South African Bowlers Dominate After Stubbs and Bavuma Centuries Against Sri Lanka
On the third day of the first Test in Durban, South Africa’s Tristan Stubbs and Temba Bavuma scored centuries, leading to a declaration at 366 for five. Set a daunting target of 516 runs, Sri Lanka ended the day at 103 for five, struggling against South Africa’s bowlers, particularly Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen.
In a compelling match at Kingsmead, Durban, South Africa’s cricket team demonstrated significant strength as they strengthened their position against Sri Lanka on the third day of the first Test. Centuries from Tristan Stubbs and Temba Bavuma, who scored 122 and 113 runs respectively, powered South Africa to a declaration at 366 for five in their second innings, setting a formidable target of 516 runs for Sri Lanka. The Sri Lankan batting lineup faltered again, managing only 103 runs for five wickets by the close of play, after previously being bowled out for a meager 42 in their first innings.
Despite improvements in their performance, the Sri Lankan batsmen faced challenges against the South African bowlers, specifically Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen who both took two wickets each. Stubbs and Bavuma’s fourth-wicket partnership of 249 runs dismantled any hopes of a Sri Lankan comeback. The pair played with caution and methodical precision, especially after starting the day on 132 for two. Sri Lanka’s bowlers, particularly Vishwa Fernando, struggled to contain the growing score, with Stubbs benefiting from a dropped catch early in his innings.
Once South Africa declared their innings, the challenge for Sri Lanka intensified. Rabada quickly dismissed Dimuth Karunaratne, and Jansen soon captured the dismissals of Angelo Mathews and Kamindu Mendis. As the day concluded, Sri Lanka was left to reflect on their precarious position, facing an uphill battle to achieve an improbable victory.
The context of the match stems from the ongoing first Test between South Africa and Sri Lanka, highlighting the disparities in performance between the teams. South Africa, benefiting from strong batting and bowling performances, has taken a commanding lead. This Test reflects the increasing pressure on the Sri Lankan side, who have faced significant challenges throughout the series, evidenced by their dismal first innings performance. The match serves to underscore the effectiveness of South Africa’s pace bowlers and the tactical prowess of their batting lineup.
The third day of the first Test showcased the exceptional form of South African batsmen, leading to a commanding declaration. The inability of Sri Lankan batsmen to cope with the South African fast bowlers highlights the contrasting strengths of the two teams. As the match progresses, the Sri Lankan side finds itself in a precarious position, needing to dramatically improve their performance to salvage the Test match.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
