The Proteas were firmly in front at stumps on day two of the first Test against Sri Lanka at Kingsmead in Durban after finishing on 132/3, and an overall lead of 281 runs.
With much of the first day washed out by the volatile Durban weather, Day 2 was much better as a full day of cricket was enjoyed by those in attendance.
After starting the day on 80/4, the Proteas were eventually bowled out for 191, with the Sri Lankans feeling they were on top of their visitors. How wrong they were. Skipper Temba Bavuma top scored with 70 runs.
Stumps are called on day 2 on the first Test ➡️
— SuperSport 🏆 (@SuperSportTV) November 28, 2024
South Africa ends the day with a commanding lead of 281 runs 🙌
📺 Stream #SAvSL on DStv: https://t.co/rM90YyQxaw pic.twitter.com/x0nqXPHeKo
In reply, Marco Jansen was the chief destroyer as South Africa got on top. Jansen finished with figure of 7/13 as Sri Lanka were bowled out for a paltry 42, giving the home side a healthy 149-run lead.
In the second innings, the South African batters rolled up their sleeves and went to work.
Tony de Zorzi went early as he was dismissed for 17, but Aiden Markram (47) played with patience and was much better in the second innings, having scored just 9 on day one.
Wiaan Mulder, who was an injury concern in the first innings, contributed 15 to the score.
Like Wednesday, captain Temba Bavuma (24) was out in the middle when stumps were called, along with Tristan Stubbs (17). Playing patiently Bavuma and Stubbs shared a 43 run partnership as they looked to build South Africa's innings.
Bavuma and Stubbs will be looking to build on their advantage on Day three. Clear skies are forecast for Friday, with no rain expected throughout the day.
Jansen on song!🎵
Marco meant business, and took NO prisoners as he bull-dozed the Sri Lanka batters to get career-best Test Match figures of 7/13😃😎🇿🇦
An absolute dominant display, one for the history books.📖🏏#WozaNawe #BePartOfIt #SAvSL pic.twitter.com/OWrXUKX0lO
Scorecard
South Africa first innings 191 all out: Temba Bavuma 70, Keshav Maharaj 24, Asitha Fernando 3/44, Lahiru Kumara 3/70
Sri Lanka first innings 42 all out: Kamindu Mendis 13, Lahiru Kumara 10, Marco Jansen 7/13, Gerald Coetee 2/18
South Africa second innings 132/3: Aiden Markram 47, Temba Bavuma 24, Prabath Jayasuriya 2/48, Vishwa Fernando 1/33
South Africa lead by 281 runs at stumps
Teams at Kingsmead
Proteas: Aiden Markram, Tony de Zorzi, Tristan Stubbs, Temba Bavuma (captain), David Bedingham, Kyle Verreynne (wicket-keeper), Marco Jansen, Wiaan Mulder, Gerald Coetzee, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada.
Sri Lanka: Dimuth Karunaratne, Pathum Nissanka, Dinesh Chandimal, Angelo Mathews, Kamindu Mendis, Dhananjaya de Silva (captain), Kusal Mendis (wicket-keeper), Prabath Jayasuriya, Lahiru Kumara, Asitha Fernando, Vishwa Fernando.
IOL Sport