South Africa Needs Eight Wickets as Sri Lanka Pursues 348-Run Target

South Africa requires eight wickets to secure victory over Sri Lanka, who are chasing a target of 348 runs in the second Test match at Gqeberha. After the home team was dismissed for 317, Sri Lanka stands at 60 for 2 at tea, needing 288 more runs to win. Temba Bavuma led with the bat for South Africa, while Prabath Jayasuriya achieved a five-wicket haul.

In Gqeberha, South Africa has set Sri Lanka a formidable target of 348 runs to win the second Test match, having already dismissed the Sri Lankan openers on the fourth day with the visitors at 60 for 2 at tea. South Africa’s innings was concluded at 317 runs after lunch, leading to a 347-run advantage over Sri Lanka, which faced the challenge of achieving a record chase in this venue. The Sri Lankan batsmen, aiming to chase down the target, saw Pathum Nissanka and Dimuth Karunaratne quickly dismissed, with Nissanka making 18 and Karunaratne scoring just one run. Dinesh Chandimal (29) and Angelo Mathews (6) remained at the crease as the match proceeded into the later stages.

Having taken a 347-run lead, South Africa’s innings included a commendable performance from captain Temba Bavuma, who resumed his innings with 48 and scored a total of 66 runs. Bavuma has demonstrated consistent form with a century and three fifties throughout this two-Test series, though he continues to struggle with converting these half-centuries into significant hundreds. On the bowling side, Prabath Jayasuriya recorded his first five-wicket haul outside of Sri Lanka, boasting impressive figures of 5 for 129 in 34 overs, which played a crucial role in stymying the South African batting line-up.

South Africa previously triumphed over Sri Lanka by a margin of 233 runs in the first Test held in Durban, giving them a competitive edge in the series. As Sri Lanka ventures into the remaining overs, they require a further 288 runs to clinch the Test match and even the series, while South Africa aims to secure victory by capturing the remaining wickets.

This article pertains to the second Test match between South Africa and Sri Lanka, highlighting crucial moments in the match, particularly on the fourth day. It discusses South Africa’s innings, a substantial target set for Sri Lanka to chase, and individual performances affecting the match’s dynamics. The context is that South Africa previously won the first Test, creating a competitive scenario as Sri Lanka seeks to level the series.

In conclusion, South Africa stands at a strategic advantage with a target of 348 set for Sri Lanka in the second Test. The early dismissal of Sri Lankan openers has put them under pressure as they strive to manage a challenging chase. With significant contributions from their captain and standout bowling from Jayasuriya, both teams have compelling motivations to push for victory as the match progresses.

Original Source: www.channelnewsasia.com