... DAY 2, SESSION 2 ...

Dissecting more into Pakistan stuff, there is a lot of talk going about the hosting of next year's Champions Trophy. An ODI tournament which will be played between teams ranked in the top 8. Pakistan are scheduled to host the same but with India refusing to travel to Pakistan, the tournament could take a hit. Would the entire tournament be shifted to another country? Or could we have a hybrid model, where a few matches are held in Pakistan while the others, including the knockouts, are held outs

How are the neighbours doing? Let's take a peek to check what is happening in Zimbabwe. The 3rd ODI between Zimbabwe and Pakistan is scheduled today and Pakistan have reached 229/3 in the 44th over, riding on a century by newcomer Kamran Ghulam and 50 by Abdullah Shafique. The pitch is definitely on the slower side but there are no demons in it as such. The hosts have found it difficult to pick wickets in Bulawayo and Pakistan would be aiming to get as close to 300 as possible from here on.

Thanks to this doubly extended session, the second session could start as late as 1040 GMT. South Africa would be disappointed with their batting effort but one feels that this is not that easy a batting pitch as it might seem. The good thing for the home side is, the weather has not affected the pitch. There is plenty of juice on offer and if the Saffas come out and keep Sri Lanka under 200-250, we could have a one-inning shootout. Please stay tuned. 

Let's not take anything away from Sri Lanka. Whether batting was difficult, or South Africa left a few runs out there - the Lankan bowlers deserved their wickets. The seamers were on the money, keeping the length betwee, good and short, which generated extra bounce and got the balls moving off the seam. The Proteas' technical flaws might have been exposed but that can come only when the bowlers are consistently persistent. Asitha Fernando has been a revelation for a few months now, while he was

Perfectionists will be perfectionists, aye? As per the great legend Hashim Amla on air, South Africa have left a few runs out there. He bluntly says that anything under 300 is not enough on this surface and on dissecting the African batting, he reckons that even though the bowling was good, it was not unplayable. As per him, the wickets fell due to technical deficiencies, as the batters lacked patience and did not know where their off stump were. He reckons that it was all about batters spending

Champions stand up when the chips are usually down. That's exactly how Temba Bavuma played. He was fidgety and struggling for a major part on Day 1 but this morning, he found his rhythm. He readily took the burden of batting with the tail and formed useful partnerships with Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj ​​​​and Kagiso Rabada, before falling for a valiant 70. Yes, he was given a couple of lives on Wednesday, but that is not his problem. His gritty knock has given the home side a compet

Like Wednesday, Sri Lanka were right on the money on Thursday morning, blowing through the lower middle order of South Africa. Lahiru Kumara removed Kyle Verreynne early and then Prabath Jayasuriya got into his work, removing two wickets quickly. At that stage, the home side was in grave danger of getting bowled out under 150, with the score reading 117/7. But the lower order rallied around its skipper and managed to add a valuable 74 runs for the last 3 wickets.

That concludes a doubly extended session this morning. First, the session was extended by 15 minutes, which got extended by a further quarter of an hour, meaning that we roughly had a session of 150 minutes. Sri Lanka bowled 29 overs, picked up all the remaining 6 wickets while South Africa scored 111 runs. It was primarily Sri Lanka's session for two-thirds of it. but that last half an hour would have made the Protea bowlers smile, because they now have something to bowl at.

Asitha Fernando to Kagiso Rabada, ! CAUGHT! The short ball ploy finally works and Sri Lanka wrap the Proteas inning for 191 runs! 

Asitha Fernando to Wiaan Mulder, On a good length, around off, Wiaan Mulder goes back and works it through mid-wicket for a run.

Asitha Fernando to Kagiso Rabada, Lucky again! This is frustrating for Sri Lanka.

Asitha Fernando to Kagiso Rabada, ! Lucky runs, valuable nevertheless for South Africa! A short ball, outside off, from around the wicket, Kagiso Rabada looks to pull.

Dhananjaya de Silva to Wiaan Mulder, Full and on off and middle, Wiaan Mulder turns it to square leg.

Dhananjaya de Silva to Wiaan Mulder, ! Oh hello, Wiaan Mulder has cleared the fence with a beautiful strike! 

Dhananjaya de Silva to Wiaan Mulder, Tossed up, full and on off, Wiaan Mulder drives it back to the bowler.

Dhananjaya de Silva to Kagiso Rabada, A touch short, around middle, Kagiso punches it down to long on for a single.

Dhananjaya de Silva to Kagiso Rabada, No run.

Dhananjaya de Silva to Kagiso Rabada, ! Does not start well, does the skipper. A short ball, down the leg side, Kagiso Rabada stays inside the line, goes back and nudges it through fine leg. Square leg tries to chase it down but is late.

The skipper, Dhananjaya de Silva, looks for some inspiration. Brings himself on.

Asitha Fernando to Kagiso Rabada, Oh dear! A mixup that luckily doesn't cost Rabada his wicket! Asitha Fernando angles in the short one, on middle and leg, Kagiso Rabada is caught by surprise and looks to keep it out. His bottom hand comes off the bat but he manages to dab it out on the leg side. Wiaan Mulder sets off for the run but Rabada isn't quite sure and responds to it eventually. Asitha Fernando charges in towards the ball, collects it and has a shy at the bowling end but misse

Asitha Fernando to Wiaan Mulder, Fires in a yorker, right at the toes, Wiaan Mulder gets low and taps the ball on it's heading working it in front of deep square leg for a single.

Asitha Fernando to Kagiso Rabada, Short and on middle, Kagiso Rabada pulls it off the upper half of his bat but does well to keep it all along the ground and in front of deep mid-wicket for one.

Asitha Fernando to Kagiso Rabada, Another bouncer, around middle, Rabada evades with a duck.

Asitha Fernando to Kagiso Rabada, Another bouncer, let through.

Asitha Fernando to Kagiso Rabada, No run.

Vishwa Fernando to Kagiso Rabada, Length, on off, Kagiso Rabada pushes it to point for a single.

