| 0.0 : Hello and welcome to our coverage of the Sri Lankan tour of South Africa. The Islanders have been on the road for three big away tours now. They failed to impress on their previous series and now travel to South Africa. Their history here doesn't look a good reading and they will need something special to get the better of the hosts. The team from the sub-continent will have a new leader in Dimuth Karunaratne and the Lions will hope he can do something special. The Proteas on the other hand, pla |
| TOSS - Sri Lanka win an important toss and opt to bowl first. |
| Team news - Keshav Maharaj and Faf du Plessis are back in the playing XI for the hosts. |
| The two teams are out in the middle for their respective national anthems. We begin with the visitors' anthem first up... |
| The Sri Lankan eleven, the South African openers and the umpires walk to the middle to start off this game. Dean Elgar and Aiden Markram the usual suspects at the top for the hosts. Suranga Lakmal, the most experienced bowler for SL with the new ball for the tourists. Three slips in place to start off with for Markram. Let's play... |
| 0.1 : S Lakmal to Markram, Starts off with one on good length and on off stump line, defended watchfully towards the square leg fielder by Aiden. |
| 0.2 : S Lakmal to Markram, Another ball on the money just outside off and on a good length, kept out solidly by Markram. |
| 0.3 : S Lakmal to Markram, Confusion! But all is okay in the end. Lakmal pushes this one a little full on off and Markram leans into the on drive. Looks for a single but his partner is ball watching. The mid on fielder though, has to make a tumbling stop and cannot get to the ball in time. Aiden makes it back to his crease safely. |
| 0.4 : S Lakmal to Markram, Outside off and shaping away, left alone by the batsman. |
| 0.5 : S Lakmal to Markram, On a length outside off, defended on the back foot by AM. |
| It has become overcast all of a sudden, the Sun was out a little while back. |
| 0.6 : S Lakmal to Markram, A maiden to start off proceedings here. A good over from Lakmal ends with one on a shorter length just outside off and Markram defends watchfully. |
| Vishwa Fernando to bowl from the other end and share the new ball. |
| 1.1 : V Fernando to Elgar, Good ball to start! A length ball and slightly shaping in after landing, Markram defends it to the on side awkwardly. His bottom hand comes off the bat as he completes his defense. |
| 1.2 : V Fernando to Elgar, Goes really full on the second ball outside off, Dean defends it off the bottom of his bat towards cover. |
| 1.3 : Fernando to Elgar, Loud appeal but the experienced Aleem Dar does not flinch. Another really full one outside off, and shapes away at the last moment to beat the outside edge of Elgar who was looking to defend. There is a noise due to the bat hitting the ground as the ball passes and the keeper and slips go up in loud appeal but there was no edge there and its a good decision from the umpire. |
| 1.4 : V Fernando to Elgar, OUT! This time he is a gonner! There is an edge and Aleem Dar's finger goes up immediately. Vishwa Fernando strikes. A length ball outside off and in the corridor of uncertainty, Dean Elgar looks to feel for the ball and defend it but the ball holds its line and he is playing down the wrong line. It takes the faintest of outside edges and carries to Dickwella who makes no mistake behind the stumps. A 4-ball duck for Elgar, and just the start Sri Lanka would have wanted |
| Hashim Amla is in to bat at number 3. |
| 1.5 : V Fernando to Amla, Outside off and shaping away, left alone by Amla as he watches the ball all the way to the keeper's gloves. |
| Review time... Oh wait! The stipulated time of 15 seconds has passed and the review cannot be taken now by Sri Lanka. |
| 1.6 : V Fernando to Amla, Confusion! Confusion! That's what happens when you have a new captain. Sri Lanka might have missed out on a huge wicket here. A length ball landing on middle and leg, going on straight with the line. Amla looks to defend but the ball misses his bat and he gets rapped on the pads in the line of the stumps. There is a huge appeal from the bowler and keeper but there is no reaction from the umpire. Looks really close and Dimuth Karunaratne consults his players before decidi |
| 2.1 : S Lakmal to Markram, Good length delivery on off, Markram defends off the back foot. |
| 2.2 : S Lakmal to Markram, Again on a good length, Markram keeps it out. |
| 2.3 : S Lakmal to Markram, Good length delivery outside off, Aiden looks to drive but gets beaten by the away movement on this one. |
| 2.4 : S Lakmal to Markram, Length delivery on off, the batsman taps it towards point for a single. |
| 2.5 : S Lakmal to Amla, Outside off, Amla shoulders his arms to this one. |
| 2.6 : S Lakmal to Amla, On a good length on off, Amla stands tall and defends off the back foot. |
| 3.1 : V Fernando to Markram, Wide outside off, cut off the back foot but straight to the fielder at point. Markram would feel he missed out there. |
| 3.2 : V Fernando to Markram, Leading edge... but safe. A length ball on leg stump and moving away slightly from the righty, Aiden closes the face of his bat too quickly and the ball goes off the leading edge and away from the bowler straight back down the ground. An easy single is taken in the end. Good bowling this from Vishwa. |
| 3.3 : V Fernando to Amla, On a length and at the hips, worked away to deep square leg for three runs by Amla as he gets off the mark. |
| 3.4 : V Fernando to Markram, Sprayed way down the leg side and moving further away, too far for Markram to make contact on that ball. |
| 3.5 : V Fernando to Markram, Short of a length and on top of middle and off, defended from within the crease by AM. |
| 3.6 : V Fernando to Markram, Length ball on the pads, glanced away fine on the leg side for a single down to deep fine leg. Markram keeps strike. |
| 4.1 : S Lakmal to Markram, Good shape on this one. Good length delivery outside off, Markram offers no shot. |
| 4.2 : S Lakmal to Markram, Length delivery on middle, Markram defends it to short mid-wicket. |
| 4.3 : S Lakmal to Markram, Again on a good length and outside off, Aiden shoulders his arms to this one. |
| 4.4 : S Lakmal to Markram, On middle, Markram defends off the back foot. |
| 4.5 : S Lakmal to Markram, Length delivery on middle and leg, Markram flicks it towards fine leg for a run. |
| 4.6 : S Lakmal to Amla, Good length delivery on middle, Amla keeps it out. |
| 5.1 : V Fernando to Markram, Length delivery on off, Markram plays it through mid off for a single. |
| 5.2 : V Fernando to H Amla, Length delivery outside off, Amla cuts it to point. |
| 5.3 : V Fernando to Amla, Short and wide outside off, Amla looks to cut but gets beaten on this one. |
| 5.4 : V Fernando to Amla, Length delivery on leg, Amla looks to flick but misses it and gets hit on the thigh pad. It goes towards the leg side. The batsmen take a run. Umpire gives it as a leg bye. |
| 5.5 : V Fernando to Markram, Good length delivery on middle, Markram blocks it well. |
