South Africa continue their dominance at home as they outplay the Lankans in all the departments on the first day. Sri Lanka won the toss in the second test and elected to bat first. The decision turned out to be a blunder as they had a horrible day with the bat.
No other batsman other than Kusal Perera could play the South African bowlers. But as soon as Perera was dismissed after well made 60, the Sri Lankan scoreboard was at 71 for a loss of 2 wickets. The Sri Lankan middle order could not play the African bowlers as they were soon reduced to 93 for 6 wickets. A minor resistance was provided by Wanindu Hasaranga and Chameera who contributed 29 and 22 to the scoreboard respectively. Soon the Sri Lankan innings was wrapped up at 157. For South Africa, Nortje was the top performer as he picked 6 wickets for 56 runs. The Lankan batsman were unable to play the quick deliveries by the African pacers. Mulder too provided 3 wickets to his team as he picked the key wicket of Kusal Perera.
South Africa came in to bat with almost 40 overs left in the day. Markram was quickly dismissed in the 8th over as he nicked the ball on Fernando’s delivery to slips. Other than this wicket, there was nothing much to celebrate for the Lankan bowlers as they couldn’t pick any other wicket throughout the day. Dean Elgar and Rassie van der Dussen played every Lankan bowler effortlessly. The duo didn’t give any opportunity to the Lankan fielders as they were striking the ball perfectly. Elgar played a magnificent knock of 92 which was well supported by Rassie van der Dussen who also contributed a well-made 40. The batsmen went back at the end of the day without losing any other wicket.
For Sri Lanka, only Fernando got a wicket in his column. The entire day was dominated by the Proteas as they are eyeing another win at home.