Vishwa Fernando to Kagiso Rabada, Takes some pace off and keeps it just outside off, on a length, Kagiso Rabada sees the line and makes a leave.

Vishwa Fernando to Kagiso Rabada, No run.

Vishwa Fernando to Kagiso Rabada, 5 Wides!

Vishwa Fernando to Kagiso Rabada, On a good length, outside off, Kagiso pushes inside the line but misses.

Vishwa Fernando to Kagiso Rabada, On a length wide outside off, Rabada slashes but misses.

We all have been proved wrong. Lunch has been extended by 15 minutes. So a 135-minute session could actually go to 150! Wiaan Mulder walks out to bat to resume his innings from 1, replacing his skipper, Temba Bavuma.

Vishwa Fernando to Kagiso Rabada, A short ball, around middle, Kagiso Rabada looks to pull but the ball gets big on him.

Asitha Fernando to Temba Bavuma, ! CAUGHT! The return of Asitha Fernando brings Sri Lanka a big wicket! Temba Bavuma departs after a well-compiled 70 off 117 balls. He looked solid at the crease, but he'll surely be disappointed with his shot selection there.

Asitha Fernando to Temba Bavuma, Unusual from Bavuma but that one goes past the outside edge! On a fuller length, outside off, shaping away from the batter. Temba Bavuma seems to walk into the line and tries to make forceful contact with soft hands but misses. 

Asitha Fernando to Temba Bavuma, On a fuller length, outside off, shaping away further, Temba Bavuma is happy to make a leave. 

Asitha Fernando to Temba Bavuma, Lucky again. On a good length, outside off, a touch wide, the skipper reaches out to push the ball away.

Asitha Fernando to Temba Bavuma, Fuller, around middle, Bavuma flicks it to deep mid-wicket. Does not take the single.

Asitha comes running in but then bails out. From one end, it is extremely difficult to bowl because you would be running into the breeze. Around 5 minutes left for Lunch, but don't think it will be extended if this wicket does not fall.

Asitha Fernando to Temba Bavuma, Asitha Fernando is back on. 12-3-33.1. Straight into the attack and bang on target again. Outstanding again. No looseners.

Vishwa Fernando to Kagiso Rabada, Length, just outside off, Kagiso Rabada steers it to gully with an extended arm. 

Vishwa Fernando to Kagiso Rabada, 2 runs.

Vishwa Fernando to Temba Bavuma, Hard length, on off, Temba Bavuma just pushes it in front of cover-point and gets a single.

Vishwa Fernando to Temba Bavuma, Another bouncer, perhaps a tad slower.

Vishwa Fernando to Temba Bavuma, Ooohhh... just wide! Full, around middle, Temba Bavuma walked down the track and looked to flick. But the ball moved away and took the leading edge. Flew in the air, just wide of the diving fielder at cover! Single not taken.

Vishwa Fernando to Temba Bavuma, Dropped short now, around off, Bavuma pulls it to deep mid-wicket. Single refused again.

Lahiru Kumara to Temba Bavuma, Digs it into the deck, short and on middle, Temba Bavuma is rocked back by the enxtra bounce and pace, but manages to dab it out in front of deep square leg for a single.

Lahiru Kumara to Temba Bavuma, ! The ball had no intention of slowing down!

Lahiru Kumara to Temba Bavuma, Lands it around the fifth stump line, on a length and gets the ball to nip back in. Temba Bavuma trusts the line and the bounce and holds his wrists up, making the leave. 

Lahiru Kumara to Temba Bavuma, Good comeback by the bowler. Kumara holds the length back, lands it outside off, and makes the ball jag back in. The skipper looks to defend but is cut into half and is hit on the body.

Lahiru Kumara to Temba Bavuma, ! ELEGANT! Just a tad too full, outside off, Bavuma strides onto the front foot, meets it on the half volley and drives it beautifully through the covers. Moves to 62.

Lahiru Kumara to Temba Bavuma, No run.

Vishwa Fernando to Kagiso Rabada, Make that three on the trot! This time the line is just outside off, on a length, Kagiso Rabada looks to drive it through the off side but is very late on his shot. The ball whizzes past the outside edge.

Vishwa Fernando to Kagiso Rabada, Brings the line closer by a bit and on a length, Kagiso Rabada swings again but fails to make the connection. 

Vishwa Fernando to Kagiso Rabada, Hits the deck hard, on a shorter length, well outside off. Kagiso Rabada swings hard but does so well inside the line.

Vishwa Fernando to Kagiso Rabada, On a good length, around off, Kagiso Rabada looks to defend but misses.

Vishwa Fernando to Temba Bavuma, 1 run.

Vishwa Fernando to Temba Bavuma, No run.

Lahiru Kumara to Temba Bavuma, Good length, angling into middle and leg, Temba Bavuma tucks it in front of deep square leg and gets a single. 

Lahiru Kumara to Temba Bavuma, ! Wow, what a shot from Temba Bavuma!

Lahiru Kumara to Temba Bavuma, Short and over middle, Temba Bavuma looks to pull but the ball goes way above his reach. 

Lahiru Kumara to Temba Bavuma, No run.

Lahiru Kumara to Temba Bavuma, Fuller, just around off, Bavuma works this through mid-wicket for a single. No, he does not run. Sends Rabada back.

Lahiru Kumara to Temba Bavuma, No run.

Kagiso Rabada walks in now, at number 11, replacing Keshav Maharaj. So Mulder will come only after the fall of the 9th wicket.

Vishwa Fernando to Keshav Maharaj, ! CAUGHT! Keshav Maharaj who looked so good out in the middle finds the fielder to perfection and trudges back with his head down! A timely wicket for Sri Lanka and Vishwa Fernando gets his second!

Vishwa Fernando to Keshav Maharaj, Into the stumps, on a nagging length, Keshav Maharaj makes a block down the deck.

Vishwa Fernando to Keshav Maharaj, Very full, on off, Keshav Maharaj firms his drive but straight to mid off. 