| 5.6 : V Fernando to Markram, On off, Aiden keeps it out. |
| Amla has nicked one! The catch has been taken in the slip cordon but the umpire has soft signalled it as not out. Does Amla have another life? |
| 6.1 : S Lakmal to Amla, OUT! Big wicket for Sri Lanka. Lakmal gets his first wicket. Good length delivery on off, Amla looks to leave but plays it at the last moment. The ball goes from the under bat of the willow and it goes towards Kusal Mendis who takes a brilliant catch. Soft signal was not out. It is referred upstairs. They are checking whether the ball hit the ground. The replays show that he had taken it inches from the ground and the ball did not bounce. The third umpire gives it as out |
| 0.0 : Surprise, surprise... Temba Bavuma walks in at number 4. No sign of Faf... Looks like South Africa believe Temba is the crisis man. |
| 6.2 : S Lakmal to Bavuma, Shorter one on the pads, worked away to deep square leg for a couple of runs by Bavuma. Off the mark straightaway. |
| 6.3 : S Lakmal to Bavuma, Length ball outside off, defended from the crease by Temba. |
| 6.4 : S Lakmal to Bavuma, The batsman shoulders arms to let that one through outside off. |
| 6.5 : S Lakmal to Bavuma, A good length ball on middle, Bavuma looks to defend but the ball takes the inner edge and runs to leg gully on the bounce. |
| 6.6 : S Lakmal to Bavuma, Left alone outside off to end a good over from Lakmal. |
| 7.1 : V Fernando to Markram, Length ball outside off, pushed on the front foot to the right of mid off for a couple of runs by Markram. He has looked solid so far. |
| 7.2 : V Fernando to Markram, Fuller length outside off, left alone by the batsman. |
| 7.3 : V Fernando to Markram, FOUR! On a good length outside off, punched off the back foot for a boundary to deep cover-point. |
| 7.4 : V Fernando to Markram, OUT! Cleaned up!!! Markram has to go. What a beauty from Fernando after being hit for a boundary. Till now, Vishwa was taking most of the balls away. This one is on a good length and coming in to the right-hander. Markram is on the front foot and looks to drive the ball away to the on side. It shapes just enough to take the inside edge and disturb his stumps. Aiden is gone after looking decent so far. Sri Lanka will be really happy with the way things have gone so far |
| The new man in is Faf du Plessis. |
| 7.5 : V Fernando to Plessis, Good ball first up to du Plessis! A length ball on middle and moving into the righty. Extra bounce and Faf does well to fend that on to the leg side by removing his bottom hand off the willow. |
| 7.6 : V Fernando to Plessis, On middle stump, Faf manages to turn it fine on the leg side for a couple of runs. Off the mark. 8 runs off this over but a wicket too from it. |
| 8.1 : S Lakmal to Bavuma, Good length delivery on off, Bavuma taps it to point. |
| 8.2 : S Lakmal to Bavuma, Again on a good length on middle, Bavuma comes forward and looks to defend but it goes of the inner half of the bat towards mid-wicket. |
| 8.3 : S Lakmal to Bavuma, Outside off, Bavuma shoulders his arms to this one. |
| 8.4 : S Lakmal to Bavuma, Length delivery on off, Temba keeps it out. |
| 8.5 : S Lakmal to Bavuma, Good length delivery outside off, Bavuma looks to defend but gets beaten by the away movement. It was close to the outside edge. |
| 8.6 : S Lakmal to Bavuma, Again on a good length and outside off, Bavuma lets it go at the last moment. |
| 9.1 : V Fernando to Plessis, Outside off, du Plessis offers no shot. |
| 9.2 : V Fernando to du Plessis, Good length delivery on off, the skipper looks to defend but due to the movement, he gets an outside edge towards third slip. It fell way short of the fielder. |
| 9.3 : V Fernando to Plessis, Good length delivery on off, du Plessis blocks it well. |
| 9.4 : V Fernando to Plessis, Good length delivery again outside off, du Plessis lets it go. |
| 9.5 : V Fernando to du Plessis, EDGE AND FOUR! Good length delivery on off, du Plessis looks to defend but gets an outside edge. It goes between second and third slip for a boundary. |
| 9.6 : V Fernando to Plessis, Full delivery on off, Faf plays it towards covers for a run. |
| 10.1 : S Lakmal to Plessis, Continues bowling it on a length and around off, Faf is half forward as he keeps it out. |
| 10.2 : S Lakmal to Plessis, A little bit of away movement but the delivery is outside off, Faf du Plessis leaves it alone. |
| 10.3 : S Lakmal to Plessis, This is angled into the batsman, Faf du Plessis shuffles across and works it through mid-wicket. Takes a run. |
| 10.4 : S Lakmal to Bavuma, Well bowled and well played! This begins on off and then it starts moving away. Bavuma looks to defend but since it starts shaping away early, he adjusts and makes a leave. |
| 10.5 : S Lakmal to Bavuma, Bavuma isn't looking certain here. Not sure on what to leave and what to play. Back of a length delivery on off, Bavuma first looks to leave it on a length but then at the very end, keeps it out. |
| 10.6 : S Lakmal to Bavuma, A single to end! On the shorter side, this is pushed towards cover and the batsmen cross ends. A testing over this. |
| 11.1 : V Fernando to Bavuma, Outside off, left alone by the batsman. |
| 11.2 : V Fernando to T Bavuma, Around off, Bavuma looks to defend but the ball takes an outside edge and it runs down to second slip. |
| 11.3 : V Fernando to Bavuma, On middle, Bavuma defends that one, getting right behind the ball. |
| 11.4 : V Fernando to Bavuma, Good length delivery and on off, the batsman cuts it to point. |
| 11.5 : V Fernando to Bavuma, On off, drives it to covers and takes a single. |
| 11.6 : V Fernando to Plessis, In the 5th stump line, Faf pushes it to mid on and bags a single. They wanted a two but was fielded well. |
| Drinks! It has been a good hour for Sri Lanka. They have taken three quick wickets and put pressure on the hosts. Vishwa Fernando was the pick of the bowlers as he picked two wickets. Lakmal got the solitary wicket of Hashim Amla. South African batsmen have lacked application and would like Faf du Plessis and Temba Bavuma to continue after the break. |
| 12.1 : S Lakmal to Plessis, Back of a length and outside off, Faf swings at it with his foot muded on the crease. |
| 12.2 : S Lakmal to Plessis, Bowls it on off, the batsman leaves it alone. |
| 12.3 : S Lakmal to Plessis, Good length and the ball shapes away from the batsman, Faf looks to play this one with soft hands. But the ball goes off his outside edge and to the first slip fielder. Lucky there for the batsman that it didn't carry to the fielder. |
| 12.4 : S Lakmal to Plessis, Outside off, du Plessis looks to drive it but misses. |
| 12.5 : S Lakmal to Plessis, Bowls it wide on off, Faf leaves it alone. |
| 12.6 : S Lakmal to Plessis, Faf leaves it alone as it was bowled wide off his stumps. |
| 13.1 : V Fernando to Bavuma, Good length again and it is shaping away with the angle, Bavuma shoulders arms to this one. |
| 13.2 : V Fernando to Bavuma, Good length and around off, Bavuma taps it towards cover and sets off for a run. They complete it with ease. |
