Published: Dec 28, 2016, 11:30 AM (IST)
Edited: Dec 28, 2016, 09:41 PM (IST)
Good Morning, Goeie more, සුභ සන්ධ්යාවක්! Hello, and Welcome to CricketCountry’s live blog session of Day Three of the first match of the three-Test series between hosts South Africa and visitors Sri Lanka, at St George’s Park in Port Elizabeth. I am Vishal Mehra, and I will be bringing to you all the live updates from today’s action. This has been a fascinating Test so far. Day One saw South Africa dominate before Sri Lanka staging a comeback in the final session. Day Two also saw a riveting contest between bat and ball with both sides having their moments.
South Africa began day at 267 for 6 before skidding to 286. Playing in his 32nd Test, Suranga Lakmal claimed his first five-for. Sri Lankan batsmen had a tough time too as they were reduced to 22 for 3. Sri Lanka’s lower middle-order harboured the side to a respectable position thanks to a gritty 43 not out from Dhananjaya de Silva. Skipper Angelo Mathews contributed with a breezy 39, while Dinesh Chandimal and Rangana Herath scored 28 and 24 respectively. The Lankan tail will have to support de Silva in a bid to reach closer to South Africa’s total. Vernon Philander impressed the most from the Proteas camp, claiming 3 wickets. Kyle Abbott got 2, while Kagiso Rabada and Keshav Maharaj chipped in with a wicket each.
LIVE Cricket Scorecard, South Africa vs Sri Lanka, 1st Test at Port Elizabeth
South Africa may have the edge at the moment but Sri Lanka will not go down without a fight. Day Three is all set to witness another gruelling day’s play. A good spell or a defiant knock may just go on to swing the pendulum in either’s favour.
