Sri Lanka left South Africa reeling at 80/4 on rain-affected Day 1 of the first Test at Kingsmead, Durban after they were on Wednesday, November 27. Lahiru Kumara was the pick of the bowlers for Sri Lanka as he scalped 2/35 in four overs while Vishwa Fernando (1/17) and Asitha Fernando (1/22) also picked up one wicket each. Captain Temba Bavuma (28*) and Kyle Verreynne (9*) are at the crease for the hosts who will aim to rebuild their innings on Day 2.
Earlier in the day, Sri Lanka captain Dhananjaya de Silva won the toss and elected to bowl first and the decision was vindicated by Asitha Fernando who managed to dismiss Aiden Markram (9) in just the third over of the day getting him caught at slips. Just three balls later, Vishwa Fernando got the second success of the day for his team as he managed to find the edge of Tony de Zorzi’s bat which was safely grabbed by Kamindu Mendis at second slip.
Sri Lanka seamers continued to pose challenges to South Africa bowling under overcast conditions by continuously testing their defence. However, they were let down by their fielders as Dimuth Karunaratne dropped Bavuma on 1. The South African skipper rubbed salt into the wounds by scoring a couple of boundaries in the very next over.
Tristan Stubbs also took on the attack from the other end hitting Lahiru Kumara for four boundaries in the 14th over. However, the right-arm speedster had the last laugh who managed to find his edge in the next over which was taken after a few attempts by Karunaratne. Kumara further thrashed the stumps of David Bedingham in his next over leaving the Proteas on 54/4.
He even made Bavuma glove one behind to wicketkeeper Kusal Mendis but unfortunately ended up overstepping giving second reprieve to the South Africa skipper. Despite losing wickets, Kyle Verreynne and Bavuma continued to find boundaries keeping the scoreboard moving. With South Africa on 84/4, the heavens opened up and strong showers pouring down interrupting the play in first session. There was no more play possible in the day as fans from both sides were left wanting for more.