Vishwa Fernando to Keshav Maharaj, No run.

Vishwa Fernando to Keshav Maharaj, No run.

Vishwa Fernando to Temba Bavuma, Vishwa Fernando returns. 11-12-24-1 so far. Meanwhile, 50 FOR TEMBA BAVUMA!

Lahiru Kumara to Keshav Maharaj, Great running! Fuller and on off, Keshav Maharaj gets low and pushes it in front of deep cover and scampers in two quick runs.

Lahiru Kumara to Keshav Maharaj,  A great ball from Lahiru Kumara! Serves it on a good length, outside off and gets the ball to shape in a bit. Keshav Maharaj with absolutely no foot movement looks to poke at it but gets beaten on the outside edge. 

Lahiru Kumara to Keshav Maharaj, No run.

Lahiru Kumara to Keshav Maharaj, This time the length is pushed forward. On a good length, outside off, a touch wide, Keshav lets it go.

Lahiru Kumara to Keshav Maharaj, No run.

Lahiru Kumara to Keshav Maharaj, No run.

Good news from the South African dressing room. We are hearing that Wiaan Mulder will bat, if required. No word on his bowling, as of now.

Prabath Jayasuriya to Temba Bavuma, No run.

Prabath Jayasuriya to Keshav Maharaj, 1 run.

Prabath Jayasuriya to Keshav Maharaj, No run.

Prabath Jayasuriya to Keshav Maharaj, No run.

Prabath Jayasuriya to Keshav Maharaj, No run.

Prabath Jayasuriya to Keshav Maharaj, ! Maharaj is taking a liking to his counterpart here! 19 runs in the last 7 balls against Jayasuriya.

Lahiru Kumara to Temba Bavuma, A stifled appeal for caught behind from Lahiru Kumara alone! This is very short and over leg, Temba Bavuma looks to pull but the ball climbs further and goes past him. 

Lahiru Kumara to Keshav Maharaj, Angling in, on a back of a length, on middle and leg, Keshav Maharaj is quick to rock back and tucks it to square leg for a single. 

Lahiru Kumara to Keshav Maharaj, Hard length, on off, Keshav Maharaj taps it to mid off with a lot of conviction. 

Lahiru Kumara to Keshav Maharaj, Short and around off, Maharaj pushes it to the off side.

Lahiru Kumara to Keshav Maharaj, No run.

Lahiru Kumara to Keshav Maharaj, No run.

Prabath Jayasuriya to Keshav Maharaj, Full, around middle, KM works it through square leg for a run. 15 from the over, Prabath Jayasuriya's figures read 4-1-19-2.

Prabath Jayasuriya to Keshav Maharaj, ! Well, Maharaj is getting some quick runs here! A short ball, but down the leg side. Keshav Maharaj gets inside the line and nudges it nicely past the keeper, to the fine leg fence. Valuable runs for South Africa.

Prabath Jayasuriya to Keshav Maharaj, No run.

Prabath Jayasuriya to Keshav Maharaj, ! No doubt about this one! A replica of the first ball of this over.

Prabath Jayasuriya to Keshav Maharaj, Around off, nudged to the leg side.

Prabath Jayasuriya to Keshav Maharaj, Four!

Asitha Fernando to Keshav Maharaj, Full and around off, Maharaj pushes it towards cover and takes the single to get off the mark.

Asitha Fernando to Keshav Maharaj, Outside off, just back of full, Keshav Maharaj comes half forward and drives the ball towards point.

Asitha Fernando to Keshav Maharaj, On a good length, around off, KM looks to turn it to the leg side.

Asitha Fernando to Keshav Maharaj, Around off, not quite full, but Keshav stays in his crease and meets it from the higher portion of his bat, pushing the ball towards point.

Asitha Fernando to Keshav Maharaj, On a good length, around off, Maharaj defends, although a bit awkwardly.

Asitha Fernando to Keshav Maharaj, On a good length, outside off, Keshav Maharaj gets across and shoulders arms.

Prabath Jayasuriya to Temba Bavuma, Landed outside off, Temba Bavuma pushes it towards point. Wants the single, but it is not there. Stays on 49.

Prabath Jayasuriya to Keshav Maharaj, Leg bye.

Prabath Jayasuriya to Keshav Maharaj, No run.

Prabath Jayasuriya to Gerald Coetzee, ! CAUGHT! Spectacularly taken in the deep by Kamindu Mendis and Jayasuriya has struck twice in the span of 6 balls!

Keshav Maharaj walks in now, at number 10, replacing Gerald Coetzee.

Prabath Jayasuriya to Gerald Coetzee, This is much straighter, Coetzee looks to defend but misses and is hit on the pads. The Lankans get excited but there was some wood involved, one presumes.

Prabath Jayasuriya to Gerald Coetzee, No run.

Asitha Fernando to Gerald Coetzee, A short ball, around off, spits off the deck, Gerald is surprised and tries to take his hands off the bat. The ball goes off the inner half towards fine leg. A single taken.

Asitha Fernando to Gerald Coetzee, A bouncer, around off, Coetzee sways away.

Asitha Fernando to Gerald Coetzee, Full, around off, watchfully defended by Gerald Coetzee.

Asitha Fernando to Temba Bavuma, Ohh... where did that come from? A short ball, around middle, the skipper swivels for the pull but is way too early into the shot.

Asitha Fernando to Temba Bavuma, Around off, angling away, Bavuma pushes it towards point.

Asitha Fernando to Temba Bavuma, No run.

Prabath Jayasuriya to Gerald Coetzee, Fuller, around off, Gerald Coetzee dabs it towards square leg. 2-0-4-1 for Jayasuriya so far.

Prabath Jayasuriya to Gerald Coetzee, No run.

DRINKS BREAK. Excellent passage of play for Sri Lanka. 14 overs exactly, 33 runs and 2 wickets. Add the retired hurt of Wiaan Mulder as well. If wickets fell to gloomy conditions on Day 1, they have fallen to persistent precision on Day 2.

