuma says he is very happy and it is always nice to start the series with a win. Talks about the tough position they were in on Day 1 but mentions that they believed that they could get out of it and just wanted to put in a partnership. Adds that they assessed that the conditions were favouring seamers and they knew they could exploit them seeing how Sri Lanka bowled. Says that batting was a bit tricky and the intent needed to be there to score and find the odd boundaries. Further mentions that they knew they would have to toil hard to find those last 5 wickets on Day 4 but adds that the way the bowlers did it was great, especially without Mulder. Mentions that they will have to find a replacement for Mulder and the medical team will assess Coetzee. On WTC, he says there have been conversations around it but they haven't kept it too loud and are focusing on how they perform as a team and then let things take care of themselves.
DHANANJAYA DE SILVA, Sri Lanka's captain, admits that the game was lost in their first innings with the bat, putting water over their bowling efforts in the first innings. On the team's mindset after that batting debacle, de Silva plays all around the question, citing that they need to get better. Says that the initial plan was to at least get to 140-150 in the first innings, but it did not happen. Praises Marco Jansen who just did not allow them to breathe. However, the skipper does not want to look too much into the loss and says that it is just one batting debacle. On being asked about what he was asking when he was batting, de Silva says that he was just looking to bat through Day 4.
MARCO JANSEN HAS BEEN NAMED THE PLAYER OF THE MATCH FOR HIS MATCH FIGURES OF 11/86. Jansen says he had always dreamt of taking 5 wickets but to take 10 is a very special feeling and any bowler's dream. Adds that it all sunk in on Friday night and is very glad about how it all panned out. Mentions that the pitch was flatter in the second inning and the ball was doing something every now and then. Concludes that he went through a training and conditioning period and is now enjoying his cricket with a fresh mind.
... THE PRESENTATION ...
Talking about the bowlers, the lanky man stands out tall. Marco Jansen. He blew away the Lankans in their first innings, taking 7 wickets in 41 balls, that means a wicket in roughly every 6 balls! And in the second dig, he finished with 4 wickets, to grab 11 for the match. Kagiso Rabada was decent but bowled way too many no balls. Gerald Coetzee was a big problem, as he leaked way too many runs. From a Sri Lankan perspective, despite the heavy loss, one has to laud the fighting spirit of the three seamers - Asitha Fernando, Vishwa Fernando and Lahiru Kumara. The two Fernandos were nipping the ball beautifully early on while Kumara hit the deck hard throughout. Bores well for Sri Lanka's future. Please stay tuned for the presentation...
Let's give the tourists an applause for showing at least some fight on Saturday. Many thought that it was a matter of a wicket and they would capitulate but Chandimal, skipper Dhananjaya and Kusal Mendis made the Proteas stretch. Eventually, they did fall off towards the end, slipping from 271/6 to 282 all out, but had this type of a scorecard come in the first innings, this match could have been in the balance. Nevertheless, the Lankans have got some batting practice ahead of the second Test.
The verdict was out early with Sri Lanka staring at a target of 516. They lost two quickly too, but then Angelo Mathews and Dinesh Chandimal fought hard. This was amidst a hostile spell by Marco Jansen and Kagiso Rabada, where Chandimal took a lot of blows as well. However, with the fading light and the seamers being allowed to bowl, the Lankans fell prey to that dangerous bowling as they slipped from 82/2 to 101/5. And come Day 4, it was just a matter of when.
After such a horror show in a matter of 70-odd minutes, the visitors found it very tough to lift themselves up. The pitch had seemingly gotten better and though they picked up 3 wickets seemingly quickly, they were given a practical examination on how to bat in difficult conditions by Temba Bavuma and Tristan Stubbs. More so, Stubbs, because normally known as a T20 specialist, he had made the world known that he is eager to do well in Tests after the disappointment in Bangladesh. It was a real grind as both batters were supreme in their concentration levels and the Lankans threw in the towel.
Was the pitch unplayable? Difficult, yes. But not unplayable. Remember, South Africa were 117/7 in the first innings. But Temba Bavuma rallied his lower order around to get to 191, a much decent score. When Sri Lanka came to bat, either they were way too happy with their bowlers and thought that 191 was an underpar score, or had just not factored the change in pitches from Dambulla to Durban. Feet were nowhere near the ball, too many shots were played away from the body and there was simply no patience. Result? Before you could blink, South Africa were batting again.
Talk about 46 all out in Bengaluru. Or 42 all out in Durban. You fall so far behind in the game, that even if you fight hard in the next innings, water has already flown under the bridge. The 46 all out refers to India against New Zealand earlier this year, which also saw them post 462 in the second innings. But did not help. Similarly, here, if you look in isolation, 282 by Sri Lanka is a commendable effort with the bat in the 4th innings. But that 42 all out in their first innings pushed them so far back, that all chances of coming back seemed next to impossible.
There is always a first. Before this game, South Africa had never defeated Sri Lanka in a Test match in Durban. It has happened now. They are pumped up and their dream of reaching the World Test Championship final is still alive.
End Of The Over 79.4 : 282/10
1 Runs
- 1 LB 79.1
- 079.2
- 079.3
- W 79.4
A. Fernando
0 (8)
L. Kumara
5 (15)
M. Jansen
21.4-5-73-4
79.4
W
Marco Jansen To Asitha Fernando OUT!
OUT! TIMBER! What a fitting finish to the game and who better to cap it off than Marco Jansen! Charges in from around the wicket and hits the perfect length, with the angle coming into the batter, on middle and leg, Asitha Fernando takes a few steps back to his leg side and looks to keep it out but the ball zips past his bat and sends the leg stump flying. South Africa win by 233 runs! Marco Jansen finishes with 4 wickets in this inning and 11 in total in this game.
79.3
0
Marco Jansen To Asitha Fernando
Hits the deck hard, on a back of a length, outside off, Asitha Fernando looks to reach for it but misses.
79.2
0
Marco Jansen To Asitha Fernando
Short of a length, on middle and leg, Asitha Fernando backs a long way down leg and just about manages to push it out.
79.1
lb
Marco Jansen To Lahiru Kumara
On a length, on middle and leg, Lahiru Kumara looks to work it around but misses. The ball deflects off his thigh pad and rolls to short fine leg for a single. It's called a leg bye!
End Of The Over 79 : 281/9
5 Runs
- 478.1
- 078.2
- 178.3
- 078.4
- 078.5
- 078.6
A. Fernando
0 (5)
L. Kumara
5 (14)
K. Maharaj
24-5-67-2
78.6
0
Keshav Maharaj To Asitha Fernando
Full on middle, Asitha Fernando gets his bat ahead and blocks.
78.5
0
Keshav Maharaj To Asitha Fernando
A bit short and on off, Asitha Fernando gets low and swats it hard to long off.
78.4
0
Keshav Maharaj To Asitha Fernando
Full, on middle, blocked by Asitha Fernando.
