Faf du Plessis destroyed his previous highest score (137) finishing session 2 of Day 3 on 177, as the Proteas took their lead to 169 in their first innings of the Boxing Day Test, writes Khalid Mohidin.
After taking the Proteas into a 39-run lead in the first session, thanks to Du Plessis’ 10th century and a fighting 71 from Tamba Bavuma, the hosts stamped their authority on the contest.
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The second session was down to the survival of Faf du Plessis, with the aim of pushing South Africa into a healthy lead.
He managed to bring up his highest score with a beautiful cover drive, surpassing his previous highest of 137 which came against New Zealand in 2013.
His 150 came off 205 balls.
Injuries have been buckling Sri Lanka with Dhananjaya de Silva already out injured on Day 1, Kasun Rajitha, pulled out on Day 2 and both Wanindu Hasaranga and Lahiru Kumara suffered injuries on Day 3. This meant that the visitors’ top-order batsmen needed to bowl – Kusal Medis and Dimuth Karunaratne.
Keshav Maharaj punished the loose bowling from part-timer Kusal Mendis pulling a full toss to bring up the 50-run partnership between him and Du Plessis.
Du Plessis picking them off too with ease, giving Maharaj a lot of time to bat so he can take a breather on the other end. Maharaj obliged, showing his batting prowess – his beautiful cover drive off Fernando in the over 123rd over was a clear indicator of his ability with the bat.
The Proteas finished the session on 565/6 with a lead of 169.
Photo: Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
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