Centuries from Tristan Stubbs and Temba Bavuma propelled South Africa to a commanding position on day three of the first Test against Sri Lanka at Kingsmead. Their partnership solidified South Africa’s dominance.
Stubbs scored 122 and Bavuma contributed 113. Their fourth-wicket stand of 249 proved crucial. South Africa declared their second innings at tea with a total of 366 for five.
Sri Lanka faced a daunting target of 516 runs to win. They ended the day at 103 for five, struggling against South Africa’s potent bowling attack.
Despite improving on their first-innings record low of 42 all out, Sri Lanka’s batsmen continued to grapple with the pace and skill of the South African bowlers.
Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen, who had been instrumental in the first innings collapse, each took two wickets. Gerald Coetzee also added a wicket to his tally.
Resuming their innings at 132 for two on Friday morning, Stubbs and Bavuma extinguished any remaining hopes Sri Lanka may have harbored of a comeback.
The pair played cautiously, accumulating 101 runs in 33 overs before lunch without taking unnecessary risks.
Vishwa Fernando, the left-arm bowler for Sri Lanka, posed the most significant threat. He created the only opportunity for a breakthrough in the morning session.
A dropped catch by Angelo Mathews at slip reprieved Stubbs when he was on 33.
The pitch played easier on the third day, with sunny conditions prevailing. Despite the improved batting conditions, there was still some assistance for the seam bowlers.
The bowlers faced further challenges after lunch as Stubbs and Bavuma steadily progressed towards their centuries. It was Stubbs’ third century in six Tests and Bavuma’s third in 60 matches.
Stubbs’ innings ended 20 minutes before tea when he was bowled by Vishwa Fernando. He attempted a leg-side flick but exposed his leg stump, leading to his dismissal.
Bavuma declared the innings closed shortly before tea. He was leg before wicket to Asitha Fernando.
Sri Lankan captain Dimuth Karunaratne was dismissed early by Rabada for the second time in the match. He edged a drive to a ball bowled from around the wicket and was caught by Stubbs at third slip for four.
Pathum Nissanka played aggressively, scoring 23 runs off 31 balls. He was eventually dismissed leg before wicket to Coetzee. This occurred shortly after he had gloved a catch to wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne off a Rabada no-ball.
Marco Jansen, who took seven wickets for 13 runs in the first innings, continued his impressive performance. He dismissed Angelo Mathews for 25 and Kamindu Mendis for 10.
Nightwatchman Prabath Jayasuriya scored a single run before being caught by Rabada at short leg.
Dinesh Chandimal remained unbeaten on 29 at the close of play.
Tristan Stubbs and Temba Bavuma’s centuries put South Africa in a commanding position against Sri Lanka in the first Test.
Their substantial partnership of 249 runs laid the foundation for South Africa’s dominance.
South Africa declared their second innings at tea on day three, setting Sri Lanka a challenging target of 516 runs.
Sri Lanka’s batsmen struggled throughout the day and ended at 103 for five. Their performance was an improvement on their first innings total of 42 all out, but still left them facing a heavy defeat.
South Africa’s fast bowlers, led by Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen, continued to trouble the Sri Lankan batsmen. Gerald Coetzee also contributed with a wicket.
Stubbs and Bavuma’s resilient batting display on the third morning effectively ended any hopes Sri Lanka had of getting back into the match.
They added 101 runs in 33 overs before lunch, playing with caution and control.
Vishwa Fernando proved to be the most threatening of the Sri Lankan bowlers. He induced an edge from Stubbs, but the chance was dropped by Angelo Mathews.
The pitch conditions improved on the third day, offering less assistance to the bowlers. However, there was still enough in the surface to encourage the seam bowlers.
Stubbs and Bavuma continued to accumulate runs after lunch, reaching their respective centuries.
Stubbs was eventually dismissed for 122, while Bavuma remained unbeaten on 113 when the declaration came.
South Africa declared their innings with a lead of 515 runs, leaving Sri Lanka with a daunting task.
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