| 13.3 : V Fernando to Plessis, Good change in length there! The bumper and it is a well-directed one. Faf ducks under it at the very end. |
| 13.4 : V Fernando to Plessis, Another short delivery, this time though Faf was upto the task, he pulls it through mid-wicket and takes two. |
| 13.5 : V Fernando to Plessis, A little too straight, FdP works it towards fine leg for a single. |
| 13.6 : V Fernando to Bavuma, On a length again, Bavuma gets right behind the line and defends it. |
| Kasun Rajitha is on now. First change today. |
| 14.1 : K Rajitha to Bavuma, Uneven bounce there and that has hurt Bavuma. Just ahead of a shorter length, Bavuma's weight is on the front foot but then the ball rises from nowhere. He tries to fend it but gets hit on the body. |
| 14.2 : K Rajitha to Bavuma, FOUR! On the pad, Bavuma flicks it through square leg and gets a boundary. Third boundary of the match. |
| 14.3 : K Rajitha to Bavuma, Outside off, the batsman looks to defend but misses. |
| 14.4 : K Rajitha to T Bavuma, FOUR! Second of the over. It was on off, Bavuma looks to defend but the ball comes off the bat's outside edge and runs down through the legs of third slip . |
| 14.5 : K Rajitha to Bavuma, Good length and around off, Bavuma has played that one off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 14.6 : K Rajitha to Bavuma, It was on off, the batsman cuts it to point. |
| 15.1 : V Fernando to du Plessis, Excellently bowled again! This is angled into the batsman first from around the wicket, it pitches and then moves away. Faf looks to defend but is squared up. The ball goes off the outer half and through backward point for a single. |
| 15.2 : V Fernando to Bavuma, Back of a length on off, Bavuma pushes it to point. |
| 15.3 : V Fernando to Bavuma, Well left! From around the wicket it is bowled slightly outside off, Bavuma covers his off pole and shoulders arms. |
| 15.4 : V Fernando to Bavuma, FOUR! A little width on offer and Bavuma cashes on it. Short and wide outside off, Bavuma goes back and guides it through backward point. Boundary. Runs starting to come now for the hosts. |
| 15.5 : V Fernando to Bavuma, Good length and on off, Bavuma goes at it with hard hands, it goes off the inner half towards mid on. The fielder at short mid-wicket runs to his left and stops a single. |
| 15.6 : V Fernando to T Bavuma, The batsman has driven it through mid off. |
| 16.1 : K Rajitha to Plessis, Around off, the batsman offers a front foot defense to it. |
| 16.2 : K Rajitha to Plessis, Fullish and on leg, Faf flicks it to square leg. |
| 16.3 : K Rajitha to Plessis, Bouncer on 4th stump line, Faf leaves it alone. |
| 16.4 : K Rajitha to Plessis, FOUR! 50 comes up for South Africa! The ball was on good length and going outside leg, Faf flicks it through square leg and gets a boundary. |
| 16.5 : K Rajitha to Plessis, Hurls it on leg, the batsman looks to flick it but fails to put bat on ball. |
| 16.6 : K Rajitha to Plessis, Around off, du Plessis defends that one off the back foot. |
| Dimuth Karunaratne is on now. |
| 17.1 : D Karunaratne to Bavuma, On the off pole, Bavuma defends it nicely. Good start by the skipper. |
| 17.2 : D Karunaratne to Bavuma, This is a little too wide outside off, the batsman lets it be. Not a very good second delivery. |
| 17.3 : D Karunaratne to Bavuma, A single now! This is on middle, Bavuma plays inside the line, it goes off the inner half and through square leg for a single. |
| 17.4 : D Karunaratne to Plessis, Just ahead of a length and outside off, Faf guides it to gully. |
| 17.5 : D Karunaratne to Plessis, Inside edge! This one comes back in after pitching. Faf looks to keep it out but it goes off the inside edge and hits the pads. |
| 17.6 : D Karunaratne to Plessis, A decent end to the over! On off again, Faf is solid in defense. Good tight start by the Lankan skipper. |
| 18.1 : K Rajitha to T Bavuma, On the fuller side, not a lot of movement visible now. Bavuma strokes it towards mid on. |
| 18.2 : K Rajitha to Bavuma, Outside off this time, Bavuma need not play at those. |
| 18.3 : K Rajitha to Bavuma, Fullish and around off, Bavuma strokes it through covers nicely. It is not right off the middle but enough to get two. Also, Kasun has overstepped. |
| K Rajitha to Bavuma, Shortens his length this time and it is closer to the off pole, Bavuma gets right behind the line and keeps it out. |
| 18.4 : K Rajitha to Bavuma, Outside off, Bavuma is in no mood to play at those. |
| 18.5 : K Rajitha to Bavuma, Second leave in a row as it is once again bowled outside off. |
| 18.6 : K Rajitha to T Bavuma, FOUR! A well-controlled pull shot! Short and down the leg side, Bavuma just helps it on its way to the fine leg fence. Good end to the over for South Africa. |
| 19.1 : D Karunaratne to Plessis, BEATEN! Extra bounce there for the bowler! Effort ball by Karunaratne. However, it is short and wide outside off. Faf looks to cut but is done in by the extra bounce. |
| 19.2 : D Karunaratne to Plessis, On the off pole now, Faf is solid in defense. |
| 19.3 : D Karunaratne to Plessis, A little bit of drift away from the batter but the line is outside off, left alone. |
| 19.4 : D Karunaratne to Plessis, Another one outside off and it is another leave. |
| 19.5 : D Karunaratne to Plessis, A little too straight and on middle, it is worked to mid-wicket. |
| 19.6 : D Karunaratne to Plessis, A single to end another tight over by DK. On the shorter side, Faf goes back and punches it through covers for a run. |
| 20.1 : K Rajitha to Plessis, On the 4th stump line. Du Plessis looks to defend at it but misses. |
| 20.2 : K Rajitha to Plessis, FOUR! Classic Faf! It was on off, he drives it past cover. The fielder chases it but the ball still makes it to the ropes. |
| 20.3 : K Rajitha to Plessis, On middle, Faf defends this one off his back foot. |
| 20.4 : K Rajitha to Plessis, Bouncer outside off, the batsman leaves it alone. |
| 20.5 : K Rajitha to Plessis, Again on the same line, du Plessis watches it go back to the keeper. |
| 20.6 : K Rajitha to du Plessis, FOUR! Around off, Faf looks to drive but the away movement of the ball takes an outside edge and runs down to backward point. A boundary results. |
| 21.1 : D Karunaratne to Bavuma, Gentle medium pace on the off stump, Bavuma is half-forward as he keeps it out. |
| 21.2 : D Karunaratne to T Bavuma, On the stumps, Bavuma plants his front foot ahead and then plays it nicely through mid on. The fielder from mid off hares after it and stops it with a slide. Saves a run for his side. |
| 21.3 : D Karunaratne to Plessis, On the pads, this is tucked around the corner and takes a couple. There is swing on offer for Karunaratne but due to his pace, the batsman have a lot of time to adjust. |
| 21.4 : D Karunaratne to Plessis, Another couple! Runs coming thick and fast in this over. Short and outside off, Faf hits it through cover-point and takes two. |
| 21.5 : D Karunaratne to Plessis, Well bowled! Bowls it just behind a driving length and gets it to move away. Faf du Plessis looks to drive it on the up but is beaten. That was not quite there to drive. |
