Twitter reactions: Sri Lanka’s gritty batting display keeps their series hopes alive against South Africa on Day 4 of Gqeberha Test

The second Test between South Africa and Sri Lanka has reached a tantalizing climax, with both sides vying for a decisive outcome. Chasing an imposing target of 348, Sri Lanka ended Day 4 at 205/5, requiring another 143 runs to achieve a historic victory. Meanwhile, South Africa stands just five wickets away from sealing a commanding 2-0 series triumph.

Dhananjaya de Silva and Kusal Mendis hold Sri Lanka’s fort

Sri Lanka’s fading hopes were reignited by an unbeaten 83-run partnership between skipper Dhananjaya de Silva and Kusal Mendis, both resolute on 39. The pair displayed immense determination and urgency, maintaining a brisk run rate exceeding four an over. Yet, the scale of their task is immense. The highest successful chase at this venue, 271/8 by Australia in 1997, underscores the enormity of the challenge. With Sri Lanka’s lower order comprising bowlers, the sixth-wicket stand represents the visitors’ last credible resistance. The team’s survival and success hinge on this duo navigating the morning session on Day 5.

South Africa’s bowlers deliver under pressure

South Africa’s attack struck crucial blows to stymie Sri Lanka’s progress. Kagiso Rabada’s opening spell set the tone, dismissing skipper Dimuth Karunaratne lbw for just 1, marking the fourth time Rabada has removed him in the series. Pathum Nissanka followed soon after, edging a wide delivery from Dane Paterson for 18. Middle-order batters Dinesh Chandimal (29) and Angelo Mathews (32) offered fleeting resistance, adding 53 runs for the fourth wicket. However, the introduction of Keshav Maharaj proved pivotal. The left-arm spinner accounted for both Mathews and Kamindu Mendis (35), leaving Sri Lanka teetering at 122/5.

Also WATCH: Tristan Stubbs gets bizarrely run out after mix-up with Temba Bavuma on Day 4 of Gqeberha Test

Prabath Jayasuriya’s heroics shine amid South Africa’s middle-order collapse

Earlier in the day, South Africa resumed their innings at 191/3 but collapsed under pressure from left-arm spinner Prabath Jayasuriya. The spinner completed a remarkable maiden five-wicket haul on foreign soil, finishing with 5/129. Despite their middle-order struggles, captain Temba Bavuma steadied the innings with a resilient 66, his 24th Test fifty. Neverthless, Bavuma’s dismissal, along with a run-out of Tristan Stubbs for 47, contributed to South Africa’s slide. The last-wicket stand between Maharaj and Paterson added 27 invaluable runs, stretching their lead to 348.

Sri Lanka’s pursuit of 348 would shatter the venue’s fourth-innings record. Their previous highest chase here, 197/2 in 2019, featured a masterful unbeaten 84 by Mendis. A repeat performance, albeit under far tougher circumstances, is now critical for Sri Lanka’s survival.

Here’s how Twitter reacted:

I'm not discounting SL from a possible W tomorrow bt let's just be honest..

The current match situation favours SA…one down early tomorrow morning and We are in!!

The only way we lose this test are if we BOTTLE it…and if we do we don't deserve Lord's.. pretty simple!#SAvSL

— Lawrence Bailey ⚪ 🇿🇦 (@LawrenceBailey0) December 8, 2024

I am not ready for 2019 SL flashbacks#SAvSL

— Werner (@Werries_) December 8, 2024

Cracking Test match at St George's Park Gqeberha. Game will have a 5th day with Sri Lanka needing 143 runs and South Africa 5 wickets.

The anticipation ahead of an exciting day of Test cricket is unmatched. 👌#SAvSL

— CricBlog ✍ (@cric_blog) December 9, 2024

Kusal & Dhananjaya set up a fascinating Day 5 as SL are 205-5 at stumps

SL 143 runs
SA 5 wickets #SAvSL

— ThePoppingCrease (@PoppingCreaseSA) December 8, 2024

Prabath Jayasuriya took his 10th Test fifer today against South Africa.

His first fifer away from home.

Brilliant performance from him.

Well bowled Prabath. #SAvSL pic.twitter.com/KoDpojUBUa

— Naveen Peiris (@_Naviya_) December 8, 2024

Test wickets in South Africa
Prabhat Jayasuriya – 10 in his 1st series
R Ashwin – 11 in 4 Test series#SAvSL

— JSK (@imjsk27) December 8, 2024

Today, Sri Lanka needs 143 runs with 5 wickets in hand.

Honestly SL has just 2 batters in Kusal M and DdS—both not out on 39–already an unbroken stand of 83.

They might have to see through another 143, if SL to win. Almost an impossible situation. #SAvSL pic.twitter.com/OYASgRwXCZ

— isura (@isura) December 9, 2024

Sri Lanka's middle order has been performing a lot better than India's, they won the last Test against England while chasing then against NZ and then against South Africa, apart from that 42, they've batted superb#SAvSL

— Abhijeet ♞ (@TheYorkerBall) December 8, 2024

A gritty 83-run stand between Kusal Mendis and Dhananjaya de Silva keeps Sri Lanka in the hunt at stumps on day four. With 143 runs still to get, the task is tough but far from impossible. An enthralling final day beckons in Port Elizabeth!

— Rex Clementine (@RexClementine) December 8, 2024

SL would be more happier if 1 or 2 less wickets at stumps in day 4.

143 to get with 5 wickets to go. I'd say still SA are at the top coz this is our last batting pair and our tailenders haven't done much with the bat.

BUT, this pair is more than capable of winning this🤞

— Poornama🏏 (@iam_poor9) December 8, 2024

Also WATCH: Lahiru Kumara picks his 100th Test wicket with an unplayable delivery to Aiden Markram

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December 09, 2024 at 10:13AM