SA vs SL, 2nd Test: Rickelton's Century Shines Amidst Challenging Conditions
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Gqeberha, Dec 5 (NationPress) South Africa successfully managed to bat through a challenging day in the second Test, overcoming an impressive bowling effort from the Sri Lanka pacers on Thursday.
A victory in this match will bring both teams closer to the ICC World Test Championship final, as reported by ICC.
Currently, South Africa holds the second position in the standings, with a point percentage of 59.26, while Sri Lanka sits fourth with 50 percent.
South Africa faced early challenges after choosing to bat first, as the Sri Lankan bowlers made their mark with the new ball, leaving the Proteas struggling at 44/3 by the 16th over.
Asitha Fernando struck with his very first delivery, dismissing Tony de Zorzi for a duck, but it was first-change bowler Lahiru Kumara who truly put South Africa in jeopardy. His entry led to the dismissals of Aiden Markram and Tristan Stubbs.
Ryan Rickelton and captain Temba Bavuma steadied the innings for South Africa, with Bavuma taking the lead early on with his exquisite strokeplay.
Both players reached their fifties during their partnership, but Bavuma fell short of a second consecutive century, getting bounced out by Asitha for 78.
Nonetheless, Rickelton capitalized on his chance, achieving his first Test century. He struck 11 boundaries and had to earn the milestone as the Sri Lankan pacers bombarded him with bouncers.
He was dismissed after contributing to a solid 77-run partnership with Kyle Verreyne, but his performance enabled South Africa to close the day at 269/7.
Lahiru (3/54) and Asitha (2/67) were the standout bowlers for Sri Lanka.