| 21.6 : D Karunaratne to Plessis, A dot to end! This is on off, FdP strokes it to mid off. A good looking drive but for no runs. |
| 22.1 : K Rajitha to Bavuma, Hurls it outside the off pole, Bavuma shoulders his arms to it. |
| 22.2 : K Rajitha to T Bavuma, On middle, Bavuma defends it towards cover. |
| 22.3 : K Rajitha to Bavuma, Yorker length outside off, Bavuma leans in for the drive but misses. |
| 22.4 : K Rajitha to Bavuma, FOUR! Short and on the body, Bavuma connects his hook and manages to clear the fence. A one bounce off the ropes. |
| 22.5 : K Rajitha to Bavuma, FOUR! Consecutive ones for Bavuma. Fullish on off, Temba drives it through covers and bags himself a one more. |
| 22.6 : K Rajitha to Bavuma, On middle, the batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of delivery. |
| Lasith Embuldeniya is into the attack. He is on debut. |
| 23.1 : L Embuldeniya to Plessis, Almost struck on his very first ball! What a delivery that is, it has just about missed the off stump and the outside edge. Just unplayable. Extremely slow and it is given good amount of air. Lands around middle and then turns square. Faf lunges and tries to keep it out but the ball rips past the outside edge and goes close past the off pole. Also, turn straightaway for the spinner. |
| 23.2 : L Embuldeniya to Plessis, Similar length and line to the last one, not the same turn though. Faf this time goes back and works it to square leg. |
| 23.3 : L Embuldeniya to Plessis, Uses his feet but does not get to the pitch of the ball. Blocks it. |
| 23.4 : L Embuldeniya to Plessis, FOUR! Up and over! Gets to the pitch this time and with a straight bat, lofts it over the bowler's head for a boundary. |
| 23.5 : L Embuldeniya to Plessis, Faf once again dances down the track but looks to drive, it goes off the inner half and towards long on for a run. This might be the way to go against the spinner, use you feet as he is tossing it up nicely and also bowling it slow. |
| 23.6 : L Embuldeniya to Bavuma, Or maybe play the paddle! Bavuma plays it nice and fine and picks up a couple. |
| 24.1 : K Rajitha to Plessis, On the 4th stump line, Faf comfortably defends that one onto the ground. |
| 0.0 : Review time! Sri Lanka feel they have Faf caught down the leg side. The umpire feels different. Sri Lanka have reviewed though. Big moment this. |
| 24.2 : Rajitha to Plessis, OUT! There is a spike on Ultra Edge and the on-field call has to be overturned. Now we know why Sri Lanka were so sure, excellent review by them and they have got the South African skipper. Also a timely one as this partnership was starting to look dangerous. It has been cut short in a soft manner though. A delivery down the leg side, Faf looks to flick, there is a noise as the ball passes the bat. The keeper takes and he starts celebrating, so does the bowler. Faf du P |
| Sri Lanka's meal would taste sweeter after Faf's wicket. Any team who wins the toss, inserts the opposition and takes 4 wickets before Lunch will be more than pleased. Lakmal and Fernando started it all for the visitors. They pegged the hosts back picking up 3 early wickets. Bavuma and Faf then started to get their side back in the game, stitching a 50-run stand but Rajitha struck just at the stroke of Lunch. |
| South Africa were made to struggle at the start. They couldn't cope with the moving ball and lost their top order cheaply. Faf and Bavuma were looking good for the time they were there but a loose shot from the skipper means that they have lot of work ahead. Sri Lanka just need a wicket and then they will head into the lower order. It promises to be an entertaining second session. Join in after a short while. |
| ... DAY 1, SESSION 2 ... |
| We are back after Lunch. The players and umpires are out in the middle. Temba Bavuma is joined by Quinton de Kock in the middle. Kasun Rajitha will continue his over. |
| 24.3 : K Rajitha to de Kock, FOUR! Good start after Lunch. Good length delivery outside off, de Kock looks to defend but gets an outside edge. It goes past the diving fourth slip fielder for a boundary. |
| 24.4 : K Rajitha to Kock, FOUR LEG BYES! Consecutive boundaries for Quinton. Length delivery on leg, de Kock looks to flick but gets it off his pads. It goes towards fine leg for a boundary. |
| 24.5 : K Rajitha to Kock, Good length delivery on middle, de Kock keeps it out. |
| 24.6 : K Rajitha to Kock, Outside off, the keeper-batsman shoulders his arms to this one. |
| Vishwa Fernando to bowl from the other end. |
| 25.1 : V Fernando to Bavuma, Good length delivery outside off, Bavuma shoulders his arms to this one. |
| 25.2 : V Fernando to Bavuma, Outside off, Bavuma lets it go. |
| 25.3 : V Fernando to T Bavuma, Full on off, Temba drives it through covers. Two runs taken. |
| 25.4 : V Fernando to T Bavuma, It was bowled on the shorter side where it pitched outside off and came back into the batsman. Bavuma looks to leave but gets a glove on the last moment. It goes towards Dickwella where it fell short of him. The batsmen take a quick run. |
| 25.5 : V Fernando to de Kock, Full on off, de Kock looks to drive but gets an inside edge. It goes towards fine leg. The batsmen cross ends. |
| 25.6 : V Fernando to Bavuma, Outside off, Temba leaves it alone. |
| Suranga Lakmal is on now. |
| De Kock has been given out caught behind. He though has reviewed. Looked off the glove but de Kock reviewing immediately might just mean it is off some other part. |
| 26.1 : S Lakmal to Kock, NOT OUT! It is off the elbow! De Kock survives to fight another day. Lakmal bowls a good length delivery and it lands around off. De Kock first thinks of playing at it but then at the end tries to leave. The ball goes off something low to the left of Dickwella. He dives and takes it, an appeal follows and the umpire raises the finger. De Kock reviews it straightaway. Time for the replays and they show that the on-field call has to overturned. The hosts will breath a huge |
| 26.2 : S Lakmal to Kock, On a length and around off, de Kock looks to defend but gets an inside edge onto his pads. It rolls towards point. |
| 26.3 : S Lakmal to Kock, Back of a length around off, de Kock pushes it towards cover for a single. |
| 26.4 : S Lakmal to Bavuma, The batsman shoulders arms to let that one through. |
| 26.5 : S Lakmal to Bavuma, On the shorter side, Bavuma blocks it out. |
| 26.6 : S Lakmal to Bavuma, The batsman chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump. |
| 27.1 : V Fernando to Kock, Full toss on middle, de Kock drives it to mid on. Quinton misses out on a boundary here. |
| 27.2 : V Fernando to Kock, Good length delivery outside off, de Kock shoulders his arms to this one. |
| 27.3 : V Fernando to Kock, On off, Quinton defends off the front foot. |
| 27.4 : V Fernando to Kock, Length delivery on off, de Kock looks to defend but it goes off the inner half of the bat towards square leg for a run. |
| 27.5 : V Fernando to T Bavuma, Short outside off, Bavuma cuts it towards point for a single. |
| 27.6 : V Fernando to Kock, Full on middle, Quinton drives it to mid on. |
