Sri Lanka ended Day 2 in a commanding position at 242/3 in 67 overs, reducing their deficit to just 116 runs. The foundation of their innings was laid by Pathum Nissanka, who played a composed knock of 89 off 157 balls, showcasing exceptional temperament and technique. His efforts were complemented by Dinesh Chandimal’s steady 44 off 97 deliveries, as the duo steered Sr?i Lanka’s reply after South Africa’s ?solid first innings.

South Africa’s innings: Centuries by Ryan Rickelton and Kyle Verreynne

On Day 1, South Africa rode on Ryan Rickelton’s brilliant century and Temba Bavuma’s gritty 78 off 109 balls to reach a competitive 269/7 by stumps. When play resumed on Day 2, overnight batters Kyle Verreynne and Keshav Maharaj stepped onto the field hoping to extend the total. However, Maharaj was sent back to the pavilion in the ver??y first over without making a significa??nt contribution.

Despite the early setback, Verreynne partnered with Kagiso Rabada to forge a crucial 55-run partnership, steadying South Africa’s innings. Verreynne exhibited exceptional patience, bringing up his half-century in 95 balls, while Rabada supported him with a gritty approach. Their partnership took South Africa to 324/8 in 100 overs, but the stand was broken when Asitha Fernando dismissed Rabada.

Even after Rabada’s departure, Verreynne stood tall, reaching a well-earned century in 132 deliveries, a knock that underlined his determination and skill. South Africa’s innings eventually concluded at 358 all out, with Dane Paterson falling as the last wicket.?? The total provided the hosts with a solid platform, but Sri Lanka’s response quickly shifted the ??momentum.

3️⃣rd Test hundred for Kyle Verreynne 👏🏏#Cricket #SAvSL #KyleVerrynne pic.twitter.com/0Dk9hhuQRj

— betvisa68.com (@CricketTimesHQ) December 6, 2024

Also READ: SA vs ?SL: Fans in awe as Kyle Verreynne smashes a spectacular hundred on Day 2 of the second Test

Sri Lanka’s openers set the tone

Sri Lanka’s openers, Pathum Nissanka and Dimuth Karunaratne, approached their innings with a cautious mindset, ensuring they did not lose early wickets. They carefully negotiated the six overs before lunch, reaching 19/0, still trailing by a daunting 339 runs.

After lunch, the pitch at Gqeberha offered a mix of bounce and pace, challenging the batters. The Sri Lankan duo adopted a resolute defensive approach, scoring at a measured rate. However, Karunaratne broke the shackles with three crisp boundaries off Marco Jansen in the 12th and 14th overs, injecting momentum into the innings. Just as the partnership began to blossom, Kagiso Rabada struck, ??dismissing Karunaratne for 25 and giving South Africa their first breakthrough.

Despite the setback, Nissanka and Chandimal joined forces t??o steady the ship. Their partnership blended caution with opportunistic stroke play, ens??uring the scoreboard ticked along. By Tea, Sri Lanka had reached 103/1 in 33 overs, reducing the deficit significantly and positioning themselves for a strong finish to the day.

Pathum Nissanka anchors the post-tea session

The third session saw Nissanka showcasing his class, as he brought up his seventh Test half-century off 107 deliveries. Anchoring the innings, he formed a vital 109-run partnership with Dinesh Chandimal, which proved instrumental in Sri Lanka’s recovery. The pair displayed a perfect mix of aggression and caution, frustrating th??e South African bowlers with their ability to rotate the strike and capitalize on loose deliveries.

Just when the partnership seemed unbreakable, Dane Paterson provided a much-needed breakthrough for the hosts, dismissing Chandimal for a well-made 44. Nissanka, however, continued to dictate terms, building another promising partnership with Angelo Mathews. Together, they guided S??ri Lanka to 175/2 in 51 overs, trailing by 183 runs.

Angelo Mathews and Kamindu Mendis provide stability at stumps

Nissanka’s innings came to an unfortunate end when he fell to Keshav Maharaj for a superb 89, attempting an ambitious shot that did not come off. His departure left Sri Lanka at 199/3, but the platform he had built ensured the visitors maintained control. As the day drew to a close, Mathews (37 not out) and Kamindu Mendis (21 not out) held fort, steering Sri Lanka to 242/3 at stumps. Their unbroken partnership added crucial runs, setting the stage f??or a strong Day 3. With the deficit reduced to just 116 runs and seven wickets in hand, Sri Lanka holds the upper hand in this Test match. The third day promises to be a critical juncture, with South Africa seeking early breakthroughs to wrest back control, while Sri Lanka will aim to build a first-innings lead to dictate terms in this fascinating contest.