78.3
1
Keshav Maharaj To Lahiru Kumara
In the air, but falls short. A valiant effort from Temba Bavuma! This is slightly short and on off, Lahiru Kumara looks for a big slog sweep but fails to get the timing right. Skews it very high in the air and well behind mid-wicket. Bavuma swivels behind and tries to go for the catch, but the wind takes it further away and despite a dive he only manages to get fingertips on it. The batters cross.
78.2
0
Keshav Maharaj To Lahiru Kumara
Full and on middle, Lahiru Kumara blocks.
78.1
4
Keshav Maharaj To Lahiru Kumara
FOUR! Nicely done! Lahiru Kumara is certain to express himself now. This is flighted full, on off, Kumara dances down the track and slices it over cover for a boundary.
End Of The Over 78 : 276/9
0 Runs
- 077.1
- 077.2
- 077.3
- W 77.4
- 077.5
- 077.6
A. Fernando
0 (2)
L. Kumara
0 (11)
M. Jansen
21-5-73-3
77.6
0
Marco Jansen To Asitha Fernando
Good length, over middle, Asitha Fernando manages to keep it out.
77.5
0
Marco Jansen To Asitha Fernando
On a length, outside off, Asitha Fernando leaves it alone.
Asitha Fernando is the last man in, replacing Kusal Mendis.
77.4
W
Marco Jansen To Kusal Mendis OUT!
OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! There goes the wicket of Mendis and Marco Jansen is thrilled to bits! Gets his 10th wicket in this game. Exceptional bowling! Steams in and hits the back of a length, just outside off. Kusal Mendis hops back and looks to punch it away on the off side. The ball shapes away just a bit to go past and take the outside edge on its way. Kyle Verreynne takes a very straightforward catch and Sri Lanka lose thir 9th. South Africa need 1 more wicket to win while Sri Lanka are 240 runs away.
77.3
0
Marco Jansen To Kusal Mendis
Short of a length, outside off, Kusal Mendis slices it to deep backward point.
77.2
0
Marco Jansen To Kusal Mendis
Angling into the pads, on a length, Kusal Mendis looks to turn it around but misses. The ball goes to fine leg off his pads but they do not take the run. Not sure how long they would hang on like this with the target still 240 runs away.
77.1
0
Marco Jansen To Kusal Mendis
Back of a length, on middle and leg, Kusal Mendis pulls it to fine leg but takes no run.
End Of The Over 77 : 276/8
0 Runs
- 076.1
- 076.2
- 076.3
- 076.4
- 076.5
- 076.6
L. Kumara
0 (11)
K. Mendis
48 (73)
K. Maharaj
23-5-62-2
76.6
0
Keshav Maharaj To Lahiru Kumara
Full and on off, Lahiru Kumara pushes it out on the off side.
76.5
0
Keshav Maharaj To Lahiru Kumara
Pitched up, on middle and off, Lahiru Kumara taps it past silly point but they decide not to take the run, again!
76.4
0
Keshav Maharaj To Lahiru Kumara
At the stumps, on a fuller length, Lahiru Kumara blocks it with a slightly angled bat face. Steers it past slip to his left. They do not take the single though.
76.3
0
Keshav Maharaj To Lahiru Kumara
Slows it up and keeps it fuller, on off, Lahiru Kumara gets ahead very late and blocks.
76.2
0
Keshav Maharaj To Lahiru Kumara
Short and turning in, from around off, Lahiru Kumara waits back and dead bats it down the deck.
76.1
0
Keshav Maharaj To Lahiru Kumara
Tossed up, on middle and off, Lahiru Kumara keeps it out.
Having seen the Lankans capitulate against pace here, one won't be surprised to see another fresh green track at Gqeberha. The only thing South Africa need to ponder is - do they pick a seamer and play a batter short? Or do they pick a batter and rely on these three quicks? Sri Lanka, on the other hand, need to find a way to play Milan Rathnayake. He was excellent in England and will be of use in Gqeberha as well.
End Of The Over 76 : 276/8
4 Runs
- 075.1
- 075.2
- 075.3
- 075.4
- 075.5
- 475.6
K. Mendis
48 (73)
L. Kumara
0 (5)
G. Coetzee
13-0-67-2
75.6
4
Gerald Coetzee To Kusal Mendis
FOUR! How good is that shot? He moves to 48 now! Back of a length, on off, Kusal Mendis waits back and hops a bit. Makes contact with the ball very late, closer to his body and dabs it out through the gap at slip for a boundary.
75.5
0
Gerald Coetzee To Kusal Mendis
Short of a length, outside off, Kusal Mendis reaches for it and cuts it on the bounce to gully.
75.4
0
Gerald Coetzee To Kusal Mendis
On a length, on middle, Kusal Mendis turns it around to deep square leg but doesn't take the run.
75.3
0
Gerald Coetzee To Kusal Mendis
Good length, on off, Kusal Mendis gets behind the line and keeps it down the deck.
75.2
0
Gerald Coetzee To Kusal Mendis
Beautifully bowled! Angles it in, and gets it to nip away off the deck, on a length, around off, Kusal Mendis is beaten on the outside edge.
75.1
0
Gerald Coetzee To Kusal Mendis
Goes full and on off, Kusal Mendis drives it to mid on.
End Of The Over 75 : 272/8
0 Runs
- W 74.1
- 074.2
- 074.3
- 074.4
- 074.5
- 074.6
L. Kumara
0 (5)
K. Mendis
44 (67)
K. Maharaj
22-4-62-2
74.6
0
Keshav Maharaj To Lahiru Kumara
Fuller, around off, smothered away to the off side.
74.5
0
Keshav Maharaj To Lahiru Kumara
On middle and leg again, pushed down the track.
74.4
0
Keshav Maharaj To Lahiru Kumara
Around middle and leg, nudged to the leg side.
74.3
0
Keshav Maharaj To Lahiru Kumara
Plenty of flight outside off, very full, Kumara thinks about the drive but does not get sucked into it. Lets it be.
74.2
0
Keshav Maharaj To Lahiru Kumara
Full, around middle, Lahiru Kumara defends.
Lahiru Kumara walks in at number 10, replacing Vishwa Fernando.
74.1
W
Keshav Maharaj To Vishwa Fernando OUT!
OUT! CAUGHT! One brings two! Maharaj has his second. He has had to work very hard for this. Maharaj flights this one outside off and Vishwa Fernando lunges very hard at it. Not quite advisable on this wicket but then, he is not a top-order batter, is he? Gets a thick outside edge which goes quickly to Aiden Markram at slip who makes no mistake. Vishwa departs for 1 and Sri Lanka are 272/8 now, chasing 516. On the brink. Keshav's father is sitting in the stands and is elated to see his son get success.
End Of The Over 74 : 272/7
5 Runs
- 4 B 73.1
- W 73.2
- 073.3
- 073.4
- 073.5
- 173.6
V. Fernando
1 (4)
K. Mendis
44 (67)
G. Coetzee
12-0-63-2
73.6
1
Gerald Coetzee To Vishwa Fernando
On middle and off, Fernando hops and works it through mid-wicket for a single. 12-0-63-2 are the figures for Gerald Coetzee now.
