Silva and Mendis Keep SL’s Hopes Alive in Gqeberha

Sri Lanka’s chase of 348 in the second Test against South Africa remains alive thanks to an unbeaten partnership between captain Dhananjaya de Silva and Kusal Mendis. On Day 4, Sri Lanka faced significant setbacks, losing half their side for just 122 runs. However, de Silva and Mendis, both unbeaten on 39, combined for an 83-run standoff 117 balls, steering their team to 205/5 at stumps, 143 runs short of the target. 

Earlier, Sri Lanka’s innings began on a shaky note, with Dimuth Karunaratne falling to Kagiso Rabada for the fourth time this series. Contributions from Angelo Mathews (32) and Kamindu Mendis (35) temporarily steadied the innings, but quick dismissals left the team teetering before the crucial partnership emerged. 

South Africa resumed their second innings on 191/3 but struggled against Prabath Jayasuriya’s spin, who claimed his maiden overseas five-wicket haul. Despite Temba Bavuma’s 66 and a vital 27-run last-wicket stand, South Africa added only 126 runs on Day 4, setting Sri Lanka a challenging target. 

St. George’s Park has rarely seen successful chases over 270 in Tests, but Sri Lanka’s 2019 victory, where Kusal Mendis scored an unbeaten 84, offers hope. With no recognised batters left after de Silva and Mendis, the pair’s partnership will be crucial on the final day. 

South Africa leads the two-match series 1-0, having won the first Test by 233 runs, and will aim to secure the series with a strong finish.