Prabath Jayasuriya to Marco Jansen, ! LBW! Jansen has a long chat with Bavuma and takes the review, with 7 seconds left on the clock. Full and straight from Jayasuriya, Marco Jansen looked to defend it but the ball pitched and then spun away. Hit him on the pads and a confident Jayasuriya appealed. Umpire Paul Reiffel raised his finger. Time for technology now. Where did the ball pitch? UltraEdge first up. No murmur when ball passes bat. Now, Ball Tracking. Pitching in line! Hitting le

Prabath Jayasuriya to Marco Jansen, No run.

Prabath Jayasuriya to Temba Bavuma, 1 run.

Prabath Jayasuriya to Marco Jansen, Full, around leg, Marco Jansen defends.

Asitha Fernando to Temba Bavuma, Fuller than a good length, on off, Temba Bavuma taps it in front of mid off.

Asitha Fernando to Marco Jansen, Back of a length, on middle, Marco Jansen hops back and tucks it behind square on the leg side for one.

Asitha Fernando to Marco Jansen, Another one from Fernando and this is better than the previous one! Gets the line closer to the off-stump and shapes away to go past the outside edge by not more than a whisker!

Asitha Fernando to Marco Jansen, Beauty! Hurls it on a good length, on off and gets the ball to nip away off the deck. Marco Jansen has a feel for it but does well to pull his bat back as the ball shapes away going past the outside edge. 

Asitha Fernando to Marco Jansen, Bashes it into the surface again, on a shorter length, on leg, Marco Jansen half ducks at it.

Asitha Fernando to Marco Jansen, Hits the deck hard, on a length, on off, Marco Jansen leans ahead and makes a very confident block off the middle of the bat. 

Prabath Jayasuriya to Marco Jansen, Offers a bit more flight this time, on off, Marco Jansen knocks it to mid-wicket for a single.

Prabath Jayasuriya to Marco Jansen, Darts it quicker, flatter and on a nagging length, but down leg. Marco Jansen lets it go past him. 

Prabath Jayasuriya to Marco Jansen, Tosses it up, on off, with a flatter trajectory, Marco Jansen keeps it out.

Prabath Jayasuriya to Temba Bavuma, Flighted on leg, Temba Bavuma pushes it in front of deep square leg for a single.

Prabath Jayasuriya to Temba Bavuma, Fuller and on middle and leg again, Temba Bavuma tucks it to the leg side.

Prabath Jayasuriya to Temba Bavuma, Double change as Prabath Jayasuriya is introduced. Starts from around the wicket and bowls the first one nice and full, on middle and leg, Temba Bavuma fails to make a block and gets hit on the front pad.

Asitha Fernando to Temba Bavuma, Short of a length, over middle, Temba Bavuma clips it to mid-wicket for a single.

Asitha Fernando to Temba Bavuma, Outside off and Temba Bavuma is happy to let go.

Asitha Fernando to Temba Bavuma, On a length, on off, Temba Bavuma pushes it to cover. 

Asitha Fernando to Temba Bavuma, ! Asitha Fernando goes fuller for once and gets punished! 

Asitha Fernando to Temba Bavuma, Good length, on middle and off, Temba Bavuma keeps it out.

Asitha Fernando to Temba Bavuma, Fuller than a length, on off, Temba Bavuma makes a solid block towards cover.

Vishwa Fernando to Marco Jansen, That's the odd one that bounces a bit more! On a length, around off, the ball shoots up and goes past the outside edge with some shape taking it away further. 

Vishwa Fernando to Marco Jansen, No run.

Vishwa Fernando to Marco Jansen, No run.

Vishwa Fernando to Temba Bavuma, Back of a length, over middle and leg, Temba Bavuma gets his bat high and dabs it in front of deep square leg for one.

Vishwa Fernando to Temba Bavuma, Angling away, outside off, Temba Bavuma makes a leave. 

Vishwa Fernando to Marco Jansen, Fuller and attacking the pads, Marco Jansen with soft hands just nudges it to square leg for a single.

Lahiru Kumara to Temba Bavuma, ! Crunched! South Africa cross the 100-run mark! Lahiru Kumara digs it in short and on off, Temba Bavuma hops back and punches it with real authority past cover for a boundary. 

Lahiru Kumara to Temba Bavuma, Short and on off, Temba Bavuma rides the bounce and taps it down in front of cover.

Lahiru Kumara to Marco Jansen, Serves it on a hard length, on middle, Marco Jansen just about manages to squeeze it across to deep square leg for a single. 

Lahiru Kumara to Marco Jansen, ! Nicely done by Jansen! Lahiru Kumara digs it into the surface on a back of a length, on off, Marco Jansen sticks his bat away from his body and opens the bat face nicely to steer it past gully for a boundary. 

Lahiru Kumara to Marco Jansen, On a good length, on off, Marco Jansen makes a solid block.

Lahiru Kumara to Temba Bavuma, A bit short of a god length, on middle, Temba Bavuma tucks it to mid-wicket for a single.

Lahiru Kumara to Temba Bavuma, Nicely bowled! Lahiru Kumara isn't allowing an inch! Oh dear, he has overstepped!

Vishwa Fernando to Marco Jansen, ! A real freebie that helps break the shackles a bit! Full and on leg, Marco Jansen takes it on the full and flicks it past square leg to his right for a boundary to get off the mark.

Vishwa Fernando to Marco Jansen, No run.

Vishwa Fernando to Marco Jansen, Sliding donw leg, on a fuller length. Not the best ball to bowl to the batter who has just come in to bat. Marco Jansen looks to tickle it fine but misses. 

Vishwa Fernando to Temba Bavuma, Back of a length, over middle, Temba Bavuma tucks it behind square on the leg side and gets a single.

Vishwa Fernando to Temba Bavuma, No run.