| 28.1 : S Lakmal to Bavuma, Outside off, Bavuma shoulders his arms to this one. |
| 28.2 : S Lakmal to Bavuma, Bowls down the leg side, Bavuma looks to flick but misses it. A muted appeal for caught behind but the umpire shakes his head. |
| 28.3 : S Lakmal to Bavuma, Outside off, Bavuma lets it go. |
| 28.4 : S Lakmal to Bavuma, FOUR! Length delivery on off, Bavuma looks to drive but gets an outside edge. It goes between third and fourth slip towards third man for a boundary. |
| 28.5 : S Lakmal to Bavuma, Full on off, Bavuma drives it through mid off for a run. |
| 28.6 : S Lakmal to Kock, Short outside off, Quinton cuts it through point for a single. |
| 29.1 : V Fernando to Kock, Good length delivery on off, de Kock defends off the front foot. |
| 0.0 : Have Sri Lanka got another one in a fortunate manner? They are confident as a run out appeal at the non-striker's end has been taken upstairs. |
| 29.2 : Fernando to Bavuma, OUT! Bavuma is short by just! End of his innings in a very unfortunate manner. He walks back dejected, three short of a half ton. A full delivery by Vishwa Fernando on middle, de Kock creams it back towards the bowler who was trying to move his feet out of the way. However while his left foot came down, it hits the ball and ends up deflecting it on the stumps at the non-striker's end. The Lankans are already celebrating and the umpire takes it upstairs. Replays show it |
| Vernon Philander is the new batsman in. |
| 29.3 : V Fernando to Kock, On the shorter side, de Kock pulls it through square leg for a run. |
| 29.4 : V Fernando to Philander, Driven through the covers by the batsman. One run added to the total. |
| 29.5 : V Fernando to Kock, On the shorter side, de Kock cuts it through point for a couple. |
| 29.6 : V Fernando to Kock, Full again, de Kock strokes it back to the bowler. |
| 30.1 : S Lakmal to Philander, Length delivery on leg, Philander tucks it towards the leg side for a single. |
| 30.2 : S Lakmal to Kock, Good length delivery outside off, de Kock looks to chase this one but misses it. |
| 30.3 : S Lakmal to Kock, Again on a good length on off, Quinton blocks it well. |
| 30.4 : S Lakmal to de Kock, Length delivery outside off, de Kock cuts it towards point for a single. |
| 30.5 : S Lakmal to Philander, Good length delivery outside off, Philander lets it go. |
| 30.6 : S Lakmal to Philander, On a good length on off, Vernon defends off the front foot. |
| 31.1 : V Fernando to Kock, De Kock drives this fuller delivery to mid off. |
| 31.2 : V Fernando to de Kock, The batsman cuts this short delivery towards point. The batsmen cross ends. |
| 31.3 : V Fernando to Philander, Philander defends it off the back foot. |
| 31.4 : V Fernando to Philander, The batsman defends this good length delivery on the front foot. |
| 31.5 : V Fernando to V Philander, Philander cuts this short delivery towards point. The batsmen take a run. |
| 31.6 : V Fernando to Kock, Bowls it down the leg side, de Kock lets it go. |
| 32.1 : S Lakmal to Philander, Length delivery on off, Philander defends it back towards the bowler. |
| 32.2 : S Lakmal to Philander, Philander defends this good length delivery on the front foot. |
| 32.3 : S Lakmal to Philander, Length delivery on middle and leg, Philander flicks it towards square leg for a run. |
| 32.4 : S Lakmal to Kock, De Kock defends this good length delivery on the front foot. |
| 32.5 : S Lakmal to Kock, On off, Quinton keeps it out. |
| 32.6 : S Lakmal to Kock, On off, de Kock plays it towards point and takes a quick single. |
| Kasun Rajitha is back into the attack. |
| 33.1 : K Rajitha to Kock, On off, de Kock plays it back to the bowler. |
| 33.2 : K Rajitha to Kock, Good length delivery outside off, de Kock looks to cut but it hits the inner half. |
| 33.3 : K Rajitha to de Kock, De Kock drives this full delivery to covers. |
| 33.4 : K Rajitha to Kock, Good length delivery outside off, Quinton offers no shot. |
| 33.5 : K Rajitha to Kock, Short and outside off, de Kock cuts it towards point for a single. |
| 33.6 : K Rajitha to Philander, Outside off, Philander shoulders his arms to this one. |
| Lasith Embuldeniya is back. |
| 34.1 : L Embuldeniya to Kock, Short delivery, de Kock pulls it towards square leg. The batsmen pick up a couple. |
| 34.2 : L Embuldeniya to Kock, Tossed up on off, Quinton defends off the front foot. |
| 34.3 : L Embuldeniya to Kock, FOUR! Good shot. Flighted delivery on off, de Kock plays a reverse sweep towards third man for a boundary. |
| 34.4 : L Embuldeniya to Kock, Floated on middle, Quinton pushes it to mid-wicket. |
| 34.5 : L Embuldeniya to Kock, Flighted delivery on middle and leg, de Kock nudges it towards the leg side for a run. |
| 34.6 : L Embuldeniya to Philander, BEATEN! Beautiful delivery. Tossed up outside off, Philander looks to defend but misses it due to the away turn on this one. |
| 35.1 : K Rajitha to de Kock, Full on off, Quinton drives it to mid off. |
| 35.2 : K Rajitha to Kock, Length delivery on leg, de Kock looks to flick but misses it. |
| 35.3 : K Rajitha to de Kock, Short outside off, de Kock cuts it to point. |
| 35.4 : K Rajitha to Kock, De Kock drives this full delivery towards mid off. The batsmen change ends. |
| 35.5 : K Rajitha to Philander, On off, Philander defends off the front foot. |
| 35.6 : K Rajitha to Philander, Length delivery on middle, Philander pushes it to short mid-wicket. |
| DRINKS! A decent hour for both the sides. The Lankans did manage to get the well-set Bavuma early but since then, Philander and de Kock have done well and are amidst a good stand. South Africa will hope the two continue whereas, the Lankans will hope to break this partnership as soon as possible. |
| 36.1 : L Embuldeniya to Kock, Tossed up on middle, de Kock flicks it towards mid-wicket for a run. |
| 36.2 : L Embuldeniya to Philander, Flighted delivery on middle, Philander looks to push but gets an inside edge onto the pads. |
| 36.3 : L Embuldeniya to Philander, Floated on off, Philander keeps it out. |
| 36.4 : L Embuldeniya to Philander, Tossed up on off, Philander plays it towards the off side. |
| 36.5 : L Embuldeniya to Philander, Outside off, the batsman lets it go. |
| 36.6 : L Embuldeniya to V Philander, Full on middle, Philander drives it to mid on. |
| 37.1 : K Rajitha to de Kock, Shortish and outside off, de Kock cuts it through point. There is a fielder in the deep so only a single. |
| 37.2 : K Rajitha to Philander, On the stumps, the batter goes back and defends it onto the ground. |
| 37.3 : K Rajitha to Philander, On the off pole, Philander leans forward and keeps it out. |
| 37.4 : Rajitha to Philander, OUT! In the air... taken! Too quick that one for Philander! Kasun gets his second and Philander's resistance comes to an end. It is on the shorter side and around off, Philander goes back and tries to pull. The ball though skids through and hits the splice of Philander's bat even before he could complete the shot. It balloons towards the bowler who accepts a dolly. The umpires want to check for the front foot and it is just about fine. |
