Sun Dec 08 15:10:00 UTC 2024: ## Sri Lanka Fight Back on Day 2 Against South Africa in Gqeberha Test
**Gqeberha, South Africa** – Sri Lanka mounted a strong response on Day 2 of the second Test against South Africa at St George’s Park, reducing the deficit to a manageable 116 runs by stumps. Pathum Nissanka led the charge with a masterful 89, his seventh Test fifty, showcasing a steady top-order performance. Angelo Mathews, who reached the milestone of 8,000 Test runs, remained unbeaten on 40, while Kamindu Mendis contributed 30 not out, leaving Sri Lanka on 242 for three at the close of play.
Earlier, South Africa had posted a challenging 358, thanks largely to Kyle Verreynne’s unbeaten century (105). Verreynne’s knock propelled the Proteas from a precarious 269 for 7 to a more respectable total. Sri Lanka’s bowlers will need to make inroads early on Day 3 to put pressure on the South African batting line-up. The match remains tightly poised, with a thrilling finish still very much on the cards.
First Piper 