73.5
0
Gerald Coetzee To Vishwa Fernando
A short ball, around off, Vishwa sways away.
73.4
0
Gerald Coetzee To Vishwa Fernando
Fuller, around middle and leg, Vishwa Fernando looks to defend but gets hit on the pads.
73.3
0
Gerald Coetzee To Vishwa Fernando
On a yorker length, around middle, dug out towards mid on.
Vishwa Fernando walks in at number 9, replacing Dinesh Chandimal.
73.2
W
Gerald Coetzee To Dinesh Chandimal OUT!
OUT! CAUGHT AND BOWLED! South Africa find that breakthrough before the second new ball. Not the best of deliveries to be honest, but they will not care. Gerald Coetzee bowls it on a length, down the leg side and Dinesh Chandimal immediately looks to flick. But the ball holds on the surface a touch and the bat face gets closed early. As a result, a leading edge is induced and the ball goes straight back to Coetzee, who finally gets his second wicket. Does the 'Karate kid' celebration and is pumped now. Chandimal departs for a magnificent 83 and the Africans can sense a quick finish now. 3 wickets away from victory. Sri Lanka are 271/7, chasing 516.
73.1
b
Gerald Coetzee To Dinesh Chandimal
FOUR BYES! When the rub of the green goes your way, you see a lot of greenery in your way. Nothing was going for Sri Lanka on Friday but in a day, plenty has changed. Coetzee sprays this down the leg side, fuller in length and it is so far down the leg side that Chandimal cannot get bat on ball. The poor keeper dives to his left but cannot get there either.
End Of The Over 73 : 267/6
1 Runs
- 072.1
- 072.2
- 172.3
- 072.4
- 072.5
- 072.6
K. Mendis
44 (67)
D. Chandimal
83 (172)
K. Maharaj
21-3-62-1
72.6
0
Keshav Maharaj To Kusal Mendis
Almost a similar delivery, Mendis lunges to push the ball towards cover.
72.5
0
Keshav Maharaj To Kusal Mendis
Floated through the air, not much pace, Kusal lunges to block.
72.4
0
Keshav Maharaj To Kusal Mendis
Around middle and off, watchfully defended by Kusal Mendis.
72.3
1
Keshav Maharaj To Dinesh Chandimal
On middle and leg, Chandimal works it with soft hands towards mid-wicket and takes a quick single. 249 more to win now.
72.2
0
Keshav Maharaj To Dinesh Chandimal
Outside off, cut straight to point.
72.1
0
Keshav Maharaj To Dinesh Chandimal
Full, around off, Dinesh Chandimal defends.
One important thing, as mentioned by the on-air commentators during the Pakistan-England Test series earlier this year, players have stopped or forgotten to shine the old ball. As a result, there is not much sign of reverse swing, a potent weapon in the earlier days, when the ball used to get old.
End Of The Over 72 : 266/6
7 Runs
- 171.1
- 071.2
- 171.3
- 071.4
- 471.5
- 171.6
D. Chandimal
82 (169)
K. Mendis
44 (64)
G. Coetzee
11-0-62-1
71.6
1
Gerald Coetzee To Dinesh Chandimal
Around off, worked through mid on for a single. The stand is worth 70 now.
71.5
4
Gerald Coetzee To Dinesh Chandimal
FOUR! WHAM! Is that the first attacking shot from Chandimal today? Certainly, in my memory. Short and wide outside off, Chandimal slaps it through point and moves to 81!
71.4
0
Gerald Coetzee To Dinesh Chandimal
Slightly short of full, Chandimal looks to drive but the ball suddenly rears up after pitching. Takes the bottom edge and dies down on the pitch.
71.3
1
Gerald Coetzee To Kusal Mendis
On a good length, around off, moving away, Kusal Mendis taps it towards point and scampers through for a run.
71.2
0
Gerald Coetzee To Kusal Mendis
Outside off, watchfully defended.
71.1
1
Gerald Coetzee To Dinesh Chandimal
Short and wide outside off, Dinesh Chandimal almost falls into the trap. He lashes a cut shot but does not keep it down. Nearly holes down the throat of Keshav Maharaj at deep point. A single taken.
This has become a trend now in many countries. The ball does something for the first 40 overs and then does absolutely nothing for the next 40. Players then just keep waiting for the ball to be changed. That's when batting gets easier. Maybe, England might be an exception, due to the conditions and the Dukes ball. Here is Gerald Coetzee now. 10-0-55-1 so far.
End Of The Over 71 : 259/6
8 Runs
- 070.1
- 470.2
- 470.3
- 070.4
- 070.5
- 070.6
K. Mendis
43 (62)
D. Chandimal
76 (165)
K. Maharaj
20-3-61-1
70.6
0
Keshav Maharaj To Kusal Mendis
Another forward defense on offer.
70.5
0
Keshav Maharaj To Kusal Mendis
No flight, pretty flat, outside off, blocked out.
70.4
0
Keshav Maharaj To Kusal Mendis
Full, around off, watchfully defended down the track.
70.3
4
Keshav Maharaj To Kusal Mendis
FOUR MORE! Full and straight, Kusal gets down and sweeps it through fine leg for consecutive boundaries! Mendis moves to 43, in a stand of 63. 257 more needed now.
70.2
4
Keshav Maharaj To Kusal Mendis
FOUR! Another boundary! Well, whatever Sri Lanka had for lunch, it is surely digesting well. They have just been scoring boundaries post Lunch, primarily. Full, flighted, around off, Kusal comes down the track and lofts it over the bowler, beating mid off!
70.1
0
Keshav Maharaj To Kusal Mendis
Floated around off, Kusal Mendis lunges to defend.
End Of The Over 70 : 251/6
5 Runs
- 469.1
- 069.2
- 069.3
- 069.4
- 169.5
- 069.6
D. Chandimal
76 (165)
K. Mendis
35 (56)
M. Jansen
20-4-73-2
69.6
0
Marco Jansen To Dinesh Chandimal
A bit fuller in length and angling into leg, Dinesh Chandimal is late to flick and gets hit on the pad.
69.5
1
Marco Jansen To Kusal Mendis
Good length, angling into the pads, Mendis turns it around towards deep mid-wicket for a single.
69.4
0
Marco Jansen To Kusal Mendis
Fires it in, full and at the stumps, Kusal Mendis covers the line and offers a solid block.
69.3
0
Marco Jansen To Kusal Mendis
Overpitched, outside off, Mendis drives it straight to mid off.
69.2
0
Marco Jansen To Kusal Mendis
Outside off, a fraction wider, Kusal leaves it alone.
69.1
4
Marco Jansen To Kusal Mendis
FOUR! 4 boundaries in the last 7 balls from Jansen! Perfect time to bat for Sri Lanka. The ball has got pretty old and the pitch is still good to bat. And seems like the Proteas are just waiting for the ball to be changed. Jansen bowls it on a length, outside off, Kusal Mendis stands tall, opens the face of his bat and guides it behind point. 250 UP FOR SRI LANKA! 266 more needed now.