| Keshav Maharaj is the new batsman in. |
| 37.5 : K Rajitha to Maharaj, Outside off, left alone. |
| 37.6 : K Rajitha to Maharaj, A little too straight, it is worked towards mid-wicket for a run. |
| 38.1 : L Embuldeniya to Maharaj, Tossed up outside off, Maharaj lets it go. |
| 38.2 : L Embuldeniya to Maharaj, FOUR! Too short and outside off, Maharaj makes room and cuts it through point for a boundary. |
| 38.3 : L Embuldeniya to Maharaj, Floated on off, Maharaj keeps it out. |
| 38.4 : L Embuldeniya to Maharaj, Flighted delivery on off, Keshav blocks it well. |
| 38.5 : L Embuldeniya to Maharaj, Floated outside off, Maharaj cuts it to point. |
| 38.6 : L Embuldeniya to Maharaj, Loopy delivery on off, Keshav blocks it off his front foot. |
| 39.1 : K Rajitha to de Kock, Good length delivery on off, de Kock looks to defend but gets an inside edge onto the pads. |
| 39.2 : K Rajitha to Kock, NO BALL! Kasun Rajitha oversteps? Short outside off, de Kock cuts it towards point. Umpire gives no ball for overstepping but the replays show that he had some part of his foot behind the line. |
| K Rajitha to Kock, Full on middle, Quinton flicks it towards fine leg for a run. |
| 39.3 : K Rajitha to Maharaj, Good length delivery on off, Maharaj keeps it out. |
| 39.4 : K Rajitha to Maharaj, Outside off, Keshav leaves it alone. |
| 39.5 : K Rajitha to Maharaj, Same delivery, Maharaj lets it go. |
| 39.6 : K Rajitha to Maharaj, Third consecutive leave for Maharaj. Outside off, Keshav offers no shot. |
| 40.1 : L Embuldeniya to Kock, Tossed up on middle and leg, de Kock defends it towards short leg where the fielder looks to stop the ball but it goes past him. The batsmen take a run. |
| 40.2 : L Embuldeniya to Maharaj, FOUR! Cracking shot. Short and outside off, Maharaj cuts it through point for a boundary. |
| 40.3 : L Embuldeniya to Maharaj, Floated on middle, Keshav keeps it out. |
| 40.4 : L Embuldeniya to K Maharaj, Tossed up on middle, Maharaj looks to defend but gets an inside edge. It goes past the stumps and the keeper towards fine leg. The batsmen pick up a couple. |
| 40.5 : L Embuldeniya to Maharaj, Short outside off, Maharaj makes room and cuts it past first slip towards third man. The batsmen get two runs. |
| 40.6 : L Embuldeniya to Maharaj, Flighted delivery on middle, Maharaj defends off the back foot. |
| 41.1 : K Rajitha to Kock, FOUR! Stand and deliver! Slightly fuller and coming in with the angle. De Kock stands tall and just smashes it past mid on. It races away to the fence. |
| 41.2 : K Rajitha to Kock, Slash and a miss! Short and outside off, de Kock swings but misses. |
| 41.3 : K Rajitha to Kock, Down the leg side, de Kock looks to flick but misses. |
| 41.4 : K Rajitha to Kock, Goes for a yorker but ends up bowling a full toss, it is flicked through square leg for a single. |
| 41.5 : K Rajitha to Maharaj, A bumper on the body of the batsman, Maharaj somehow fends it away. |
| 41.6 : K Rajitha to Maharaj, On the shorter side, Maharaj pushes it to covers. |
| 42.1 : L Embuldeniya to Kock, Tossed up on middle, de Kock plays a reverse sweep towards point. |
| 42.2 : L Embuldeniya to Kock, Flighted delivery on leg, Quinton looks to play a reverse sweep but gets an inside edge onto the pads. The ball goes towards the leg side. The batsmen cross ends. |
| 42.3 : L Embuldeniya to Maharaj, Short outside off, Maharaj cuts it towards point for a run. |
| 42.4 : L Embuldeniya to Kock, Floated on middle, de Kock flicks it towards mid-wicket for a single. |
| 42.5 : L Embuldeniya to K Maharaj, Short outside off, Maharaj cuts it through point. Two runs taken. |
| 42.6 : L Embuldeniya to Maharaj, Short delivery again, Maharaj pulls it over mid-wicket. The batsmen get two runs. |
| 43.1 : K Rajitha to de Kock, Length delivery outside off, de Kock slaps it through covers. The fielder chases it and stops it comfortably before the rope. The batsmen get three runs. |
| 43.2 : K Rajitha to Maharaj, Length delivery on middle and leg, Maharaj nudges it towards fine leg. The batsmen pick up a couple. |
| 43.3 : K Rajitha to Maharaj, Good length delivery on off, Maharaj looks to defend but gets an outside edge towards gully. It fell well short of the fielder. |
| 43.4 : K Rajitha to Maharaj, Length delivery on leg, Keshav nudges it to the leg side. There was a confusion regarding the single. In the end they decide not to take the single. |
| 43.5 : K Rajitha to Maharaj, Short of a length delivery outside off, Maharaj looks to pull but misses it. |
| 43.6 : K Rajitha to Maharaj, Short delivery again, Maharaj rises on his toes and defends it off the back foot. |
| 44.1 : O Fernando to Kock, Floated on leg, de Kock flicks it towards the leg side for a run. |
| 44.2 : O Fernando to Kock, FOUR! Good shot. Short outside off, de Kock slaps it through covers for a boundary. |
| 44.3 : O Fernando to Kock, Floated on middle, Quinton defends off the back foot. |
| 44.4 : O Fernando to de Kock, Short delivery outside off, Quinton cuts it towards point for a single. |
| 44.5 : O Fernando to Maharaj, FOUR! Amazing shot. Flighted delivery on middle, Maharaj lofts this over mid-wicket for a boundary. |
| 44.6 : O Fernando to Maharaj, Tossed up on off, Maharaj plays it towards covers for a run. Big over for South Africa. 10 runs came from it. |
| Vishwa Fernando is back into the attack. |
| 45.1 : V Fernando to Maharaj, On middle, Maharaj defends it back to the bowler. |
| 45.2 : V Fernando to Maharaj, FOUR! Short and on leg, Maharaj hooks it uppishly to square leg and gets himself a boundary. |
| 45.3 : V Fernando to Maharaj, Over the wicket lands it on middle, Maharaj leaves it alone as it was going away from him. |
| 45.4 : V Fernando to Maharaj, Around off, the batsman defends that one off his front foot. |
| 45.5 : V Fernando to Maharaj, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| Have Sri Lanka got another? The umpire has given Maharaj out caught behind but he has reviewed. |
| 45.6 : Fernando to K Maharaj, OUT! A huge spike on Ultra Edge and Keshav Maharaj is given his marching orders. Also, a review goes down the drain. That review was more in hope I feel as this partnership was going great guns. However, a superb nut to end a very handy innings by Maharaj. Fernando lands it on a length around off, the ball pitches and straightens. Not a lot Maharaj could have done there. He lunges and looks to block but due to the away movement, the ball takes the outside edge and g |
| Kagiso Rabada is the new batsman in. |
| 46.1 : S Lakmal to Kock, Full toss on off, de Kock defends it off his front foot. |
| 46.2 : S Lakmal to Kock, Fullish on middle, Quinton defends it back to the bowler. |
| 46.3 : S Lakmal to Kock, On stump line, the batsman has kept it out. |
| 46.4 : S Lakmal to Kock, Around off, Quinton pulls it to mid-wicket and collects a single. |
| 46.5 : S Lakmal to Rabada, Bumper on middle, Rabada ducks under it. Lakmal looking to put pressure on him right on the first ball. |
| 46.6 : S Lakmal to Rabada, Short and on body, Rabada defends it to the leg side. |