Day 2 | Stumps 🟢🟡

Another thrilling day of test match cricket!🏏
A Verreynne century started the day with a few wickets taken in th??e last 2 sessions play.

🇿🇦South Africa: 358/10 (1st Innings)
🇱🇰Sri Lanka: 242/3 (1st innings)

Sri Lanka trail by 116 runs going into Day 3.�?pic.twitter.com/kvlZpvam3Q

— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) December 6, 2024

Also WATCH: SA vs SL �?Lahiru Kumara pic?ks his 100th Test wicket with an unplayable delivery to Aiden Markr?am

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The Test series between South Africa and Sri Lanka is set to begin? on November 27 at Kingsme??ad, Durban.

Sri Lanka’s key strengths and challenges

Sri Lanka’s combination of experienced players like Angelo Mathews and Dimuth Karunaratne, along with emerging stars like Kamindu Mendis, makes them a formidable unit. Their spin attack led by Prabath Jayasuriya can be game-changing on South African pitches.

Having recently whitewashed New Zealand 2-0 in their last Test series, Sri Lanka enters the contest with momentum. However, adapting to South Africa’s pace-friendly conditions will test their batting resilience. The two-match series holds immense importance as Sri Lanka aims to solidify its position in the ICC World Test Championship standings.

Sri Lanka’s best starting XI for the Test series against South Africa

1. Dhananjaya de Silva (c)

• Role: Captain and Top-Order Batter
• Strength:  De Silva’s aggressive approach at the crease can unsettle South African bowlers early, providing Sri Lanka with commanding starts. His knack for dominating pace and spin alike makes him a linchpin for the team.
• Expectations: de Silva leads Sri Lanka with both bat and strategy. As captain, he has transformed into a key figure, bringing tactical sharpness and inspiring leadership. De Silva is expected to guide his team both on and off the field. His ability to score big and disrupt South Africa’s plans will be critical for Sri Lanka’s success.

2. Dimuth Karunaratne 

• Role: Opening Batter
• Strength: Karunaratne’s proficiency against both pace and spin, coupled with his 7,000+ Test runs, makes him a formidable opener. His ability to stitch long partnerships sets the tone for Sri Lanka’s innings. The experienced left-handed opener anchors the top of the order, aiming to provide solid foundations for the innings.
• Expectations: Karunaratne is expected to negate South Africa’s new-ball attack, ensuring a platform for the middle order to capitalize on.

3. Pathum Nissanka 

• Role: Opening Batter
• Strength: Nissanka’s ability to rotate strike and build innings under pressure provides stability. His skill in accelerating or consolidating as required adds versatility to the batting lineup. A technically sound batter, Nissanka complements Karunaratne as an adaptable opening partner.
• Expectations: Nissanka must play a supportive role to Karunaratne while ensuring he maintains composure against South Africa’s pace-heavy attack.

Also READ: SA vs SL 2024: South Africa’s best playing XI for the Test series against Sri Lanka

4. Dinesh Chandimal 

• Role: Middle-Order Batter
• Strength: Known for his ability to read situations, Chandimal can shift gears as needed, making him a reliable option in tough situations.
• Expectations: Chandimal is expected to anchor the innings and deliver clutch performances during pivotal moments. Chandimal brings experience and calmness to the middle order, ensuring resilience against challenging bowling spells.

5. Kamindu Mendis

• Role: Middle-Order Batter
• Strength: His Test average of 91.27 underlines his potential to deliver impactful innings. Mendis thrives under pressure, making him a game-changer in tight situations. Mendis provides firepower to Sri Lanka’s batting order with his fearless and boundary-heavy style.
• Expectations: Mendis is expected to bring aggression and turn games in Sri Lanka’s favor with his powerful batting.

6. Kusal Mendis 

• Role: Wicketkeeper and Middle-Order Batter
• Strength: Mendis balances the team with his dual role, combining solid batting with reliable wicketkeeping. His ability to absorb pressure and deliver in crunch situations makes him a trusted finisher, while his agility behind the stumps ensures a sharp fielding unit.
• Expectations: Mendis must maintain high standards both with the bat and behind the stumps, ensuring a seamless transition between innings.