End Of The Over 69 : 246/6
1 Runs
- 068.1
- 068.2
- 068.3
- 068.4
- 168.5
- 068.6
D. Chandimal
76 (164)
K. Mendis
30 (51)
K. Maharaj
19-3-53-1
68.6
0
Keshav Maharaj To Dinesh Chandimal
Flighted full, on off, Dinesh Chandimal pushes it to cover.
68.5
1
Keshav Maharaj To Kusal Mendis
50-run stand comes up between these two! A bit more flight and on off, Kusal Mendis drives it to long off for a single.
68.4
0
Keshav Maharaj To Kusal Mendis
Full, on off, Kusal Mendis makes a block towards point.
68.3
0
Keshav Maharaj To Kusal Mendis
Flatter, around off, Kusal defends watchfully.
68.2
0
Keshav Maharaj To Kusal Mendis
Fuller, around middle, driven back to the bowler.
68.1
0
Keshav Maharaj To Kusal Mendis
Flighted, around middle, Kusal Mendis defends.
End Of The Over 68 : 245/6
15 Runs
- 467.1
- 067.2
- 467.3
- 067.4
- 367.5
- 467.6
D. Chandimal
76 (163)
K. Mendis
29 (46)
M. Jansen
19-4-68-2
67.6
4
Marco Jansen To Dinesh Chandimal
FOUR! There's no way that can be stopped! Similar line and length and a similar shot, this time from Chandimal! On a back of a length, on off, Dinesh Chandimal punches it square on the off side for a boundary.
67.5
3
Marco Jansen To Kusal Mendis
Beautiful shot and an even better effort from Stubbs in the field! On a back of a length, on off, Kusal Mendis rocks back and punches it very late through the gap at gully. Tristan Stubbs chases the ball from slips and slides ahead to push it back in. Saves a run.
67.4
0
Marco Jansen To Kusal Mendis
Hits the surface, on a good length, around off and gets it to shape away off the deck Kusal Mendis stays inside the line and looks to block but the ball goes past the outside edge.
67.3
4
Marco Jansen To Kusal Mendis
FOUR MORE! Second in the over. Overpitched from Jansen, around middle, Mendis drives this through mid on. There is no one present and the ball races to the fence. The stand moves to 42 now. 278 more needed to win.
67.2
0
Marco Jansen To Kusal Mendis
Outside off, fuller in length, left alone.
67.1
4
Marco Jansen To Kusal Mendis
FOUR! Overpitched, on middle, Kusal Mendis leans and flicks it through mid-wicket and gets a boundary.
End Of The Over 67 : 230/6
1 Runs
- 166.1
- 066.2
- 066.3
- 066.4
- 066.5
- 066.6
D. Chandimal
72 (162)
K. Mendis
18 (41)
K. Maharaj
18-3-52-1
66.6
0
Keshav Maharaj To Dinesh Chandimal
Full, just around off, turning away, Dinesh Chandimal leans ahead and taps it to short cover.
66.5
0
Keshav Maharaj To Dinesh Chandimal
Tossed up, on middle and off, Dinesh Chandimal blocks.
66.4
0
Keshav Maharaj To Dinesh Chandimal
Lands it nicely on a nagging length, just outside off, this one skids through but Chandimal does well to cut it to point.
66.3
0
Keshav Maharaj To Dinesh Chandimal
Landed outside off, punched towards cover.
66.2
0
Keshav Maharaj To Dinesh Chandimal
Similar ball, Dinesh Chandimal looks to drive inside out but cannot beat Temba Bavuma at short extra cover.
66.1
1
Keshav Maharaj To Kusal Mendis
Floated, around off, Kusal Mendis leans and drives it through mid off for a single.
One of the reasons for more indifferent bounce today thus far has been the deterioration of the pitch. Compared to Days 2 and Days 3, there are a few more spots and some cracks are opening up. If the sun continues to shine as brightly, with the temperatures as high as 27 degrees Celsius, one can expect those cracks to widen even further.
End Of The Over 66 : 229/6
4 Runs
- 065.1
- 365.2
- 065.3
- 065.4
- 165.5
- 065.6
D. Chandimal
72 (157)
K. Mendis
17 (40)
M. Jansen
18-4-53-2
65.6
0
Marco Jansen To Dinesh Chandimal
Digs it in short and over leg, Dinesh Chandimal ducks under.
65.5
1
Marco Jansen To Kusal Mendis
Very full, at the stumps, Kusal Mendis gets low and flicks it to deep mid-wicket for a single.
65.4
0
Marco Jansen To Kusal Mendis
Outside off, on a length, Kusal Mendis lets it go past.
65.3
0
Marco Jansen To Kusal Mendis
Landed outside off, a touch wide, shouldered arms to.
65.2
3
Marco Jansen To Dinesh Chandimal
Nice drive. Fuller, outside off, Chandimal leans and drives it through the covers. Keshav Maharaj has to do all the running from cover-point but manages to get to the ball near the ropes. Three runs taken. Moves to 72, does Chandimal. The partnership is worth 32 now. Sri Lanka need another 288 runs.
65.1
0
Marco Jansen To Dinesh Chandimal
On a good length, outside off, coming back in, Dinesh Chandimal hops and defends it towards covers.
End Of The Over 65 : 225/6
0 Runs
- 064.1
- 064.2
- 064.3
- 064.4
- 064.5
- 064.6
K. Mendis
16 (37)
D. Chandimal
69 (154)
K. Maharaj
17-3-51-1
64.6
0
Keshav Maharaj To Kusal Mendis
Flighted, on off, trying to tempt the batter to drive but Mendis is happy to block.
64.5
0
Keshav Maharaj To Kusal Mendis
Slows it up and keeps it nice and full, at the stumps, Kusal Mendis leans on and pushes it out.
64.4
0
Keshav Maharaj To Kusal Mendis
Full again, on off, Kusal Mendis blocks.
64.3
0
Keshav Maharaj To Kusal Mendis
Flatter and fuller, on middle and off, Kusal Mendis stays deep in the crease and taps it down the deck.
64.2
0
Keshav Maharaj To Kusal Mendis
Floated full, on off, Kusal Mendis makes a block.
64.1
0
Keshav Maharaj To Kusal Mendis
Tossed up, on off, Kusal Mendis cuts it to cover.
The camera pans on Tristan Stubbs who is seen yawning. Can happen, when you are just waiting in the field, for something to happen. Also, it might have been due to a heavy lunch.
Who will bowl from the other end? Keshav Maharaj it shall be. 16-2-51-1 so far.
End Of The Over 64 : 225/6
5 Runs
- 063.1
- 063.2
- 063.3
- 463.4
- 1 LB 63.5
- 063.6
D. Chandimal
69 (154)
K. Mendis
16 (31)
M. Jansen
17-4-49-2
63.6
0
Marco Jansen To Dinesh Chandimal
Goes fuller and outside off, Dinesh Chandimal looks to drive it on the full but misses. The ball goes past the outside edge.