Oh no, this is concerning! Wiaan Mulder is walking off the field, and that's definitely not the sight the hosts would have wanted. It doesn't look too promising at the moment, but let's hope it's just a precautionary measure and nothing too serious. Marco Jansen makes his way out to bat now!

Vishwa Fernando to Temba Bavuma, Angling away, fuller and outside off, Temba Bavuma leaves it alone.

Lahiru Kumara to Wiaan Mulder, Outside off, on a length, Wiaan Mulder shoulders arms. 

Lahiru Kumara to Temba Bavuma, 1 run.

Lahiru Kumara to Temba Bavuma, Lands it outside off, on a fuller length and gets the ball to nip back in a bit, Temba Bavuma decides to let it go through. 

Lahiru Kumara to Temba Bavuma, Back of a length, over middle, Temba Bavuma rides the bounce and dabs it down the deck.

Oh no! Wiaan Mulder has been struck on his right hand and appears to be in considerable discomfort. The physio quickly comes out to assess the situation, providing some on-field treatment. While it initially seemed like Mulder was ready to carry on, he's clearly not at ease. The physio is called back again for another check. This doesn’t look great for South Africa, as they’ll be hoping their all-rounder can shake it off and continue. Fingers crossed it’s nothing serious! Right then, he no

Lahiru Kumara to Wiaan Mulder, Very full, on off, Wiaan Mulder steers it in front of point and gets a single. He shakes his head through his run and doesn't look very comfortable. 

Lahiru Kumara to Wiaan Mulder, No run.

Vishwa Fernando to Temba Bavuma, Length, over middle, Temba Bavuma taps it to the right of the bowler.

Vishwa Fernando to Temba Bavuma, No run.

Vishwa Fernando to Temba Bavuma, No run.

Vishwa Fernando to Temba Bavuma, Very confident leave this time from Bavuma! Vishwa Fernando pulls the line closer and keeps it around the fifth stumps, angling away, full, Temba Bavuma strides out and holds his wrist up to make a leave. 

Vishwa Fernando to Temba Bavuma, Angling away, on a fuller length, well outside off, Temba Bavuma is happy to let it go past. 

Vishwa Fernando to Temba Bavuma, Fires it very full, at the stumps, Temba Bavuma pushes it down the deck off the cue end of his bat.

Lahiru Kumara to Wiaan Mulder, Outside off, on a length, Wiaan Mulder hops back and makes a leave. 

Lahiru Kumara to Wiaan Mulder, So nearly another one! Hang on! After a long discussion, Sri Lanka have decided to send it upstairs for a check! 

Lahiru Kumara to Wiaan Mulder, Digs the short one hard into the deck, over middle, Wiaan Mulder ducks under.

Wiaan Mulder walks out to bat at number 7 for South Africa!

Lahiru Kumara to Wiaan Mulder, No run.

Lahiru Kumara to Kyle Verreynne, ! LBW! Lahiru Kumara has gotten an early breakthrough Sri Lanka were after! 

Lahiru Kumara to Kyle Verreynne, Back of a length, just outside off, Kyle Verreynne looks to punch it off the back foot but ends up playing it very close to his body. Chops it down the deck!

Vishwa Fernando to Temba Bavuma, No run.

Vishwa Fernando to Temba Bavuma, No run.

Vishwa Fernando to Temba Bavuma, A bit fuller on this occasion, on off, Temba Bavuma eases it out to cover, quite comfortably. 

Vishwa Fernando to Temba Bavuma, No run.

Vishwa Fernando to Temba Bavuma, Fuller and at the stumps, Temba Bavuma pushes it to mid off. 

Vishwa Fernando to Temba Bavuma, Steams in from over the wicket and angles it away, on a length, around off, Temba Bavuma with soft hands taps it in front of cover. 

Lahiru Kumara to Kyle Verreynne, Slightly wider ouside off, good carry as well, Verreynne shoulders arms.

Lahiru Kumara to Kyle Verreynne, On a good length now, outside off, extra bounce, Kyle Verreynne rises with the bounce and punches it towards gully.

Lahiru Kumara to Temba Bavuma, 1 run.

On the Verreynne LBW appeal in the previous over, UltraEdge detects a thick inside edge. Forget the pitching.

Lahiru Kumara to Temba Bavuma, 2 runs.

Lahiru Kumara to Temba Bavuma, Similar ball, on a length, outside off, Bavuma puts in a good stride and shoulders arms.

Lahiru Kumara to Temba Bavuma, Full, outside off, Temba Bavuma gets a big stride and lets it go.

Who will bowl from the other end?

Vishwa Fernando to Kyle Verreynne, Close, close, close!

Vishwa Fernando to Kyle Verreynne, Fuller, just outside off, slanting away, Kyle Verreynne takes his bat away from the ball.

All set for Thursday to kick off in Durban! A beautiful day greets us, with plenty of sunshine, to go along with a nice breeze. The players and umpires are making their way out to the middle. The overnight batters - Temba Bavuma and Kyle Verreynne stride out to the middle, while the Sri Lankans gather themselves in a huddle. That huddle disperses and the players now get ready to set things rolling for the day. Vishwa Fernando will complete his pending over from the previous day. Verreynne to

We did talk about Sri Lanka searching for a couple of quick wickets to run through the lower middle order of the Proteas. But just a reminder, in South Africa's recent tour to Bangladesh, Wiaan Mulder and Kyle Verreynne fought hard to recover their team from a precarious situation. So the hosts would be thinking - see off the first hour and they could actually be around 200 for not more than 5 down by Lunch. Any score close to 300 in the first innings should be a good one in Durban.