7. Angelo Mathews

• Role: All-Rounder
• Strength: With 7,000+ Test runs and 33 wickets, Mathews adds depth to Sri Lanka’s lineup. His medium-fast bowling provides an extra option for breakthroughs.
• Expectations: Mathews brings unmatched experience and versatility to the team, excelling in both batting and bowling Mathews is expected to contribute crucial runs and deliver key overs, lending balance to the team.

8. Lasith Embuldeniya

• Role: Spin Bowler
• Strength: The 28-year-old excels in pressure situations, curbing runs while picking up timely wickets. Embuldeniya’s left-arm spin will be essential in tackling South Africa’s batting lineup.
• Expectations: Embuldeniya is expected to dominate South Africa’s middle order by exploiting turn and variations.

9. Prabath Jayasuriya 

• Role: Spin Bowler
• Strength: Known for his ability to exploit conditions, Jayasuriya can dismantle even the most resolute batters. Jayasuriya leads the spin attack with his mix of experience and skill, adding variety to the bowling unit.
• Expectations: Jayasuriya must consistently challenge South Africa’s middle and lower order to swing games in Sri Lanka’s favour.

10. Asitha Fernando 

• Role: Fast Bowler
• Strength: His familiarity with South African pitches and knack for striking early will be pivotal in unsettling the hosts. Fernando spearheads the pace attack with his precision and ability to move the ball both ways.
• Expectations: Fernando must focus on dismissing South Africa’s openers, setting the tone for the bowling innings.

11. Lahiru Kumara 

• Role: Fast Bowler
• Strength: Known for his pinpoint yorkers, Kumara is effective in breaking partnerships and containing runs. Kumara’s raw pace and aggressive bowling style make him a key asset in any Test lineup.
• Expectations: Kumara is expected to excel in powerplay and death overs, delivering critical wickets at crucial junctures.

Also READ: Reason why Gautam Gambhir flew back home after India’s historic 1st Test win over Australia at Perth

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The much-awaited T20I series between Sri Lanka and West Indies is ??set to kick off on October 13 at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium. This three-match series will see both teams aiming to refine their squads and strategies as they prepare for upcoming international fixtures.

Experienced squad with balanced line-up

Sri Lanka heads into the series with a well-balanced team featuring both seasoned and emerging players. The squad boasts strong middle-order batters like Charith Asalanka, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, and Kusal Perera, who have the ability to anchor the innings and accelerate when needed. Additionally, the bowling department, led by Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana, adds depth with their spin variations, while pace bowlers like Matheesha Pathirana bring speed and agility.

Seeking redemption after loss to India

The Islanders will be looking to bounce back after their disappointing 3-0 loss to India in the last T20I series??. They aim to regroup and show a much str?onger performance against the West Indies. With home advantage, Sri Lanka will want to dominate and gain momentum. Captain Asalanka will play a crucial role in leading the team from the front.

Also READ: San??ath Jayasuriya appointed as full-time h??ead coach of Sri Lanka men’s team

Sri Lanka’s best playing XI for the T20I series against West Indies

1. Pathum Nissanka

• Strength: Consistent opener with solid technique and ability to build innings.
• Expectation: Provide a steady start and anchor the innings, especially during the powerplay.
• What he brings to the team: Nissanka’s ability to rotate the strike and find gaps early on sets the tone for the innings, allowing other aggressive batters to play freely.

2. Kusal Mendis (wk)

• Strength: Aggressive top-order batter with a quick-scoring ability.
• Expectation: Capitalize on the powerplay and accelerate the scoring rate.
• What he brings to the team: Mendis’s aggressive approach puts pressure on the opposition bowlers, and his wicketkeeping skills add balance to the playing XI.

3. Kusal Perera

• Strength: Explosive left-handed batter known for his attacking shots.
• Expectation: Score quick runs and take advantage of fielding restrictions.
• What he brings to the team: Perera’s fearless approach and experience make him a game-changer at the top, giving Sri Lanka momentum early in the innings.

4. Charith Asalanka (c)

• Strength: Reliable middle-order batter with leadership qualities.
• Expectation: Steady the innings and guide the team, especially during tough situations.
• What he brings to the team: As captain, Asalanka provides stability in the middle order and has the ability to adapt his game according to the situation, making him a dependable player.

5. Bhanuka Rajapaksa

• Strength: Power-hitter capable of finishing games with aggressive stroke play.
• Expectation: Finish the innings strong and handle the pressure in the death overs.
• What he brings to the team: Rajapaksa’s ability to play big shots under pressure helps Sri Lanka boost their total in the final overs, adding depth to the batting lineup.

