The second Test match between South Africa and Sri Lanka is set for an exciting finish as both teams push hard for victory. On the fifth and final day, Sri Lanka needs 143 runs to win, while South Africa is just five wickets away from taking the match. The pitch at St. George’s Park in Cape Town is proving tough, giving both sides a fair chance to win.
By the end of the fourth day, Sri Lanka had scored 205 runs for the loss of 5 wickets, chasing a target of 348 runs. South Africa scored 358 runs in their first innings and 317 runs in their second. Sri Lanka had made 328 runs in their first innings. South Africa’s Temba Bavuma played well, scoring 66 runs. On the fourth day, South Africa started with 191/3 in their second innings. Tristan Stubbs added 47 runs, Bavuma made 66, and David Bedingham scored 35. The tailenders contributed small but important runs, taking the team to 317 runs in total.
●-One Day left.
— Cricket World 🏏 (@Sunny29548707) December 8, 2024
●-Sri Lanka needs 143 runs.
●-South Africa needs 5 wickets.
●-WTC final on line.
Sri Lanka is putting up a great fight at St George's Park 🙇 pic.twitter.com/VAsc6e7Fcm
Sri Lanka’s bowlers fought hard, with spinner Prabath Jayasuriya taking 5 wickets in South Africa’s second innings. Vishwa Fernando claimed 2 wickets, while Asitha Fernando and Lahiru Kumara took 1 each. One South African batsman was also run out.
Sri Lanka’s chase didn’t get off to a good start. Dimuth Karunaratne was out for just 1 run, and Pathum Nissanka scored 18 before being dismissed. However, the middle order steadied the innings. Dinesh Chandimal scored 29, Angelo Mathews made 32, and Kamindu Mendis added 35. Sri Lanka’s captain, Dhananjaya de Silva, and Kusal Mendis then put together a solid partnership, both making 39 not out and taking the score to 205 by stumps.