Since we also mentioned about Pakistan, let's inform you that Pakistan are about to conclude their ODI series against Zimbabwe. They have chosen to bat in the final game and not surprisingly, they have not made any changes. The Asian side has been on a roll in this format, since their tour to Australia, but their first game loss to Zimbabwe would have been shocking to many. As a result, they have been forced into a decider. The home side, on the other hand, would expect themselves to give a good

Since we did talk about New Zealand briefly, let's tell you about what happened earlier in the day. England and New Zealand kickstarted their 3-Test series in Christchurch, with the visitors opting to bowl first, as is mostly the case in SENA countries in Tests. Almost like a repeat of what happened in the India-New Zealand Tests, the Kiwis got themselves into a good position again, only to see a collapse happen through the middle. Tom Latham, Kane Williamson and Rachin Ravindra were making sure

Okay. Focus on the present, shall we? After going around the globe, let's get back to Kingsmead. The first major question seems to have been answered. How is the weather? Bright and sunny, without a cloud in the sky, is what we are hearing. There is still that forecast of rain but for now, we can go ahead into the talk of overs being played today. 98 is the maximum allotted, although we can play more if there is stipulated time left. Talking about time, this is how the sessions would be allotted

So now, if we look at the latest scenarios - there is a high likelihood that only one among Australia or India can make it to the final. The reason being - Australia are to tour Sri Lanka next, where they have not won a Test for the last 13 years, let alone a series. So, if the Lankans put on a good show in South Africa and continue their dominance against Australia, they stand a chance of making it to the final. On the same note, South Africa have two home series left - the one ongoing against

Now, let's talk about the all-important World Test Championship. Not too long ago, say roughly around the Men's T20 World Cup in June, we were looking at an Australia-India final for the WTC. Both teams had gone so far ahead in their PCT standings that it was considered impossible for any other team to match that. Then, suddenly, out of nowhere, New Zealand blanked India in the latter's backyard and that has opened a pandora box. Thanks to that whitewash, New Zealand have got themselves into re

Skipper Temba Bavuma, hunting his own demons of a place in the side, tried to steer a rearguard action, along with the impressive Kyle Verreynne, but before he could cement that into a big show, the weather had a say. Of course, things are not over yet, and the pair can still continue their recovery job today, but from Sri Lanka's point of view, if they break this stand early and get another wicket soon, they can actually think of keeping South Africa under 175. Yes, the conditions have been

Let's take a quick recap of what happened on Wednesday. It has been a torrid time for openers around the globe and barring that one stand between KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal recently in Perth, the period post the T20 World Cup has not been that kind for batters trying to see off the new ball. Irrespective of the country where the game is being played, the new ball is talking and wickets are falling. In Durban, the two Fernandos - Asitha and Vishwa - made the ball talk early while Lahiru Kumara

Hello everyone. Wednesday's action seems like a T10 game. With the Abu Dhabi T10 going around, not surprising to find that comparison. With just 20-odd overs bowled in a day where 90 are allotted, one can just imagine the time that was lost. Still, in that period, Sri Lanka gave a good account of themselves and how eager they are, to grab the chance to reach the World Test Championship final in 2025. But even for that to happen, matches over the next few months need to have results and for that,

... DAY 2 ...

Right then! Just 20.4 overs of play on Day 1 and there will be extension on the remaining days to cover up Wednesday's loss of play. The first two sessions on the remaining days will be extended by 15 minutes apiece while the last session will have the addon of the half hour. South Africa will look to build on this Bavuma-Verreyne stand while Sri Lanka will be looking to keep picking up wickets. Both teams were looking to get a good start in the series but the rains had other plans yet

UPDATE - 01.45 pm GMT - That's it from Day 1 of this Test match as the officials confirm that there can be no play possible further today. Relentless rain in Durban, which arrived just before lunch, has never allowed the players to return to the field. Day 1 is called off!

UPDATE - 12.30 pm GMT - There is only a chance of 20 more overs to happen in the time left for the day and it's still raining heavily at Kingsmead. Puddles have formed at various positions in the outfield. The waiting game is on and the chances of the game to start today are getting slimmer by the passing minute. Let's see what happens.

UPDATE - 11.59 am GMT - It's getting close to Tea now, but the rain is relentless in Durban. There is some thunder and lightning as well which are not good signs at all. We are surely not getting any action in the second session, and the chances of getting any more play also look pretty bleak here.

UPDATE - 11.29 am GMT - Still no positive news from the middle! It is still raining in Durban and we have lost more than 1.5 hours with the conditions still looking pretty gloomy. The forecast for the rest of the days is decent, but both teams will need to fight it hard to force a result because a draw won't help either. Stay tuned for more updates.

UPDATE - 10.52 am GMT - The rain is playing hide and seek with us! It did go away for some time, giving us a glimmer of hope, but it has come back on again with more intensity. The waiting game continues...

UPDATE - 10.25 am GMT - Well, there is nothing new to update about, but the rain has steadied down a bit in Durban. However, looking at the skies, the signs are not looking very positive here. All we can do is hope. 

UPDATE - 10.07 am GMT - Uh..oh! The second session should have been underway by now, but the rain has gotten heavier during the break. All the covers are firmly on and we are in for a longer break than we expected. Stick with us for more news.

As play resumes after the rain-interrupted session, the hosts will look to Bavuma and Kyle Verreynne to rebuild. For now, it's Sri Lanka who head into Lunch brimming with confidence after a stellar start. If there is no more rain during the break and the outfield is ready, the second session will begin around 10.06 am GMT. However, with all the rain forecasted throughout the day, it could be a stop-start kind of day. So, just keep an eye here as we will be providing regular updates.

The day began with high drama as South Africa lost both openers within the first three overs, leaving them reeling early on. The pair of Tristan Stubbs and captain Temba Bavuma then took on the responsibility of steadying the ship. Bavuma, benefiting from two lives, displayed resilience and remains unbeaten on 28 at the break. Stubbs appeared to have found his rhythm but was undone by a sharp delivery from Lahiru Kumara, who claimed him just as he seemed set. Kumara struck again shortly after,

LUNCH! SESSION SUMMARY - 20.4 overs, 4 wickets and 80 runs. The opening session of this Test match at Kingsmead, Durban, has firmly belonged to Sri Lanka. Under overcast skies, their seam bowlers took full advantage of the conditions, delivering a masterclass in Test match bowling. At the lunch break, South Africa finds themselves struggling at 80/4, a testament to Sri Lanka's relentless attack.