6. Dinesh Chandimal

• Strength: Experienced campaigner with solid batting technique.
• Expectation: Provide stability and guide younger players during challenging phases of the innings.
• What he brings to the team: Chandimal’s experience and ability to adapt his game according to the situation help the team build partnerships and recover from tough situations.

7. Wanindu Hasaranga

• Strength: Premier all-rounder with exceptional bowling and useful batting skills.
• Expectation: Take crucial wickets in the middle overs and contribute with quick runs down the order.
• What he brings to the team: Hasaranga’s dual role as a wicket-taker and lower-order batter makes him a valuable asset who can change the course of the game with both bat and ball.

8. Dunith Wellalage

• Strength: Promising all-rounder with potential in both batting and bowling.
• Expectation: Support the bowling attack and add depth to the batting lineup.
• What he brings to the team: Wellalage’s versatility allows the team to have an additional spin option, and his lower-order batting can contribute valuable runs.

9. Maheesh Theekshana

• Strength: Mystery spinner with variations that trouble batsmen.
• Expectation: Control the flow of runs and pick up key wickets during the middle overs.
• What he brings to the team: Theekshana’s unique bowling style makes it difficult for batsmen to score freely, providing Sri Lanka with an edge, especially on spin-friendly tracks.

10. Matheesha Pathirana

• Strength: Fast bowler with pace and accuracy, capable of delivering yorkers.
• Expectation: Strike early and maintain pressure with aggressive bowling during the powerplay and death overs.
• What he brings to the team: Pathirana’s ability to bowl fast and accurately, along with his knack for delivering yorkers, makes him a key bowler for Sri Lanka, especially in the final overs.

11. Binura Fernando

• Strength: Tall left-arm pacer with the ability to swing the ball.
• Expectation: Provide breakthroughs and maintain a good economy rate.
• What he brings to the team: Fernando’s left-arm angle and ability to move the ball both ways make him a challenging bowler for opposition batters, adding variety to the Sri Lankan bowling attack.

Also READ: Star players absent as West In?dies ??name T20I and ODI squads for the Sri Lanka tour

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In a dramatic turn of events on Day 1 of the second Test between Sri Lanka and New Zealand at the Galle Inter??national Stadium, Sri Lankan opener Dimuth Kar??unaratne was left fuming after his unfortunate run-out. The mix-up with his batting partner, Dinesh Chandimal, led to a rare moment of frustration for the usually composed Karunaratne, and the incident became one of the key talking points of the day.

Dimuth Karunaratne’s frustrating run-out incident

Sri Lanka, after winning the toss and electing to bat on a typically spin-friendly Galle track, were progressing steadily when the disaster struck in the 39th over. At that stage, Karunaratne, who had been playing a patient innings, was looking well-set on 46 off 109 ??balls, having hit four boundaries. Alongside Chandimal, he had built a solid partnership and was steering Sri Lanka toward a strong position.

However, on the very first ball of the 39th over, bow?led b?y Mitchell Santner, a moment of confusion unfolded between the two experienced batters. Santner delivered a ball on the leg side, which Karunaratne flicked towards mid-wicket. Glenn Phillips, fielding at mid-wicket, made a brilliant diving stop to cut off what appeared to be a certain single. Karunaratne, reacting immediately, set off for a run, but Chandimal hesitated.

By the time the fielder had retrieved the ball, Karunaratne had almost reached Chandimal at the non-striker’s end, leaving no way to return to his crease. The quick-thinking Phillips fired the ball towards short-leg, where Tom Latham, though initially unsure, collected it and underarmed a direct hit at the stumps, catching Karunaratne well short. Despite a valiant attempt to make his ground, Karunaratne had no chance.

Also READ: Sri Lanka names a strong 15-member squad for Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 in UAE

As the New Zealand team celebrated an unex?pected wicket, Karunaratne’s frustration boiled over. He exchanged words with Chandimal before storming off the field, clearly upset by the miscommunication that had cost him his wicket. Chandimal, on the other? hand, appeared apologetic, knowing that the mistake had broken a 122-run partnership.

