Commendable batting performance, led by Pathum Nissanka’s steady 89, put Sri Lanka in a strong position on the second day of the second Test against South Africa at St. George’s Park. The visitors ended the day at 242/3, trailing the hosts by 116 runs.

Sri Lanka began the day by wrapping up South Africa’s first innings for 358. The hosts resumed at 269/7, and despite early success for Sri Lankan bowlers, a vital ninth-wicket stand of 66 between Kyle Verreynne and Kagiso Rabada boosted the total. Verreynne was particularly impressive, smashing three sixes in quick succession to bring up a well-deserved century. Rabada also contributed crucial runs before Asitha Fernando cleaned him up with a length delivery.

Sri Lanka’s reply started cautiously, aided by South Africa’s wayward bowling, with extras contributing significantly early on. However, they lost captain Dimuth Karunaratne soon after lunch, caught behind off Rabada for a modest score.

Nissanka and Dinesh Chandimal then took control, adding 109 runs for the second wicket. While Nissanka mixed caution with aggression, Chandimal adopted a more subdued approach. Nissanka reached his seventh Test fifty with some stylish boundaries, including a six off Keshav Maharaj. Chandimal, however, fell for 44, edging Dane Paterson to the wicketkeeper.

Nissanka looked set for a century but was bowled by Maharaj while attempting a slog sweep. At 199/3, Angelo Mathews and Kamindu Mendis steadied the ship, adding an unbeaten 43 runs. Mathews struck a series of boundaries to inject some momentum late in the day, leaving Sri Lanka in a promising position.

With Sri Lanka trailing by 116 runs and seven wickets in hand, Day 3 promises an intriguing battle as they aim to overhaul South Africa’s total and establish a lead.