South Africa vs Sri Lanka - 2nd Test: Dhananjaya de Silva-Kusal Mendis stand gives Sri Lanka outside chance

Kusal Mendis kept Sri Lanka in it 

An unbroken 83-run partnership between Dhananjaya de Silva and Kusal Mendis has given Sri Lanka faint hope heading into the final day of their Test match against South Africa.

However, they remain 143 runs away from the target, with the duo shielding a fragile tail comprising Lahiru Kumara, Vishwa Fernando, and Asitha Fernando — all of whom have batted as No. 11s in previous Sri Lanka line-ups.

To secure victory, Sri Lanka must overcome formidable challenges: the South African bowlers armed with a second new ball due in 28 overs, and the tricky morning conditions that have proven more challenging for batters than those later in the day.

Sri Lanka can perhaps draw inspiration from their memorable chase in Gqeberha in 2019, where they required 137 runs overnight with eight wickets in hand. On that occasion, Kusal Mendis played a key role in sealing victory without losing a wicket the next morning. Both he and de Silva were unbeaten on 39 at stumps this time.

Keshav Maharaj was pivotal for South Africa, exploiting a pitch that began to offer turn on the fourth afternoon. He delivered two crucial blows to Sri Lanka’s chase, starting with the dismissal of Angelo Mathews, who had combined with Kamindu Mendis for a 53-run partnership. Mathews attempted a big slog sweep, only for Maharaj to deliver a straighter, flatter delivery that slid under the bat.

In his next over, Maharaj struck again, removing Kamindu with a sharp bat-pad catch by wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne, who dived low to claim the dying edge. Those strikes left Sri Lanka reeling at 122 for 5.

From there, de Silva and Kusal revived the innings with a gutsy stand, but a steep challenge awaits them as they battle to script an improbable victory on the final day.
(Agencies)