63.5
lb
Marco Jansen To Kusal Mendis
Angling into middle and leg, Kusal Mendis looks to tuck it across but misses. The ball clips his thigh pad and rolls behind to fine leg for a single. Called Leg bye!
63.4
4
Marco Jansen To Kusal Mendis
FOUR! Nicely done! Short of a length, outside off, Kusal Mendis goes back and opens the bat face to steer it through the vacant gully region for a boundary.
63.3
0
Marco Jansen To Kusal Mendis
On a good length, well outside off, Kusal Mendis gets closer to the line and holds his bat high up, making a leave.
63.2
0
Marco Jansen To Kusal Mendis
Full and on off, Kusal Mendis eases it out to mid off.
63.1
0
Marco Jansen To Kusal Mendis
Starts from around the wicket and lands it on a good length, outside off, Kusal Mendis makes a leave first up.
We’re back for the afternoon session! The umpires are out in the middle, followed by Kusal Mendis and Dinesh Chandimal, ready to extend their partnership and fight for a big stand. The Proteas spread across the field and it will be Marco Jansen (16-4-45-2) to start the proceedings this session. Away we go!
... DAY 4, SESSION 2 ...
Kusal Mendis joined Chandimal, and the pair steadied the innings with a 24-run stand to see through to Lunch. With a monumental task ahead, they’ll need to continue digging in and building this partnership. The second new ball, now just 17 overs away, promises tougher challenges later in the day, making it crucial for both batters to head into that phase with confidence and momentum. The Proteas, however, will be eager to break this stand early. They will know that one wicket could expose the tail and open up one end, and they’ll be targeting exactly that as they return. The second session is scheduled to resume at 10.25 am GMT!
There were several close calls, especially off Rabada, with the ball evading both the edges narrowly and edges falling short of the fielders. After a luckless Day 3, fortune seemed to finally favour Sri Lanka. Chandimal held one end with steely resolve, while de Silva counterattacked effectively, keeping the scoreboard ticking. Both batters reached well-earned half centuries, leaving the Proteas looking increasingly frustrated to find a breakthrough. However, just as the partnership threatened, de Silva gifted his wicket to Maharaj, ending a gritty 95-run stand.
While the Proteas remain firmly in control of the game, they weren’t at their sharpest with the ball to begin the day. The decision to open with Coetzee alongside Rabada didn’t pay off for the hosts. Rabada was disciplined and probing, but Coetzee’s wayward lines released the pressure, allowing Dinesh Chandimal and Dhananjaya de Silva to settle back in. By the time Marco Jansen was brought into the attack, the pair had weathered the tricky first half hour and found some rhythm.
SESSION SUMMARY - 32 Overs, 117 Runs and 1 Wicket! Despite losing a key wicket, this session belonged to the visitors, who displayed grit and determination right from the start of the day's play. After two difficult days where nothing seemed to go their way, they’ve finally found a foothold and something to build on.
End Of The Over 63 : 220/6
2 Runs
- 162.1
- 062.2
- 062.3
- 062.4
- 162.5
- 062.6
D. Chandimal
69 (153)
K. Mendis
12 (26)
K. Maharaj
16-2-51-1
62.6
0
Keshav Maharaj To Dinesh Chandimal
Very full, around middle, Dinesh Chandimal keeps it out. LUNCH ON DAY 4, SRI LANKA ARE 220/6, CHASING 516!
62.5
1
Keshav Maharaj To Kusal Mendis
Thrown up, outside off, Mendis drives it past cover for a run.
62.4
0
Keshav Maharaj To Kusal Mendis
A touch short, outside off, Kusal punches it towards cover.
62.3
0
Keshav Maharaj To Kusal Mendis
Flatter, around middle, well defended.
62.2
0
Keshav Maharaj To Kusal Mendis
Full, around middle, Kusal Mendis defends.
62.1
1
Keshav Maharaj To Dinesh Chandimal
Around off, pushed towards long on for a single.
End Of The Over 62 : 218/6
5 Runs
- 1 NB 61.1
- 061.1
- 1 NB 61.2
- 061.2
- 161.3
- 061.4
- 061.5
- 261.6
K. Mendis
11 (22)
D. Chandimal
68 (151)
K. Rabada
21-3-65-2
61.6
2
Kagiso Rabada To Kusal Mendis
A bit too straight, Mendis plays that well off his hip, tucking it through square leg. Charges back for the second. Excellent running. 298 more to win now.
61.5
0
Kagiso Rabada To Kusal Mendis
On a good length, outside off, Kusal takes his bat away from the line.
61.4
0
Kagiso Rabada To Kusal Mendis
A bouncer, around off, Kusal Mendis ducks.
61.3
1
Kagiso Rabada To Dinesh Chandimal
Down the leg side, Dinesh tucks it towards fine leg for a single.
61.2
0
Kagiso Rabada To Dinesh Chandimal
Outside off, on a length, Chandimal steers it behind point where Marco Jansen dives to his right and fields it well.
61.2
nb
Kagiso Rabada To Dinesh Chandimal
And now, ANOTHER NO BALL! Rabada oversteps again. Around off, well defended.
61.1
0
Kagiso Rabada To Dinesh Chandimal
Outside off, on a length, Chandimal looks to defend but the ball rears up suddenly. Pats it down the track.
Should be the last over before Lunch. At least, for Rabada.
61.1
nb
Kagiso Rabada To Dinesh Chandimal
Fuller, around off, Dinesh Chandimal looks to defend but the feet go nowhere. Gets a thick inside edge onto his pads. Oh dear. ANOTHER NO BALL. Called by the third umpire. For overstepping.
End Of The Over 61 : 213/6
5 Runs
- 160.1
- 060.2
- 060.3
- 060.4
- 060.5
- 460.6
K. Mendis
9 (19)
D. Chandimal
67 (146)
K. Maharaj
15-2-49-1
60.6
4
Keshav Maharaj To Kusal Mendis
FOUR! Very well played. Short and quick outside off, Kusal Mendis quickly goes back, opens the face of his bat and guides it to the left of Gerald Coetzee at backward point.
60.5
0
Keshav Maharaj To Kusal Mendis
Slower, around middle and leg, KM gets a good stride in to defend.
60.4
0
Keshav Maharaj To Kusal Mendis
Quicker, outside off, holds its line, Kusal lets it go.
60.3
0
Keshav Maharaj To Kusal Mendis
Around off, pushed to the off side.
60.2
0
Keshav Maharaj To Kusal Mendis
Around middle and leg, Kusal Mendis lunges to defend. There is a big shout for LBW from Kyle Verreynne but Maharaj is not interested. 'What's wrong?' asks Verreynne. Maharaj indicates that it was going down the leg side.
60.1
1
Keshav Maharaj To Dinesh Chandimal
Fuller, around middle, Dinesh Chandimal drives it towards long off for a single.
