It seems like Sri Lanka are back on the track under their new skipper Suranga Lakmal is at the helm. With the conditions being the bread and butter for the hosts’ spinners, South Africa’s troublesome days continued on day two as well in Colombo.
The superb piece of bowling display by off-spinner Akila Danankaya and Dilruwan Perera stunned the Proteas by bundling them out for a mere 124 runs.
Herath-Dananjaya’s partnership hurt Proteas, Maharaj picks 9:
Initially, the Lions started the day on 277 for nine with Rangana Herath (5) and Akila Dananjaya (16) at the crease. One would have expected the last wicket would be the cakewalk for South Africa.
But, the positive cricket from both the spinners kept South Africans chasing the leather for quite a time before promising Maharaja picked his ninth wicket of the innings
In reply to Sri Lankan’s first innings tally of 338, South African got the early jolt in the form of Dean Elgar when Akila found the edge of his bat. Theuins de Bruyn too faltered in a quick succession while ace spinner Herath trapped Aiden Markram right in front of the stumps.
The senior-most man in South Africa’s unit, Hashim Amla (19) and Faf du Plessis (48) balanced the ship. But, then came the magical ball from Dilruwan Perera to send Amla back to the pavilion.
Temba Bavuma too got knocked out by Perera while wicketkeeper-batsman Quinton de Kock (32) perished to Dananjaya while playing counter-attacking innings.
Once the proper batsmen were back in the pavilion, it took no time for Islanders to wrap up Proteas’ tail-enders.
Gunathilaka-Karunaratne extends South Africa’s troubles:
The tired Proteas’ bowlers once again took the field on the very same day and failed to capitalise the use of a new ball.
Both the Sri Lankan openers played according to the merit. They extended the lead before Maharaj picks his 10th wicket of the match.
Dananjaya de Silva registered a duck while Markram’s brilliance in the field saw Kusal Mendis walking back to the hut. However, Karunaratne and Mathews ensured no further hiccups ahead of the culmination of day two.
Hosts finished the day at 151 for three in 34 overs owing to the second essay.
Brief Scores:
1st Innings:
Sri Lanka – 334/10
South Africa – 124-all out (Faf du Plessis-48, Dananjaya 5/52, D Perera 4/40)
2nd Innings:
Sri Lanka – 151/3 (Karunaratne – 52, Maharaj 2/90)