Vernon Philander and Kagiso Rabada bagged 2 wickets each as the host’s fast bowlers left the Lankan batting in tatters following South Africa’s 426 in the first innings.
South Africa were dismissed for 426 on the second day in Johannesburg following a brilliant bowling spell by Nuwan Pradeep. Pradeep bagged 4 wickets, conceding just 20 runs in the process and with it lifting the Sri Lankan spirits.
The hosts managed to add 98 runs on the second morning losing 7 wickets as the Lankan pace attack dismantled the African batting line-up after a disappointing performance on the 1st day of the Test. Quinton de Kock was the only batsman to make a considerable contribution following Hashim Amla’s and JP Duminy’s centuries.
Duanne Olivier was the first to be dismissed on day two as Angelo Mathews finally made a breakthrough with his bowling. Faf du Plessis was the next to follow 18 runs later.
Temba Bavuma, Hashim Amla and Vernon Philander all followed soon after as the hosts were 378 for the loss of 8 wickets. South Africa’s total went past 400 as de Kock managed 34 which included 5 fours. Wayne Parnell was the only other tail ender to reach double figures with 23 including 4 fours as South Africa ended with 426 in the second session of the game.
Photos: Sri Lanka v South Africa 3rd Test – Day 2
Photos of the Sri Lanka v South Africa 3rd Test – Day 2
Sri Lanka came out to bat, facing an uphill task. Dimuth Karunaratne, in usual fashion, fished outside the off stump, falling to Philander in the very 1st over of the innings, after surviving a review for a caught behind two balls earlier.
Kaushal Silva and Kusal Mendis steadied the visitor’s ship and went into tea with 46 on the board for the loss of a single wicket.
Silva failed yet again as he edged 11 balls into the final session following tea as he fell prey to Kagiso Rabada for 13. Mendis followed suit as he was bounced out by Rabada 15 runs after the fall of Silva.
Dhananjaya De Silva’s stay was limited to 24 balls as the promising number seven batsman failed at his new batting position slicing one to Bavuma who took an excellent reflex catch at cover point.
Angelo Mathews was joined by Dinesh Chandimal and the two most experienced Lankan batsmen were put to test yet again in the series. Captain Mathews and Vice-Captain Chandimal put on a 10 run partnership in 7 overs as bad light halted play and subsequently forced the umpires to call off play for day two.