End Of The Over 60 : 208/6
0 Runs
- 059.1
- 059.2
- 059.3
- 059.4
- 059.5
- 059.6
K. Mendis
5 (14)
D. Chandimal
66 (145)
K. Rabada
20-3-60-2
59.6
0
Kagiso Rabada To Kusal Mendis
And again. Another play and a miss. Fuller length, outside off, Kusal tries to keep his bat inside the line but is beaten by the late away movement. Consecutive maidens.
59.5
0
Kagiso Rabada To Kusal Mendis
Beauty. Similar to the previous ball and this time, Mendis plays at it. The ball lands but then moves away off the seam, to beat the outside edge.
59.4
0
Kagiso Rabada To Kusal Mendis
Ahhh... fuller, outside off, KM comes forward, thinks about playing at that, but at the last moment, takes his bat away. Just in the nick of time.
59.3
0
Kagiso Rabada To Kusal Mendis
Down the leg side this time, Mendis hops across and looks to tuck it away but misses. The ball does not carry to his counterpart.
59.2
0
Kagiso Rabada To Kusal Mendis
Fuller, outside off, Kusal shoulders his arms.
59.1
0
Kagiso Rabada To Kusal Mendis
On a good length, outside off, Kusal Mendis dabs it towards cover.
End Of The Over 59 : 208/6
0 Runs
- 058.1
- 058.2
- 058.3
- 058.4
- 058.5
- 058.6
D. Chandimal
66 (145)
K. Mendis
5 (8)
K. Maharaj
14-2-44-1
58.6
0
Keshav Maharaj To Dinesh Chandimal
Very full, around middle, pushed towards mid on.
58.5
0
Keshav Maharaj To Dinesh Chandimal
The arm ball, around middle, DC is squared up but manages to keep it out.
58.4
0
Keshav Maharaj To Dinesh Chandimal
Full, on middle, Dinesh works it towards short mid-wicket.
58.3
0
Keshav Maharaj To Dinesh Chandimal
Around off, pushed towards cover.
58.2
0
Keshav Maharaj To Dinesh Chandimal
Beautifully bowled. Maharaj tosses this one up, outside off and Chandimal comes forward to defend. But the ball then pitches, grips and turns away, beating the outside edge. Kyle Verreynne whips the bails off and appeals for a stumping, but Chandimal never left the crease.
58.1
0
Keshav Maharaj To Dinesh Chandimal
Full, outside off, Dinesh Chandimal reaches out and pushes the ball towards cover.
End Of The Over 58 : 208/6
3 Runs
- 057.1
- 157.2
- 057.3
- 1 NB 57.4
- 057.4
- 1 LB 57.5
- 057.6
K. Mendis
5 (8)
D. Chandimal
66 (139)
K. Rabada
19-2-60-2
57.6
0
Kagiso Rabada To Kusal Mendis
Around off, well defended.
57.5
lb
Kagiso Rabada To Dinesh Chandimal
A length ball, down the leg side, DC looks to tuck it away but misses. Is hit and Rabada goes up in a huge appeal for LBW. He is the only one appealing and for a reason. One could see all the three stumps when the ball hit the pads. Rabada looks for support from his keeper but gets none. The ball dribbles towards fine leg and a leg bye is taken.
57.4
0
Kagiso Rabada To Dinesh Chandimal
Fuller, around off, Dinesh gets across to defend but gets a thick inside edge onto his pads.
57.4
nb
Kagiso Rabada To Dinesh Chandimal
Nips back in sharply, from a length outside off, Chandimal hops again and looks to tuck it away but misses and is hit on the pads. Oh dear. NO BALL signalled, after information from the third umpire. Another overstep from Rabada. His 8th.
57.3
0
Kagiso Rabada To Dinesh Chandimal
Good length, outside of, moving away. Dinesh Chandimal hops and pushes it towards mid on.
57.2
1
Kagiso Rabada To Kusal Mendis
Short, around off, Kusal swivels and pulls it nicely through mid-wicket for a single.
57.1
0
Kagiso Rabada To Kusal Mendis
On a good length, around off, Kusal Mendis defends.
End Of The Over 57 : 205/6
4 Runs
- 056.1
- 056.2
- 056.3
- 456.4
- 056.5
- 056.6
D. Chandimal
66 (135)
K. Mendis
4 (5)
K. Maharaj
13-1-44-1
56.6
0
Keshav Maharaj To Dinesh Chandimal
Around middle and off, well blocked out.
56.5
0
Keshav Maharaj To Dinesh Chandimal
Around middle and leg, nudged towards short mid-wicket.
56.4
4
Keshav Maharaj To Dinesh Chandimal
FOUR! Not convincing at all. Tossed up, outside off, Dinesh Chandimal looks to go through the covers but the ball drifts in, takes the inner half of the bat and lobs just over the bowler. Runs down to the long off fence.
56.3
0
Keshav Maharaj To Dinesh Chandimal
Full, outside off, driven towards mid on.
56.2
0
Keshav Maharaj To Dinesh Chandimal
Around off, punched towards point.
56.1
0
Keshav Maharaj To Dinesh Chandimal
Outside off, Dinesh Chandimal pushes it towards cover, sets off for a single, but gets sent back this time! Second piece of miscommunication in two balls!
End Of The Over 56 : 201/6
5 Runs
- 055.1
- 055.2
- 155.3
- 455.4
- 055.5
- 055.6
K. Mendis
4 (5)
D. Chandimal
62 (129)
K. Rabada
18-2-58-2
55.6
0
Kagiso Rabada To Kusal Mendis
Mix up, mixup, SAFE! My word. What was Kusal Mendis thinking there? He apologizes to his partner now. That would have been the mother of all Christmas gifts. Outside off, Mendis tapped it to the left of mid off and set off like a hare, without calling, for the single. Dinesh Chandimal was never interested in that single and for a reason. It was Temba Bavuma out there. The Protea skipper swooped onto the ball like a hawk and fired a direct hit at the striker's end. He missed but Kyle Verreynne collected it and hit the stumps. Luckily for Sri Lanka, Mendis was home, after being sent back.
55.5
0
Kagiso Rabada To Kusal Mendis
Around middle and leg, Kusal nudges it to the leg side.
55.4
4
Kagiso Rabada To Kusal Mendis
FOUR! Not a bad start to your innings. On a good length, outside off, Kusal Mendis gets across and just punches it through cover-point for a boundary. Exquisite timing! 200 UP FOR SRI LANKA! 315 more needed.
55.3
1
Kagiso Rabada To Dinesh Chandimal
Around offf, worked through mid-wicket for a single. 319 more needed now.
55.2
0
Kagiso Rabada To Dinesh Chandimal
On a good length, outside off, nipping back in, Chandimal looks to tuck it away but misses. The ball hits his pads and goes to the keeper. There are appeals for both, LBW and caught behind, but get neither.
55.1
0
Kagiso Rabada To Dinesh Chandimal
A sharp short ball, around off. Dinesh Chandimal takes his eyes off the ball and does something between ducking and pulling. Does both eventually, with his eyes closed and somehow, fends it to the leg side.
