South Africa v Sri Lanka, 2nd Test, Day 2 - 5 Talking Points

After a decent show on the first day of the 2nd Test, Sri Lanka were thoroughly outplayed on the second day. South Africa were right on top throughout the game. The hosts managed to bundle out the Lankans for a paltry 110 after posting a huge 392 on the board in their first innings. They started off at 297/6 on the day with Quinton de Kock looking in sublime touch. QDK continued his merry run and struck a magnificent ton.

His efforts, combined with some lower order support from Vernon Philander and Keshav Maharaj, saw South Africa reach 392 in the first innings. For the Sri Lanka side, it was young Lahiru Kumara, who bagged 6 wickets. Sri Lanka, in their reply, were jolted by four-fers from Philander and Kagiso Rabada. The innings never took off from there and they could manage only 110. Here are 5 Talking Points from the day’s play:

1. QDK’s sublime form continues

If there has been one batsman in South African cricket who has constantly been amongst the runs in the last 12 months, it has been Quinton de Kock. Coming into the day’s play, QDK was unbeaten on 68 and held the key for South Africa in the first innings. He resumed in an aggressive manner and showed positive intent right from the onset. The southpaw went on to score his third Test ton in the process.

The delight on his face on reaching the landmark spoke volumes about his intent and play. He finished up scoring 101 off 124 balls with 11 fours after being dismissed by Lahiru Kumara. Quinton de Kock’s magnificent run with the bat continued and this should surely be a great boost for the Proteas team.

Also read- SA v SL 2nd Test, Day 2 Review: Philander, Rabada put South Africa in driver’s seat

2. Lahiru Kumara’s impressive show with the ball

19-year-old pacer Lahiru Kumara had an unimpressive debut against Zimbabwe last year. But the young lad proved to be more than just good enough for the highest level. Playing against a formidable side like South Africa, Kumara made the most out of the chance that beckoned him in Cape Town. He was the pick of the bowlers for Sri Lanka in the first innings. With figures of 6/122, he managed to draw praise from all quarters.

He had managed to get through the defenses of Hashim Amla yesterday with a beauty. He then made short work of JP Duminy and Temba Bavuma. Resuming with 3 wickets to his kitty on the day 2, he dismissed Vernon Philander and then got the prized scalp of centurion Quinton de Kock. He capped off the innings with his sixth wicket in the innings, that of Kagiso Rabada.

3. Keshav Maharaj’s all-round work

Keshav Maharaj managed to get the place in the Test team ahead of forerunner Tabraiz Shamsi. He did exceedingly well to retain his place in the side and rightly justify it. The spinner did not end up as the top scorer in the innings nor was he the pick of the bowlers. However, he managed to get crucial contributions with both bat and the ball. Batting with Quinton de Kock, Maharaj added valuable 32 runs in the lower order.

His unbeaten 32 came off just 35 balls batting at number 10. Coming into bowl, Maharaj got two prized scalps. He dismissed Kusal Mendis and then got the in-form batsman Dhananjaya de Silva in quick succession. With figures of 2/32, he managed to have an imprint on the game.

4. Sri Lanka batting collapse – Philander, Rabada bag four-fers

It was only disheartening for the visitors to have surrendered so meekly to the pace attack by Vernon Philander and Kagiso Rabada. Sri Lanka showed absolutely no resilience in their first innings as the pacers were all over them. Kagiso Rabada wreaked havoc as he made a mockery of the Sri Lanka top order.

Towards the end, Vernon Philander took very little time to bag the last four wickets. With 4/27, Philander continued his good run with the ball. Rabada was back in the thick of things with figures of 4/37. One must not undermine the contribution by Kyle Abbott, who created pressure by giving just 9 runs in his 8 overs. Sri Lankan batting looked nothing but miserable.

5. South Africa in command of the day

The day totally belonged to the Proteas. The visitors looked no match for them either with the ball or with the bat. After posting a huge first innings total, South Africa needed to take quick wickets to continue the momentum. Their pacers did exactly that as they managed to bowl out Sri Lanka for just 110 and thereby getting a huge lead of 282 runs in the first innings.

In the second innings, they required to ensure that no wickets fall on the day. The batters responded well as the openers saw the 11 overs of the day with ease without losing a wicket. At 35/0 and a lead of 317 runs, there is only one result this match is heading to.