Twitter Reactions: An intriguing day of cricket dominated by the bowlers as Sri Lanka gain a slight upper hand

The first day of the second Test between South Africa and Sri Lanka was completely dominated by the bowlers. A total of 13 wickets fell on the day as Sri Lanka seems to have a slight upper hand. However, they’ve got to survive the first session of play on day-2 if they want to assert their control over the game.

Only 82 overs could be bowled on the first day and Sri Lanka still trails the Proteas’ score by 162 runs. They’ve got seven wickets in hand and will look to get as close as possible to the first innings score. With Kusal Perera yet to bat, the visitors will be a confident unit and will look to take the lead.

South Africa rolled out for 222 runs in the first innings

After winning the toss, South Africa opted to bat first in the game. However, the decision didn’t really work in their favour. Vishwa Fernando was on fire straightaway and sketched the wickets of Dean Elgar and Hashim Amla. While the former was bowled for 6 runs, the latter didn’t trouble the scorers and got out for a golden duck.

Furthermore, as an insult to the injury, Rajitha ran Temba Bavuma out for a duck bringing the hosts down to 15/3. From this point, Aiden Markram and Faf du Plessis fought back. While the skipper got out for 25, Markram forged a good partnership with Quinton de Kock before he was dismissed for 60.

After the fell, the wicket-keeper took the ownership of the innings and batted well with the tail. With some slight resistance from Rabada at the other end, Quinton was able to switch gears and score quick runs. He added a quickfire 86 off 87 balls but missed out on a well-deserved century. His innings, though, helped South Africa stretch their total to 216 runs. The side was ultimately bundled out for 222 runs. Vishwa Fernando and Kasun Rajitha picked up three wickets each.

Sri Lanka lose three wickets towards the end of the day

The Sri Lankan batsmen were subjected to a great test as they required to bat against the new ball towards the end of the day. Three batsmen failed to survive this tricky phase including Dimuth Karunaratne. The skipper scored 17 runs while Oshada Fernando was out for a duck. Even Kusal Mendis failed as he nicked one to Quinton de Kock.

Lahiru Thirimanne is still batting out there along with nightwatchman Kasun Rajitha. Sri Lanka finished the day with a score of 60/3. The aim for South Africa on the second day will be to bowl Sri Lanka out for a paltry total. Twitterati thoroughly enjoyed the bowlers’ performances on the day. There was immense praise for Quinton de Kock who batted beautifully.

Here is how Twitterati reacted:

@RusselArnold69 pic.twitter.com/GhvVlw37pP

— ian bishop (@irbishi) February 21, 2019

Sure is @irbishi 😁 https://t.co/v0IC1RjOLh

— Russel Arnold (@RusselArnold69) February 21, 2019

What a outstanding bowling display from our bowlers. It was really good effort from the boys. Vishwa, kasun, sura and Lasith were outstanding. Nice to watch the way they bowled. @KusalMendis will going to make big one in this match for sure with other bastmans. All de best lions.

— Dhammika Prasad (@imDhammika) February 21, 2019

#SAvSL #2ndTest De kock made sure that South Africa has a fighting total on board. 222 all out in the first innings with SL at 60-3 at the end of the day and you'd feel that its nicely poised. 1st Test surely wasnt a fluke as far as Sri Lanka goes. They've been impressive.

— Acumen (@CricHat) February 21, 2019

Lahiru Thirimane has been given so many chances by SL even after his average performances. I hope he capitalises this time or things ahead will get tough for him. #SLvSA #SAvSL

— Maheshmello (@cheeku_243) February 21, 2019

Kusal Mendis = Stan Lee #PopularCameo #SAvSL

— Prince Says (@iPrinthan) February 21, 2019

Do you send a second night watchman after one gets out ? Just asking #SAvSL #mendis

— Sandeep (@Bottlemani27) February 21, 2019

13 wickets on day one in St George's park, Srilanka trail by 162 runs in the first innings, another brilliant day of test cricket. #SAvSL

— Johns (@CricCrazyJohns) February 21, 2019

#SAvSL tough to see Hashim Amla's average go from mid 50s to mid 40s. Needs to retire now

— 🇿🇦 (@talu_lesley8) February 21, 2019

#SAvSL when @KusalMendis1 is going to learn the right way, how long is he going to be allowed to play like this by the people concerned?

— Farhan Fahim (@farhanftweets) February 21, 2019

Talented Player Mendis doesn’t Perform in Test Cricket like his Idol Talented sharma. #SAvSL #SLvSA

— Cricket Freak🤷‍♂️ (@naveensurana06) February 21, 2019

Evenly poised #SAvSL , what a great day of cricket #ProteaFire

— Thapelo Modikwe (@MadikweModikoe) February 21, 2019

@OfficialSLC Why Thirimanne not getting chances in ODI side? He is not a good test player and not required for the test team but a good ODI player when you compare him with current odi squad he is a good ODI player. Average 34.7 with
20 fifties and 4 centuries #SAvSL

— Rajesh (@Rajesh___007) February 21, 2019

Typical 1st day of the test match in South Africa.
13 wickets fell.
Game is in the balance right now…#SAvSL

— 🇮🇳 Anuradha 🇮🇳 (@AnuRadha9082) February 21, 2019

Sri Lanka end day 1 on 60/3 (20 ovs) Thirimanne on 25*, Rajitha on 0*, trail SA's 1st innings by 162 runs. #SAvSL pic.twitter.com/A6ga7FDUbx

— Sri Lanka Cricket (@OfficialSLC) February 21, 2019

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