| 47.1 : V Fernando to de Kock, Short and on middle, de Kock pulls it to mid-wicket and takes a single. |
| 47.2 : V Fernando to Rabada, Fullish on leg, Rabada drives it uppishly towards mid on. |
| 47.3 : V Fernando to Rabada, On middle, Rabada defends it onto the ground. |
| 47.4 : V Fernando to Rabada, Bumper on body, the batsman ducks underneath it. |
| 47.5 : V Fernando to Rabada, Same ball, Rabada ducks to save his head. |
| 47.6 : V Fernando to Rabada, Fullish on pad, Kagiso drives it to mid on and takes a run. THAT WILL BE TEA ON DAY 1. |
| A decent session of Test cricket we witnessed here. It started off with Bavuma getting run out in a very unfortunate manner. Philander too did not contribute a lot with the bat. At 131 for 6, the hosts were in serious trouble. However, Maharaj and de Kock then joined hands and counter-attacked. The two added a handy 47-run stand before the former was dismissed. |
| Sri Lanka are in a good position in this game but they can't relax, especially with Quinton de Kock out there. He is easily capable of adding some quick runs and get the hosts to a competitive total. The Islanders would not want that and they would look to wrap the innings up quickly. Join us in a short while for what could be another exciting session of cricket. |
| ... DAY 1, THIRD SESSION ... |
| All in readiness yet again. The overrate has bee abysmal today and there are still 42 overs left to be bowled. Looked unlikely even if they take an extra half an hour. Anyway, coming to the match situation, we can expect fireworks from Quinton de Kock with only three wickets left. Rabada will be on strike first up though. Suranga Lakmal to continue from this end. Let's play... |
| 48.1 : S Lakmal to Rabada, Starts with a fuller length ball on middle, Rabada brings a straight bat down and defends it watchfully on the leg side. |
| 48.2 : S Lakmal to K Rabada, Direct hit would have consumed Rabada! A length ball around leg, Kagiso helps it towards mid-wicket and crosses for a hesitant single. The fielder misses his shy at the bowler's end otherwise he was short by a couple of yards. |
| 48.3 : S Lakmal to Kock, The line is straight and de Kock eases it in front of square leg for an easy run this time. |
| 48.4 : S Lakmal to Rabada, Extra bounce from a length around middle, Kagiso is taken by surprise but he reacts well to keep it out safely on the off side. |
| 48.5 : S Lakmal to Rabada, Good length delivery on middle and leg, Rabada flicks it in front of square leg and rotates the strike. |
| 48.6 : S Lakmal to Kock, Nicely controlled shot. De Kock stands back to fetch a short ball from wide outside off and pulls it all along the carpet to deep mid-wicket. They pick up a single. |
| Vishwa Fernando will also continue from the opposite end. |
| 49.1 : V Fernando to Kock, Begins his spell with a short ball around off, de Kock mistimes his pull shot off the bottom half through square leg. One run added to the total. |
| 49.2 : V Fernando to Rabada, Angles in a length ball on off, Rabada covers the line and blocks it from the crease. |
| 49.3 : V Fernando to Rabada, A little bit of width outside off, Rabada stays back to play it down towards cover-point. |
| 49.4 : V Fernando to Rabada, Bouncer around off at 130 kph, it's easily left by Rabada. |
| 49.5 : V Fernando to Rabada, Wayward this time. Short and down the leg side, Rabada finds the line too wide to play at. |
| 49.6 : V Fernando to Rabada, OUT! Straight down square leg's throat! A soft dismissal really. Fourth wicket for Fernando, his career-best bowling figures. A low full toss around leg, Rabada leans across to flick but fails to keep it down. It flies in the air and falls straight down Embuldeniya's throat. Kagiso cannot believe his luck. |
| In walks Dale Steyn. He can use the long handle. But his plan should be to give as much strike as possible to de Kock. |
| 50.1 : S Lakmal to Kock, Works a length ball through square leg for a single. |
| 50.2 : S Lakmal to Steyn, Edgy. Good length delivery close to off stump, straightening a bit, Steyn pushes inside the line and gets it away off the outer half to gully. |
| 50.3 : S Lakmal to Steyn, FOUR! Smashing shot! Lakmal serves it on a length again, it's just outside off, Dale Steyn uses his reach and hammers it down the ground through mid off. |
| 50.4 : S Lakmal to Steyn, Full and angling in from outside off, Steyn drives it off the inner half to mid on. |
| 50.5 : S Lakmal to Steyn, Has hammered this one as well. Width on offer outside off, Dale throws his hands at it and drills it wide of mid off. The fielder there gets some fingertips onto it and it slows down before the rope. Two taken. |
| 50.6 : S Lakmal to Steyn, Digs in a bouncer around middle, Steyn sits underneath it. |
| 51.1 : V Fernando to Kock, A short delivery which has been pulled away. The batsmen have run through for a single. |
| 51.2 : V Fernando to Steyn, A sharp bouncer on off, Steyn ducks. |
| 51.3 : V Fernando to Steyn, Short and way down the leg side, Steyn allows it through. |
| 51.4 : V Fernando to Steyn, FOUR! Bang! A low full toss outside off, Steyn, with all his weight on the back leg, attacks it with all his power and bludgeons it down through mid off for a boundary. |
| 51.5 : V Fernando to Steyn, Misses out there. A good length ball sliding down the leg side, Steyn fails to get any bat behind it. |
| 51.6 : V Fernando to Steyn, Good length delivery around leg, angling away from 'round the wicket, Steyn remains back in an open stance and defends it on the leg side. |
| Lasith Embuldeniya is back on. |
| 52.1 : L Embuldeniya to Kock, 15th Test fifty for Quinton de Kock! A short ball on middle has been pulled to deep mid-wicket for a run. Once again Quinton has played a vital hand down the order. Raises his bat to the crowd and receives a big ovation. |
| 52.2 : L Embuldeniya to Steyn, Steyn has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 52.3 : L Embuldeniya to Steyn, Turns it off his pads to the on side for one. 200 up for South Africa! |
| 52.4 : L Embuldeniya to Kock, Walks forward and helps it towards short mid-wicket. |
| 52.5 : L Embuldeniya to Kock, Arrows this one on middle and leg, de Kock clips it in the gap on the leg side for a run. |
| 52.6 : L Embuldeniya to Steyn, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 53.1 : V Fernando to de Kock, FOUR! Quinton will go after the bowlers now. Receives a short ball around middle and leg, he gets inside the line and pulls it fine down the leg side for a boundary. |
| 53.2 : V Fernando to Kock, Back of a length ball on off, de Kock tries working on the leg side but is beaten in pace probably. |
| 53.3 : V Fernando to Kock, Sharp delivery, short and slanting down, once again de Kock fails to put bat on ball and it goes off his thigh pad towards the right of the keeper. A leg bye taken. |
| 53.4 : V Fernando to Steyn, Pitches it up and around off, Steyn clears his front leg to go hard at it but it takes the inside edge and squirts through mid-wicket for one. |
| Vishwa Fernando seems to have pulled his hamstring. He is lying flat on the ground and one of his teammates is helping him with stretching. This will further have an impact on the overrate. |
