Faf du Plessis brought up a crucial century in the first session on Day 3 and with the help from Temba Bavuma (71), edged the Proteas into a lead in the Boxing Day Test, writes Khalid Mohidin.
Temba Bavuma and Faf du Plessis picked up the Proteas at 220-4 and took them to 317-4 by stumps on Day 2, stringing together a 97-run partnership.
DAY 2 WRAP: FAF DU PLESSIS, TEMBA BAVUMA KEEP PROTEAS IN CONTROL
They continued to play a fighting role to chip away at Sri Lanka’s 1st innings total, converting their partnership into an 100-run stand, early on Day 3.
After Faf du Plessis brought up his half-century on Day 2, Temba Bavuma brought up his 14th half-century at 10:35 on Day 3, with a little sweep shot, guiding Wanindu Hasaranga around the corner for two singles.
Temba was elegant in his approach, he hit two beautiful fours at the end of the 85th over – one cover drive and another beautifully guided semi-cut through the gully region, summing up his form.
The Proteas edged into a 3 run lead when Bavuma took a swipe at a wide Shanaka delivery, which he missed completely as shown on the Ultra Edge, but he tucked his bat under his arm immediately and walked off. He was out after a well-deserved 71 off 125 balls, bringing an end to a 179-partnership off 263 balls.
Du Plessis (112, 161 balls 16 fours) rode his luck a little with the boundaries he got in this session – edging a couple, top-edging some, and guiding some beautifully into the gaps. His first boundary of the day, which slammed through the cover with a powerful swing of the hands, was the pick of the bunch.
He brought up his 10th century and 4000 Test runs in the process. This was his first century since 3 Jan 2019 against Pakistan in Cape Town – 20 innings ago.
Wiaan Mulder (18 not out) hit a couple of impressive boundaries towards the end of the session, as the Proteas posted 435/5 and took a 39-run lead.
Photo: Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
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