The 2nd Test continues to be even-steven, as Sri Lanka have brilliantly fought back with the bat after bowling out the Proteas for 358.

South Africa got underway today at 269/7, and it looked like 300 might’ve been far-fetched when Keshav Maharaj edged into the slips in the second over. However, Kagiso Rabada played a few attractive shots and was a crucial second fiddle for Kyle Verreynne.

The keeper-batter started off cautiously but opened up as the innings progressed. Rabada was bowled by Vishwa Fernando, but Verreynne would unleash a flurry of boundaries to help his side breach the 350 threshold.

Verreynne brought up a fantastic 3rd Test ton, and it evoked similarities with his 2nd ton over in Bangladesh last month. However, Lahiru Kumara removed #11 Dane Paterson to wrap up the Proteas innings.

Pathum Nissanka and Dimuth Karunaratne started confidently, but Rabada broke open the partnership at 41. Unfortunately for SA, the early success was rather short-lived, as Dinesh Chandimal added 109 runs along with Nissanka. Both players were in the groove, until Dane Paterson drew the edge from Chandimal.

Nissanka looked on course for a 3rd Test century, but a rush of blood against Keshav Maharaj was his own undoing. Thereafter, Angelo Mathews and Kamindu Mendis would successfully navigate the remaining overs, with their stand approaching 50 runs.

It’s very much game on in Gqeberha, and there’s a strong likelihood this could end up a 2nd-innings duel.

SA 358 all out in 103.4 overs (Verreynne 105*, Rickelton 101 – Kumara 4/79, A Fernando 3/102)

SL 242/3 in 67 overs (Nissanka 89)