South African Bowlers Dominate After Stubbs and Bavuma’s Centuries

On the third day of the first Test at Kingsmead, South Africa’s Tristan Stubbs and Temba Bavuma scored centuries, leading to a declaration of 366 for five against Sri Lanka. Set a target of 516 runs, the Sri Lankan team ended the day at 103 for five, with significant struggles against South African bowlers, particularly Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen.

In the first Test at Kingsmead, South Africa’s Tristan Stubbs and Temba Bavuma each scored centuries, propelling their team into a commanding position against Sri Lanka on the third day of play. Stubbs achieved 122 runs, while Bavuma contributed 113 runs, leading to a formidable fourth wicket partnership of 249 runs. Subsequently, South Africa declared their innings at a total of 366 for five, placing Sri Lanka with a daunting target of 516 runs for victory. By the end of the day’s play, Sri Lanka had lost five wickets, finishing at 103 runs.

Despite an improvement from their first innings, in which they collapsed to a dismal 42 all out, the Sri Lankan batsmen continued to struggle against South African pace bowlers. Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen were instrumental in dismantling the Sri Lankan lineup, each taking two wickets, while Gerald Coetzee claimed one. The day commenced with Stubbs and Bavuma at the crease, holding significant momentum and maintaining cautious play as they accumulated 101 runs before lunch, which further quashed any hopes Sri Lanka had of a comeback.

Stubbs initially appeared set for a bigger score but succumbed to Vishwa Fernando shortly before tea, bowled when attempting a leg flick, thereby concluding a patient innings. Bavuma later declared the innings after falling leg before wicket to Asitha Fernando. Sri Lanka’s innings started poorly as Dimuth Karunaratne was dismissed early for just four runs, while Pathum Nissanka showed some aggression with a score of 23 before falling victim to Coetzee. There was also a notable performance from Dinesh Chandimal, who remained not out at the close of play with 29 runs to his name.

As the match progressed, it became evident that South Africa’s bowlers were in dominant form, efficiently capitalizing on Sri Lanka’s batting weaknesses and ensuring an uphill battle for the visitors to chase down the substantial target set earlier.

The ongoing first Test between South Africa and Sri Lanka at Kingsmead has showcased contrasting performances from both teams. South Africa displayed resilience and skill, highlighted by the centuries from Stubbs and Bavuma. In contrast, Sri Lanka has struggled significantly, suffering a catastrophic first innings and finding difficulties in their second innings against the host nation’s fast bowlers. This Test forms part of a broader series that assesses the strengths and weaknesses of both teams in the international cricket landscape.

In summary, South Africa emerges as the stronger side in the first Test against Sri Lanka, driven by remarkable batting performances from Stubbs and Bavuma. Their monumental total puts Sri Lanka in a precarious position, struggling against the South African bowlers. As the match continues, it remains to be seen whether Sri Lanka can mount a challenge, yet their current form raises questions about their ability to salvage the Test match.

Original Source: www.france24.com