End Of The Over 55 : 196/6
1 Runs
- 054.1
- 154.2
- 054.3
- W 54.4
- 054.5
- 054.6
K. Mendis
0 (2)
D. Chandimal
61 (126)
K. Maharaj
12-1-40-1
54.6
0
Keshav Maharaj To Kusal Mendis
Fuller now, around off, Kusal Mendis gets a good stride to block. 12-1-40-1 are the figures for Keshav Maharaj.
54.5
0
Keshav Maharaj To Kusal Mendis
Around off, nudged to the leg side.
Kusal Mendis walks in at number 8, replacing his skipper, Dhananjaya de Silva. The last ray of hope for the Lankans.
54.4
W
Keshav Maharaj To Dhananjaya de Silva OUT!
OUT! CAUGHT! That is just a gift. What a soft, soft dismissal. The Lankan skipper will be gutted. He has done all the hard work and then just given it away on a platter, like a Christmas gift. Change of pace did the trick. Keshav Maharaj just slowed this through the air, and landed just a bit short around off. Dhananjaya de Silva just looked to tuck it through the leg side but played just that tad early. Instead of working it through square leg, he ended up chipping it straight to Tristan Stubbs at short mid-wicket. The Lankan skipper just stands there in disbelief, before trudging off. Departs for a well made 59 (81) and the 95-run stand is broken. Sri Lanka are 196/6 and need another 320 runs.
54.3
0
Keshav Maharaj To Dhananjaya de Silva
Very slow through the air, delivered with a bit of round arm, Dhananjaya de Silva defends watchfully.
54.2
1
Keshav Maharaj To Dinesh Chandimal
Around middle, Chandimal pushes it towards long on for a single.
54.1
0
Keshav Maharaj To Dinesh Chandimal
Full, outside off, Dinesh Chandimal defends it to the off side.
Talking about body language, perhaps for the first time in this match, everyone looks relaxed in the Lankan dressing room. Maybe, there is a sense of belief. Not necessarily about a win, but at least a fight. On the same note, South Africa might be feeling a bit frustrated. Guess the best thing for them to do, with Lunch not too far ahead, is increase the slip cordon. You can afford to consider a few boundaries in front of the wicket with so many runs in the bag but not behind.
End Of The Over 54 : 195/5
1 Runs
- 053.1
- 053.2
- 053.3
- 153.4
- 053.5
- 053.6
de Silva
59 (79)
D. Chandimal
60 (124)
K. Rabada
17-2-53-2
53.6
0
Kagiso Rabada To Dhananjaya de Silva
Outside off, on a length, moving away, de Silva opens the face of his bat and guides it straight to slip.
53.5
0
Kagiso Rabada To Dhananjaya de Silva
Now that hits one of the cracks. It lands on a length and then jags back sharply, bouncing high too. Dhananjaya de Silva hops and manages to keep it down.
53.4
1
Kagiso Rabada To Dinesh Chandimal
A bit too straight, DC works it towards fine leg for a single. Moves to 60.
53.3
0
Kagiso Rabada To Dinesh Chandimal
A bouncer, but down the leg side, Dinesh ducks.
53.2
0
Kagiso Rabada To Dinesh Chandimal
Landed outside off, Chandimal almost played that as an afterthought. Maybe he was thinking to play and then leave or vice versa. The ball went off the toe end of the bat towards cover.
53.1
0
Kagiso Rabada To Dinesh Chandimal
On a good length, around off, Dinesh Chandimal pushes it towards mid on.
Mini discussion. A long chat goes on between three South African players, not sure who, because the camera did not pan on them. After all that, we see Kagiso Rabada been given the ball. 16-2-52-2 so far.
End Of The Over 53 : 194/5
3 Runs
- 052.1
- 152.2
- 152.3
- 052.4
- 152.5
- 052.6
de Silva
59 (77)
D. Chandimal
59 (120)
K. Maharaj
11-1-39-0
52.6
0
Keshav Maharaj To Dhananjaya de Silva
Full, on middle, Dhananjaya de Silva blocks it with soft hands.
52.5
1
Keshav Maharaj To Dinesh Chandimal
A tad bit short and outside off, Dinesh Chandimal cuts it to cover-point and squeezes in a quick single.
52.4
0
Keshav Maharaj To Dinesh Chandimal
Floated full, on middle, Dinesh Chandimal taps it down the surface.
52.3
1
Keshav Maharaj To Dhananjaya de Silva
Down the leg side, helped through fine leg for a run.
52.2
1
Keshav Maharaj To Dinesh Chandimal
Similar action but this one lands on middle. Chandimal pushes it towards mid on and sees Marco Jansen resting on his heels. Immediately calls for the single. Dhananjaya de Silva is late to respond but by the time Jansen can get to the ball, pick it up and even score a direct hit at the keeper's end, de Silva is in.
52.1
0
Keshav Maharaj To Dinesh Chandimal
Delivered with a bit of round arm, flighted around leg, Dinesh Chandimal defends it.
End Of The Over 52 : 191/5
1 Runs
- 151.1
- 051.2
- 051.3
- 051.4
- 051.5
- 051.6
de Silva
58 (75)
D. Chandimal
57 (116)
G. Coetzee
10-0-55-1
51.6
0
Gerald Coetzee To Dhananjaya de Silva
Outside off, on a back of a length, Dhananjaya de Silva stays deep in the crease and plays inside the line.
51.5
0
Gerald Coetzee To Dhananjaya de Silva
Angling in, just down leg, Dhananjaya de Silva hops back and looks to tickle but misses. The ball brushes his trouser and goes to the keeper to his left.
51.4
0
Gerald Coetzee To Dhananjaya de Silva
Short of a length, outside off, Dhananjaya de Silva whips it off the lower end of his bat and hits it straight to mid off. Not much bounce on that one from Coetzee!
51.3
0
Gerald Coetzee To Dhananjaya de Silva
Down the leg side, de Silva looks to tuck it away but misses. The ball hits his pads and rolls towards leg gully. Yes, a leg gully has been stationed. So Dhananjaya needs to be watchful with that flick shot.
51.2
0
Gerald Coetzee To Dhananjaya de Silva
On a good length, around middle, Dhananjaya de Silva hops and defends it towards mid on.
51.1
1
Gerald Coetzee To Dinesh Chandimal
A length ball, around middle, Dinesh Chandimal works it through mid-wicket for a single. The stand moves to 90 now.
End Of The Over 51 : 190/5
8 Runs
- 050.1
- 150.2
- 050.3
- 150.4
- 050.5
- 650.6
de Silva
58 (70)
D. Chandimal
56 (115)
K. Maharaj
10-1-36-0
50.6
6
Keshav Maharaj To Dhananjaya de Silva
SIX! That's one way to counter! Tossed up, on off, Dhananjaya de Silva uses his feet. Gets to the pitch of the ball and lofts it over long off for a biggie.