| 53.5 : V Fernando to Kock, A length ball on off, de Kock tickles it through square leg and takes a run. |
| 53.6 : V Fernando to Steyn, Spears in a fullish ball on middle, Steyn goes for the flick and gets it away off the inner portion of his bat. It runs down to fine leg and they take a run. |
| 54.1 : L Embuldeniya to Steyn, Dropped? Flighted and fuller ball on off, Steyn strides forward and clobbers it over mid off. The fielder in the deep runs forward, puts in a dive but it seems that the ball drops just short of him. A single added to the total. |
| 54.2 : L Embuldeniya to Kock, FOUR! Well played! Flighted again, full and around off, de Kock brings out the reverse sweep and nails it wide of first slip for a boundary. Well executed. |
| 54.3 : Embuldeniya to Kock, Appeal for a catch, not given. De Kock tries sweeping a delivery down leg, fails to middle properly and it flies behind. The keeper tries catching but misses and it ricochets off him to the first slip fielder. He catches, they appeal but the umpire remains still. Nothing in the replays. |
| 54.4 : L Embuldeniya to Kock, The batsman flicks it away with a wristy shot through mid-wicket. Two runs added to the total. |
| 54.5 : L Embuldeniya to Kock, Knocks a full ball down through mid on for one. |
| 54.6 : L Embuldeniya to Steyn, Steyn has played that off the front foot and into the ground. 8 from the over, 16 in the last two, this stand is worth 31. A valuable one for the Saffas. |
| Kasun Rajitha is into the attack now. |
| 55.1 : K Rajitha to Kock, Nicely played but there is a sweeper on the leg side to mop it up. A length ball on off, de Kock whips it to deep mid-wicket for a run. |
| 55.2 : K Rajitha to Steyn, Back of a length delivery around off, Steyn gets on top of the bounce and pats it down to covers. |
| 55.3 : K Rajitha to Steyn, On a good length around off, Steyn blocks it from the crease to the off side. |
| Dark clouds are slowly but surely building up. |
| 55.4 : K Rajitha to Steyn, Bouncer, well-directed at the head of the batsman, Dale ducks at the last second. |
| 55.5 : K Rajitha to Steyn, Bouncer again! The batsman does well to evade it. |
| 55.6 : K Rajitha to Steyn, A length ball on middle, straightening a bit after landing, Steyn prods forward with a straight bat and it goes off the outside edge through cover-point. A single to complete the over. |
| 56.1 : L Embuldeniya to Steyn, Slow loopy full ball outside off, Steyn strides forward and plays it with soft hands to point. |
| 56.2 : L Embuldeniya to Steyn, Flighted and full on middle, Dale leans forward and defends it in front of his pads. |
| 56.3 : L Embuldeniya to Steyn, Arm ball on off, skidding in from a fuller length, Steyn keeps it out off the inside edge. |
| 56.4 : Embuldeniya to D Steyn, OUT! Timber! Embuldeniya lets out a nicely tossed up delivery, landing full on middle and going straight on. Steyn is on the front foot but plays down the wrong line. It beats the inside edge and cannons onto the stumps. The vital 33-run partnership is broken. Maiden Test scalp for Lasith and he is all smile. |
| Duanne Olivier is the last batsman. |
| 56.5 : L Embuldeniya to Olivier, Tossed up ball wide outside off, left alone. |
| 56.6 : L Embuldeniya to Olivier, Stretches forward to a full ball and blocks it back safely. A wicket maiden for Embuldeniya! |
| 57.1 : K Rajitha to Kock, Good length ball angling into the batsman from outside off, de Kock presents a straight bat in defense. |
| 57.2 : K Rajitha to Kock, Full and angling down the leg side, de Kock swings across the line but fails to middle it properly. It runs down to fine leg and Quinton turns down the single. |
| 57.3 : K Rajitha to Kock, On a length and outside off, de Kock stays back to hit it square of the wicket on the off side and once again denies the single on offer. |
| 57.4 : K Rajitha to Kock, Lets out a grunt and serves a slower full ball on middle at 98 kph, Quinton is not deceived and defends it back to the bowler. |
| 57.5 : K Rajitha to Kock, Ups his pace and darts in a shortish ball on off at 135 kph, de Kock tries to pull but misses. It goes off his thigh pad to slips. |
| 57.6 : K Rajitha to Kock, Dropped by Thirimanne! Dear me, this can prove to be costly. A short ball outside off, de Kock ramps it down to third man where Lahiru drops a sitter. Quinton gets the single he wants off the final ball. |
| 58.1 : L Embuldeniya to Kock, FOUR! Shot! De Kock fetches a full ball from outside leg and reverse sweeps it firmly through covers for a cracking boundary. |
| 58.2 : L Embuldeniya to Kock, Loopy and full ball around leg, de Kock plays it softly in front of square leg and crosses for a run. He is trusting Olivier to play out the spinner. |
| 58.3 : L Embuldeniya to Olivier, Flatter and around off, straightening a bit, Duanne is behind the line in defense. |
| 58.4 : L Embuldeniya to Olivier, On middle and leg, tucked towards short fine leg. |
| 58.5 : L Embuldeniya to Olivier, Presses forward to a full ball and drives it nicely to mid off. |
| 58.6 : L Embuldeniya to Olivier, An arm ball on middle, Olivier gets half-forward and jams it down on the leg side. |
| 59.1 : K Rajitha to Kock, FOUR! Here is the boundary de Kock is looking for! Short in length angling into the batsman, de Kock heaves it over backward square leg and finds the fence in spite of two fielders in the deep on the leg side. Lovely placement. The fine leg fielder was quite late in picking that up. |
| 59.2 : K Rajitha to Kock, Attack a length ball outside off and plays a cracking cover drive. But finds the fielder. |
| 59.3 : K Rajitha to Kock, SIX! He has nailed this! That dropped catch is hurting Sri Lanka. South Africa are marching towards 250. A slower one by Rajitha, on a length and angling in, de Kock picks it early and dispatches it over wide long on for a maximum. |
| 59.4 : K Rajitha to Kock, OUT! De Kock holes out! Rajitha gets his revenge. Delivers another short ball around off, Quinton takes on the challenge to pull it but gets a top edge. Vishwa Fernando comes in from fine leg, keeps his eyes on the ball and takes the skier safely. Third wicket for Kasun and South Africa are bundled out for 235! |
| Excellent bowling performance by Sri Lanka after choosing to field first. Their pacers set the tone early by picking three quick wickets up front and pushed South Africa on the back foot. Faf du Plessis and Temba Bavuma revived things with a 72-run stand and then Quinton de Kock was involved in valuable stands with the lower order. With their help, the Proteas managed to cross the 200-run mark and now have a respectable first innings total. The Islanders will be a shade disappointed to let the h |
| Now, it's time for the real challenge for Sri Lanka. Batting. There's some spice in the track and South Africa possess an army of quality pace bowlers. Will Dale Steyn and company run through? Or will we some rearguard batting from the touring party? Hang around with us to find out. |
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