GQEBERHA, South Africa (ePRESS) – Sri Lankan pacer Lahiru Kumara achieved a critical breakthough by claiming his 100th Test wicket on the opening day of the second Test against South Africa at St. George’s Park.
Kumara’s fiery spell not only marked his entry into the elite club of Sri Lankan pacers but also gave his team a fighting chance as South Africa ended the day at 269 for 7.
Kumara’s milestone wicket came early in the day when he dismissed Aiden Markram with a brilliant fuller delivery that swung sharply back into the right-hander. Markram’s attempted drive ended in disaster as the ball clipped an inside edge and crashed into the stumps. The dismissal sparked celebrations from Kumara, who later added Tristan Stubbs to his tally, moving to 101 Test scalps. Stubbs edged a sharp delivery, and Kusal Mendis completed the catch behind the stumps.
With this feat, Kumara became only the fifth Sri Lankan fast bowler to reach the 100-wicket milestone in Tests, joining the ranks of Chaminda Vaas (355), Suranga Lakmal (171), Lasith Malinga (101), and Dilhara Fernando (100). Kumara has taken these wickets in just 33 matches at an average of over 35, with an impressive 89 of them coming in away games.
South Africa, choosing to bat first in challenging, windy conditions, stumbled early, reduced to 44 for 3 as Sri Lanka’s bowlers made inroads. However, Ryan Rickelton and Temba Bavuma staged a remarkable recovery. Bavuma, coming off two consecutive fifties, added another solid 78 to his tally, while Rickelton registered his maiden Test century with a gutsy knock.
Rickelton, who came in with South Africa reeling at 0 for 1, showcased immense patience early on, weathering a probing spell from the Sri Lankan pacers. Once set, he took control, reaching his century off 231 balls. His innings featured critical partnerships, first a 133-run stand with Bavuma and then a 77-run effort with Kyle Verreynne for the sixth wicket.
Bavuma’s dismissal before tea briefly shifted momentum back to Sri Lanka, but Rickelton’s steady hand ensured South Africa ended the day in a competitive position.
Sri Lanka’s bowlers, led by Kumara (3 for 54) and Asitha Fernando (2 for 67), struck twice late in the day to keep the Proteas in check. With South Africa at 269 for 7 at stumps, Sri Lanka will aim to wrap up the innings early on Day 2 and capitalize on what are expected to be favourable batting conditions.
The game remains tightly balanced with South Africa’s strength tested against a determined Sri Lankan attack.
Chief Scores:
South Africa 269 for 7 (Ryan Rickelton 101, Temba Bavuma 78, Lahiru Kumara 3-54, Asitha Fernando 2-67) vs Sri Lanka.