50.5
0
Keshav Maharaj To Dhananjaya de Silva
Flighted full, on off, Dhananjaya de Silva lunges and looks to block. Gets an inside edge off his pads to leg slip.
50.4
1
Keshav Maharaj To Dinesh Chandimal
Full and outside off, Dinesh Chandimal pushes it to deep point for a single.
50.3
0
Keshav Maharaj To Dinesh Chandimal
Oohhh... drifts through, Chandimal pushes too hard and gets a thick inside edge. Lands just short of short leg.
50.2
1
Keshav Maharaj To Dhananjaya de Silva
Goes back and works it past short leg for a single.
50.1
0
Keshav Maharaj To Dhananjaya de Silva
Around off, pushed towards mid on.
End Of The Over 50 : 182/5
4 Runs
- 049.1
- 049.2
- 449.3
- 049.4
- 049.5
- 049.6
D. Chandimal
55 (113)
de Silva
51 (66)
G. Coetzee
9-0-54-1
49.6
0
Gerald Coetzee To Dinesh Chandimal
On a length, on off, Dinesh Chandimal pushes it to mid on.
49.5
0
Gerald Coetzee To Dinesh Chandimal
Full and charging in at the stumps, Dinesh Chandimal knocks it to mid on to his right.
49.4
0
Gerald Coetzee To Dinesh Chandimal
Hard length, over off, Dinesh Chandimal hops back and keeps it down the deck.
49.3
4
Gerald Coetzee To Dinesh Chandimal
FOUR! Nicely played. For the first time in the game, one senses a bit of pressure on the South Africans. They are struggling for control and the Lankans are making use of that. Coetzee goes way too straight, on a length and Dinesh Chandimal tickles it nicely through fine leg for a boundary. The stand moves to 81.
49.2
0
Gerald Coetzee To Dinesh Chandimal
Keeps this on the stumps, on a length again, but the ball stays low this time. Chandimal has to adjust quickly and pushes it away towards short mid-wicket.
Can Gerald Coetzee find some rhythm in his spell?
49.1
0
Gerald Coetzee To Dinesh Chandimal
Gerald Coetzee returns to bowl. 8-0-50-1 so far. Starts with a length ball outside off and generates extra bounce. Dinesh Chandimal arches back from that one.
End Of The Over 49 : 178/5
10 Runs
- 048.1
- 248.2
- 448.3
- 048.4
- 048.5
- 448.6
de Silva
51 (66)
D. Chandimal
51 (107)
K. Maharaj
9-1-28-0
48.6
4
Keshav Maharaj To Dhananjaya de Silva
FOUR AND FIFTY FOR DE SILVA! It took the umpire a while to signal it as runs and not a leg bye, but Dhananjaya de Silva won’t be celebrating much just yet. He's being positive in his approach and has looked to fight fire with fire thus far! He is slowly but surely leading his side out of trouble. Flatter and fuller, coming on with the arm, on middle and leg, Dhananjaya de Silva sweeps and gets just enough on it to beat the fielder at short fine to his right.
48.5
0
Keshav Maharaj To Dhananjaya de Silva
Full and on middle, Dhananjaya de Silva keeps it out.
48.4
0
Keshav Maharaj To Dhananjaya de Silva
Follows up with a great delivery. Tosses it up, on off, and gets the ball to turn away past the outside edge as Dhananjaya de Silva looks to block.
48.3
4
Keshav Maharaj To Dhananjaya de Silva
FOUR! WHAM! Flighted, outside off, this time Dhananjaya de Silva gets down and sweeps it powerfully, through mid-wicket! The stand moves to 73.
48.2
2
Keshav Maharaj To Dhananjaya de Silva
Cheeky. Very full and straight, Dhananjaya de Silva gets down and across. Riskily takes the ball from the stumps and paddles it through fine leg. Had he missed, he was a goner. Two runs taken.
48.1
0
Keshav Maharaj To Dhananjaya de Silva
Full, outside off, Dhananjaya de Silva drives it straight to cover.
Interesting point from Mike Haysman on air. He informs us that he was observing the South African bowlers this morning, while warming up. He adds that NONE of the seamers were landing their foot behind the line and were only concentrating on loosening their bodies. One understands that is a warmup, but probably, because they are not focusing on the popping crease there, this bad habit of overstepping is creeping in consistently. On the other hand, Haysman adds, the Sri Lankans were bowling too. But NONE of them bowled a no ball in the nets. All about perspective and priority.
End Of The Over 48 : 168/5
4 Runs
- 447.1
- 047.2
- 047.3
- 047.4
- 047.5
- 047.6
D. Chandimal
51 (107)
de Silva
41 (60)
M. Jansen
16-4-45-2
47.6
0
Marco Jansen To Dinesh Chandimal
Angling in, way down leg, Dinesh Chandimal lets it pass.
47.5
0
Marco Jansen To Dinesh Chandimal
A bit closer to the off-stump, on a length, Dinesh Chandimal is very confident on where his off stump is. Covers it, trusts the bounce and makes the leave.
47.4
0
Marco Jansen To Dinesh Chandimal
Full, outside off, Dinesh Chandimal holds his wrists up and makes a leave.
47.3
0
Marco Jansen To Dinesh Chandimal
Overpitched, outside off, Dinesh drives it straight to cover.
47.2
0
Marco Jansen To Dinesh Chandimal
Outside off, closer to the off stump, on a length, Chandimal shoulders arms.
47.1
4
Marco Jansen To Dinesh Chandimal
FOUR! 50 FOR CHANDIMAL! A hard-fought one. Copped a lot of blows last evening and continues to hang in there, showing some fight. Gets a short ball first up from Jansen after the break and goes for the pull. Does not connect cleanly as he is cramped for room amd ends up dragging it. But the ball is through mid on where there is no fielder and will race to the ropes. 348 more needed now.
DRINKS BREAK. Round 1 goes to Sri Lanka. They have not been the most convincing, but have done what matters the most - not lost wickets. South Africa started a bit inconsistently with the ball this morning. Kagiso Rabada was on the money but Gerald Coetzee is still looking far from his best. Not quite sure what was the reason behind that pairing, as the Rabada-Jansen combo rocked the Lankans with the new ball and also last evening. Maybe, that allowed the visitors to get away and they have seen off the first 70 minutes without any blemish. Dinesh Chandimal has dropped down to an anchor role while skipper Dhananjaya de Silva is playing the way he knows best - attackingly. He has survived quite a few close calls, inside edges missing the stumps, outside edges landing short, being squared up, being beaten but he has countered all that and raced to 41. Irrespective, the Lankans will know that they have a long road ahead. The ball is still deviating off the surface, so one will definitely have a batter's name on it. South Africa will understand that and need to be patient. Both sides need to reapply themselves and start again. Next stop for the Lankans - stay 5 down at Lunch.
End Of The Over 47 : 164/5
8 Runs
- 446.1
- 046.2
- 446.3
- 046.4
- 046.5
- 046.6
de Silva
41 (60)
D. Chandimal
47 (101)
K. Maharaj
8-1-18-0
46.6