Published: Dec 26, 2016, 10:48 PM (IST)
Edited: Dec 26, 2016, 10:53 PM (IST)
Day One fared mostly in favour of South Africa apart from the last session that went to Sri Lanka. South Africa won toss on a batting friendly surface and started solidly with 100 for no loss. Sri Lanka stung back strongly to pick up 6 wickets for 163 runs. By the end of the day, the momentum of the match had swung in visitors’ cradle thanks to Suranga Lakmal and Rangana Herath. Day Two in all likelihood will see the better side take control of the match with both teams sitting on equal balance. Sri Lanka will be on the look out for wickets while South Africa will want to build on their 267.
Day 2, South Africa’s perspective: For South Africa, Quinton de Kock will hold the key in their ascendance to a win from here on. De Kock’s belligerence and composure against Australia was for all to cherish. De Kock if supported by the late middle order, he very well can help the side get past the 350-run mark. Vernon Philander can very well use his bat to good effect as is coming from good outings in Australia at Perth and Hobart. Philander can drop the anchor if needed and also go for big runs if the time demands. With Kyle Abbott and Keshav Maharaj waiting in the wings South Africa have a potent lower middle-order, Maharaj will be eager to perform at home and make a name for himself in the Test arena.
LIVE Cricket Scorecard, South Africa vs Sri Lanka, 1st Test at Port Elizabeth
If and when they take the field it will be important for Kagiso Rabada and Kyle Abbott to get early wickets. With nothing off the surface, Rabada’s ability to swing the ball and Abbott’s trait to seam the ball will be holding good for the South Africa. Vernon Philander with the seam up bowling can contain any batting unit.
Day 2, Sri Lanka’s perspective: Sri Lanka will like to keep the change in momentum going in their stride. Suranga Lakmal and Nuwan Pradeep will have a rather new cherry in their hand to make good use of early in the session. Lakmal, who bowled his heart out on Day One, will want to scalp his fifth wicket as early as possible. Pradeep along with Dushmantha Chameera will be eager to perform well after having a rather dull first day. Sri Lanka’s wily old fox Rangana Herath will want to use the shine and hardness of the new ball to his advantage with the pitch offering almost nothing.
Sri Lanka when they come into bat, will be relying heavily on Kaushal Silva and Dimuth Karunaratne pair. Both batsmen have had good runs against Zimbabwe, will want to fend of any threat Rabada and Abbott possess. Kusal Mendis’s form will be extremely crucial for Sri Lanka if they need to anywhere near South Africa’s total. With Angelo Mathews and Dinesh Chandimal back in the middle order Sri Lanka will breathe a big sigh of relief.