Here’s the video:

Costly mix-up 🫣@IamDimuth departs as Sri Lanka's 1️⃣2️⃣2️⃣-run stand is broken �?a href="//twitter.com/hashtag/SonySportsNetwork?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" data-wpel-link="exclude">#SonySportsNetwork #SLvNZ pic.twitter.com/5UmAsoJQMs

— Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) September 26, 2024

The run-out was a significant blow for Sri Lanka, ?who were 139/2 at that point. Karunaratne’s departure ended what had been a promis??ing partnership with Chandimal. Despite the setback, Chandimal went on to make amends by scoring his 16th Test century, which happens to be his first against New Zealand.

At stumps on Day 1, Sri Lanka stood at 306/3, with New Zealand managing to pick up only three wickets – Karunaratne’s run-out and the dismissals Pathum Nissanka (1 off 3) and Chandimal. After Chandimal’s dismissal, Angelo Mathews (78 not out) and Kamindu Mendis (51 not out) made New Zealand bowlers toiled hard on the flat Galle surface.

Also READ: Bangla??desh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan opens up about his T20I and Test retirement

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Dinesh Chandimal, one of Sri Lanka’s most seasoned batters, showcased his experience and skill with a stunning century on Day 1 of the second Test against New Zealand. Chandimal, known for his resilience, brought up his maiden Test hundred against ??the Black Caps, adding another memorable knock to ??his illustrious career.

Dinesh Chandimal’s century brings Sri Lanka to a strong position

The moment came during the 58?th over of Sri Lanka’s first innings when Chandimal confidently drove a delivery from Mitchell Santner to long-off, reaching the coveted three-fi??gure mark at the iconic Galle International Stadium.

His celebration was iconic as he stretched his arms wide and smiled with pride before performing a baby cradle gesture, a nod to his growing family. This ton marked Chandimal’s 16th century in Test cricket, a testament to his consistency and class over the years.

Sri Lanka in control after second session

Sri Lanka controlled another session, with only one wicket falling, and even that came as a result of a miscommunication between the batters. Chandimal, in an unfortunate mix-up, ran out Dimuth Karunaratne, who was looking set after scoring a composed 46 from 109 balls. The run-out was a sof??t dismissal and the only blemish in an otherwise dominant session for Sri Lanka.

Meanwhile, Chandimal continued to build on his fine innings, bringing up his century, while Angelo Mathews provided strong support at the other e?nd. Mathews remained unbeaten on 35, and Chandimal on 106, as the pair guided Sri Lanka to a solid position heading into the final session of?? the day.

Also READ: SL vs NZ: Here’s why New Zealand players are wearing black armbands on ??Day 1 of the?? 2nd Test

Here is how fans reacted:

Dinesh Chandimal notches up his 16th Test century, leading the charge for Sri Lanka against New Zealand! Can he convert this into a double hundred? 💪 #SLvNZ pic.twitter.com/wWPtBDUtjc

— Sri Lanka Cricket 🇱🇰 (@OfficialSLC) September 26, 2024

– 5 Hundreds vs BAN.
– 2 Hundreds vs IND.
– 2 Hundreds vs AUS.
– 2 Hundreds vs WI.
– 1 Hundred vs ENG.
– 1 Hundred vs AFG.
– 1 Hundred vs IRE.
– 1 Hundred vs PAK.
– 1 Hundred vs NZ*.

DINESH CHANDIMAL HAS HIT TEST HUNDREDS AGAINST 9 DIFFERENT NATIONS. 🤯👌 pic.twitter.com/3post0KU5y

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) September 26, 2024

1️⃣6️⃣th Test hundred for Dinesh Chandimal 💯#cricket #SLvNZ #DineshChandimal #SriLankaCricket #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/Rp96wHQS81

— betvisa68.com (@CricketTimesHQ) September 26, 2024

Also READ: Martin Guptill predicts New Zealand’s hurdle in India Te??st series

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In the aftermath of a challenging first Test match against England at the Old Trafford, Manchester, former Sri Lankan captain Dinesh Chandimal expressed immense pride in the visiting team’s performance despite a five-wicket loss. The match, which saw England chase down 205 runs in their second innings, showcased both the strengths and areas for improvement within the Sri Lankan squad.

Dinesh Chandimal terms it as a rollercoaster of emotions

Chandimal’s post-match comments highlighted the emotional highs and lows experienced by his team.

“We are over the moon as a team, not for the result but the way we played in this game is unbelievable. In the first half an hour on the first day, we lost three wickets. Milan [Rathnayake] and Dhananjaya batted brilliantly and took us through the game,�?/em> Chandimal stated emphasizing the team’s resilience in the face of adversity.