The rain gods have finally shown their presence and the players and the umpires walk off the field right at the brink of LUNCH!

Vishwa Fernando to Kyle Verreynne, Pitched up and on middle and off, Kyle Verreynne keeps it out to the off side.

Vishwa Fernando to Kyle Verreynne, Good length and around off, angling away, Kyle Verreynne leaves it alone.

Vishwa Fernando to Temba Bavuma, Touch fuller and on middle, Temba Bavuma clips it through square leg for a single.

Vishwa Fernando to Temba Bavuma, Four!

Vishwa Fernando to Temba Bavuma, Fuller but way outside off, angles further away, Temba Bavuma leaves it alone. Wided.

Lahiru Kumara to Kyle Verreynne, ! Classy shot! Much fuller from Lahiru Kumara, on middle, Kyle Verreynne presents the full face of the bat and drives it beautifully past the bowler for a boundary.

Lahiru Kumara to Kyle Verreynne, Short of a length and well outside off, shaping away, Kyle Verreynne leaves it alone.

Lahiru Kumara to Temba Bavuma, Overpitched and on middle, Temba Bavuma drives it off the inside half of the bat through mid on for three runs.

Lahiru Kumara to Temba Bavuma, No ball!

Lahiru Kumara to Temba Bavuma, Four!

Lahiru Kumara to Kyle Verreynne, Short of a length and on off, Kyle Verreynne dabs it down to point.

Lahiru Kumara to Kyle Verreynne, Four!

Asitha Fernando to Kyle Verreynne, Errs in line and lands this on a length but down the leg side, this one does not bounce that much. Kyle Verreynne leaves it alone and Kusal Mendis dives to his left but fails to collect it cleanly. A bye is taken.

Asitha Fernando to Kyle Verreynne, Short of a length and on off, Kyle Verreynne stays back and dabs it to point.

Asitha Fernando to Kyle Verreynne, Good-length delivery just around off, shaping away sharply, Kyle Verreynne leaves it alone.

Asitha Fernando to Kyle Verreynne, Pitched up, on middle, angling into the pads, Kyle Verreynne clips it to square leg.

The breeze getting steady and there is a bit of rain in the air already. We might get an early break if this continues!

Asitha Fernando to Temba Bavuma, 1 run.

Asitha Fernando to Temba Bavuma, Fuller in length and around off, shaping away, Temba Bavuma leaves it alone.

Lahiru Kumara to Kyle Verreynne, No run.

Lahiru Kumara to Kyle Verreynne, Oh..so close!

Lahiru Kumara to Kyle Verreynne, BEAUTY! Lahiru Kumara serves this a bit fuller and just around off, gets it to shape away, Kyle Verreynne gets forward and has a poke at it but gets beaten on the outside edge.

Lahiru Kumara to Kyle Verreynne, On a length and on middle, angling in, Kyle Verreynne nudges it to square leg. It is also called a No Ball for overstepping.

Lahiru Kumara to Kyle Verreynne, Hard length and in that channel outside off, Kyle Verreynne offers no shot at it.

Lahiru Kumara to Kyle Verreynne, No run.

Kyle Verreynne walks out to bat now with the floodlights on and the ground getting covered with clouds.

Lahiru Kumara to David Bedingham, ! BOWLED'EM! Absolute peach of a delivery and Lahiru Kumara strikes again!

Asitha Fernando to Temba Bavuma, Full again from wide of the crease that time, on the sixth stump line, Temba Bavuma leaves it alone. It takes off behind the stumps as Kusal Mendis takes it near his head.

Asitha Fernando to Temba Bavuma, Pitches it up, on middle, nips away a shy bit, Temba Bavuma almost gets squared up but manages to push it to covers.

Asitha Fernando to Temba Bavuma, Hard length and on middle, Temba Bavuma stays back and tucks it to short mid-wicket.

Asitha Fernando to Temba Bavuma, ! Lovely shot! Asitha Fernando goes a bit too fuller in search of swing, on off, Temba Bavuma leans onto his drive nicely and creams it through covers for a boundary.

Asitha Fernando to Temba Bavuma, Good length and on off, shaping away, Temba Bavuma guides it towards point.

Asitha Fernando to Temba Bavuma, Fuller one and on middle, angling in, Temba Bavuma knocks it towards mid on.

Lahiru Kumara to David Bedingham, On a length and on middle, angling in, David Bedingham nudges it to mid-wicket.

Lahiru Kumara to David Bedingham, ! WOW! Nice drive for a boundary at wide of dee point. 

Lahiru Kumara to David Bedingham, No run.

Lahiru Kumara to David Bedingham, No run.

Lahiru Kumara to David Bedingham, Nicely bowled to the new batter on the crease. Good length, shapes in, around middle, David Bedingham gets a thick outside edge that falls ahead of second slip. 

David Bedingham walks out to bat.

Lahiru Kumara to Tristan Stubbs, ! EDGED AND GONE! Excellent comeback from Lahiru Kumara! Tristan Stubbs was not happy with the sightscreen just before this delivery and maybe lost his focus, which led to his downfall here.

Angelo Mathews to Temba Bavuma, Another full delivery, on the sixth stump line, holds its line, Temba Bavuma offers no shot at it. Back-to-back maidens from Angelo Mathews!

Angelo Mathews to Temba Bavuma, No run.

Angelo Mathews to Temba Bavuma, Hard length and on off, shaping in again, Temba Bavuma moves across to block but misses again to get hit high on the pads.

Angelo Mathews to Temba Bavuma, No run.

Angelo Mathews to Temba Bavuma, No run.

Angelo Mathews to Temba Bavuma, Fuller delivery around off, shaping a long way away, Temba Bavuma leaves it alone.

Lahiru Kumara to Tristan Stubbs, Four!

Lahiru Kumara to Tristan Stubbs, ! Top shot! Third boundary of the over!

