SL vs RSA 2024 2nd Test – Proteas Power Past Sri Lanka, But Cracks Remain

South Africa won by 109 runs.
South Africa’s path to victory looks assured, largely thanks to the presence of Dane Paterson. His relentless accuracy and game-changing spell turned the tide on Day 3, giving the Proteas a crucial edge and leaving Sri Lanka reeling. Dane Paterson is renowned for his metronomic accuracy, unwavering discipline, and capacity to extract seam movement. His stunning three-wicket over sparked a dramatic Sri Lankan collapse, putting South Africa firmly ahead on Day 3 of the second Test. Starting at 242/3, Sri Lanka were well placed with Mathews and Kamindu Mendis, but both fell short of fifties. Paterson then tore through the middle order, reducing them from 297/5 to 298/8. He finished with his maiden five-wicket haul as Sri Lanka were bowled out for 328, trailing by 30. What’s a magnificent effort! Next in line as South Africa’s second hero is Temba Bavuma. He handled spin, pace, and tricky conditions with composure. He saw the ball better than anyone, balancing attack with patience. Four half-centuries in two Tests is exceptional, his knocks displayed varied temperaments yet maintained the same class. On top of that, as a Captain, he rotated bowlers smartly, used Maharaj early, and attacked at the right times, especially when Sri Lanka seemed to be recovering.

Although South Africa had strong batting and bowling performances, a few weaknesses were still exposed. They suffered a top-order collapse in the first innings, slipping to 44/3 after early dismissals of Tony de Zorzi, Aiden Markram, and Tristan Stubbs. The top order struggled against Sri Lanka’s new-ball attack. In the second innings, South Africa’s fast bowlers, including Rabada, were not as threatening, allowing de Silva and Mendis to build a key partnership on Day 4. Additionally, several missed half-chances and moments of sluggish fielding on Days 2 and 4 gave Sri Lanka opportunities to fight back and stay in the match. After a 2-0 win over Sri Lanka, South Africa will face Pakistan at Centurion (Dec 26-29). To win, they must strike early with disciplined pace, improve top-order stability, and stay alert in the field. Their middle order, led by Rickelton and Verreynne, must handle reverse swing smartly. They’ll likely choose between an all-pace attack or keeping Maharaj for late spin. Focus, sharp catching, and handling Pakistan’s pace threat will be key to staying on track for the WTC Final.

SL vs RSA 2024 2nd Test – Last-Session Collapse

Sri Lanka, poor guys, showed some real fight through Nissanka and Chandimal’s partnership, that was some solid batting under pressure. The middle order also tried their best to stage a comeback, but, those early wickets kept hurting them badly. Their seamers worked their socks off but just couldn’t sustain the pressure when it mattered most. Without a proper spinner to turn to on Day 5, they were left struggling big time. Collapsed from 205/5 to 238, losing 5 wickets for just 19 runs. If Sri Lanka wants to compete better, they really need to sort out these early collapses, it’s becoming a pattern now. The lower order needs to show more spine, and honestly, they need to add some variety to their bowling attack. There’s talent in this Sri Lankan side, but until they tighten the gaps, the fight will keep falling short of a finish.

SL vs RSA 2024 2nd Test – Key Players to Watch

Sri Lanka’s Key Players to Watch

• Dhananjaya de Silva: He created back-to-back half-centuries. Overall Strike Rate is 61.35. The average Test strike rate for a top-order batter is usually around 50-55. His stats is considered aggressive and rare. Sri Lanka’s most reliable and composed batter in the Test.
• Pathum Nissanka: The opener scored a classy 89 runs off 157 balls, including 11 fours and a six in the first innings. Strike rate of 56.7, is considered solid and slightly above average for a top-order batter. Scoring 107 runs across both innings, he stood out as Sri Lanka’s top batter.

South Africa’s Key Players to Watch

• Dane Paterson: As a right-arm fast-medium bowler, he took 3 wickets in the space of a single over, a seismic collapse at a critical juncture. He conceded just 14.86 runs per wicket in the match, highlighting his efficiency and control throughout. His match-winning spell earned him the Player of the Match award.
• Temba Bavuma: He struck 3 six and 11 fours, showcasing both restraint and aggression. This knock continued his impressive series form, his third consecutive fifty, part of an overall haul of 70, 113, 78, and 66 across the two Tests, culminating in 327 runs and earning him Player of the Series.
• Keshav Maharaj: His spell triggered a collapse from 205/5 to 238 all out, taking 5 wickets for just 33 runs. That’s 6.6 runs per wicket in one innings! He returned match figures of 7 for 141, conceded 14.86 runs per wicket. Took his 12th five-wicket haul in Test cricket.
• Ryan Rickelton: At 98, Rickelton was adjudged LBW, only to be reprieved after a successful DRS review showed an inside edge. Two balls later, he struck a boundary to bring up his century. It was more relief than anything else… I can do it, he said, his own words reflected profound relief. Brought up his first Test hundred, showing composure, maturity, and solid technique under pressure.

SL vs RSA 2024 2nd Test – Squad List

SL vs RSA 2024 2nd Test – Review & Match Details:

SL vs RSA 2024 2nd Test – Venue: St George’s Park

Stadium Capacity: Approximately 19,000 spectators.

Stadium Address: 8 Park Drive, Gqeberha Central, Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), 6001, Eastern Cape, South Africa.

Stadium Features: Located near the coast, so it often has strong, swirling winds. Help seam bowlers swing the ball more through the air and aid spinners with drift. Significantly, the pitch at St George’s Park tends to be dry and abrasive, especially as the match progresses. Offers enough early life for seamers, and later wear and tear for spinners, making it a tactically rich ground for bowlers of both styles. Batters have to work hard for their runs, especially late in the game.

It’s the only ground in world cricket known for having a live brass band play during the match. The band plays South African folk songs, pop tunes, and cricket-themed music to keep the crowd engaged. It lifts the mood of fans, even in tense or slow phases of play. The music often plays between overs, sometimes even during spells, especially when South Africa is bowling.

Established in 1882. Hosted South Africa’s debut Test match on 12 March 1889. Its legacy makes it a symbolic and cultural landmark in South African cricket. Worth to mention that it is one of the oldest Test venues in the world still in regular use. The ground has been renovated and modernized to meet international standards, still hosts Test matches, ODIs, and T20Is.