Wiaan Mulder was South Africa’s best bowler, but the Proteas struggled to silence Sri Lanka’s middle-order as they ended on 340-6 by stumps on Day 1 of the Boxing Day Test, writes Khalid Mohidin.
The Proteas struggled against Sri Lanka’s middle-order. The biggest test for the inexperienced bowling unit was consistency.
Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje and Wiaan Mulder proved that by finding that golden area pitching the ball on 4th/5th stump, angling towards the top of off-stump or outside off between the keeper and first slip, you would find success.
They combined to reduce Sri Lanka 54-3 half-way through the first session. A patient partnership between Chandimal and De Silva, which continued into the second session, was vital to Sri Lanka’s control of the match. Their partnership was valued at 131 off 209 balls.
Unluckily, De Silva was retired hurt on 79 off 105 balls (11 fours and a six).
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After tea, Sri Lanka continued to pile the pressure gradually on South Africa through Chandimal.
He managed to push his score to 85 before losing his wicket to Wiaan Mulder. Mulder surprised Chandimal by finding extra bounce in the pitch and flicked off the shoulder of the bat to Faf du Plessis who took a catch above his head in the slips.
Mulder struck again for his 3rd, trapping Niroshan Dickwella lbw on 49. Mulder (3-68) was the pick of the Proteas bowlers and showed exceptional consistency forcing the batsmen to be patient to find their runs.
Sipamla’s hard work and struggles finally paid off to get his maiden Test wicket. As the day went on he was starting to find his rhythm. He reduced Sri Lanka to 320-6. Wanindu Hasaranga was trapped in his crease. He was prepared to duck and expected the short ball, but changed his mind late and chopped one onto his stumps.
Sri Lanka survived till the end of the day with 340-6 (for 7 if De Silva remains retired hurt).
Photo: Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
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