Lahiru Kumara to Tristan Stubbs, No run.

Lahiru Kumara to Tristan Stubbs, Four!

Lahiru Kumara to Tristan Stubbs, Goes a bit fuller now, on off, Tristan Stubbs strides out and pushes it to short covers.

Lahiru Kumara to Tristan Stubbs, Much better! He lands this on a good length and on the fifth stump line, Tristan Stubbs stays back and pats it to short cover. Oh..no! It is called a No Ball for overstepping.

Lahiru Kumara to Tristan Stubbs, 4 Leg byes.

Change from both ends as Lahiru Kumara replaces Vishwa Fernando now.

Angelo Mathews to Temba Bavuma, MAIDEN OVER! Much fuller, on off, gets it to nip back in sharply, Temba Bavuma looks to defend but gets an inside edge onto his pads as the ball goes nowhere.

Angelo Mathews to Temba Bavuma, No run.

Angelo Mathews to Temba Bavuma, No run.

Angelo Mathews to Temba Bavuma, Fuller again and in that channel outside off, moves away, Temba Bavuma leaves it alone.

Angelo Mathews to Temba Bavuma, Touch fuller, on off, shaping in this time, Temba Bavuma strides out to push it away but gets an inside edge towards square leg.

Angelo Mathews to Temba Bavuma, Angelo Mathews starts with a good-length delivery around off, shaping further away, Temba Bavuma leaves it alone.

Change of gloves for Temba Bavuma.

Drinks! Sri Lanka's hour as they have exploited the overcast conditions perfectly. Both the Fernando's have picked up a wicket each and have made life difficult for the batters. South Africa have steadied the ship a bit through Tristan Stubbs and Temba Bavuma, but surviving the deadly spells is getting more and more difficult. An exciting phase of cricket awaits us.

Vishwa Fernando to Tristan Stubbs, Ends with short of length around the leg stump, Tristan Stubbs tucks it to wide of short mid-wicket from the back foot. 

Vishwa Fernando to Tristan Stubbs, Nice confident defence from Tristan Stubbs under his eyes. Hard length around middle, Tristan Stubbs comes forward and shows full face of the bat. 

Vishwa Fernando to Tristan Stubbs, Shorter than good length, outside off, Tristan Stubbs lets it go to the keeper.

Vishwa Fernando to Temba Bavuma, 1 run.

Vishwa Fernando to Temba Bavuma, Same length outside off, Temba Bavuma sees it through to the keeper. 

Vishwa Fernando to Temba Bavuma, Runs in hard and bowls a hard length outside off, Temba Bavuma gets beaten on the outside edge in trying to defend it. 

Asitha Fernando to Tristan Stubbs, On the pads, nipping into the right-hander from a good length. Tristan Stubbs flicks the ball straight to mid-wicket to end the over.

Asitha Fernando to Tristan Stubbs, On a good length just outside off. Tristan Stubbs takes a small foot out and lets the ball go.

Asitha Fernando to Tristan Stubbs, Much fuller but still away from the off stump. Tristan Stubbs takes the foot out and lets the ball go though.

Asitha Fernando to Tristan Stubbs, Just short outside off and Tristan Stubbs waves arms at it covering the line of the stumps.

Asitha Fernando to Tristan Stubbs, Swings the ball away from over the wicket outside off. Tristan Stubbs sees the ball through to the wicket keeper.

Asitha Fernando to Tristan Stubbs, Good length ball on the pads from over the wicket. Tristan Stubbs tucks it to mid-wicket.

Vishwa Fernando to Tristan Stubbs, 3 runs.

Vishwa Fernando to Tristan Stubbs, No run.

Vishwa Fernando to Tristan Stubbs, No run.

Vishwa Fernando to Tristan Stubbs, No run.

Vishwa Fernando to Tristan Stubbs, No run.

Vishwa Fernando to Tristan Stubbs, No run.

Asitha Fernando to Temba Bavuma, Four!

Asitha Fernando to Temba Bavuma, Four!

Asitha Fernando to Temba Bavuma, No run.

Asitha Fernando to Temba Bavuma, No run.

The sun is out now. Hopefully, the dark clouds stay away like this and we get a full day's of play.

Asitha Fernando to Temba Bavuma, No run.

Asitha Fernando to Temba Bavuma, No run.

Vishwa Fernando to Tristan Stubbs, Ends with a good length ball outside off, Temba Bavuma gets beaten on the outside edge from the front foot. 

Vishwa Fernando to Temba Bavuma, 1 run.

Vishwa Fernando to Temba Bavuma, Hard length from over the wicket around middle, Temba Bavuma tucks it to square leg.

Vishwa Fernando to Temba Bavuma, Back of a length outside off, Temba Bavuma blocks it off.

Vishwa Fernando to Temba Bavuma, No run.

Vishwa Fernando to Temba Bavuma, No run.

Asitha Fernando to Tristan Stubbs, On the length swinging away. Tristan Stubbs takes a good front foot out and sees it through.

Asitha Fernando to Tristan Stubbs, Just short outside off. Tristan Stubbs stays back and drops it down to point.

Asitha Fernando to Tristan Stubbs, Nagging length on the stumps, straight with the angle. Tristan Stubbs taps it down to square leg.

Asitha Fernando to Tristan Stubbs, Left alone outside off. Length ball swinging away from Asitha Fernando and Tristan Stubbs sees it through.

Asitha Fernando to Tristan Stubbs, Hits the length hard on the stumps and gets the ball to nip back in. Tristan Stubbs blocks the ball from the crease and gets an inside edge to square leg.

Asitha Fernando to Tristan Stubbs, Much fuller but away from off. Tristan Stubbs leaves the ball off the front foot.

Vishwa Fernando to Temba Bavuma, Much fuller angling on the off stump. Temba Bavuma flicks the ball straight to mid-wicket off the front foot.

Vishwa Fernando to Tristan Stubbs, Fuller on the pads, Tristan Stubbs leans and flicks it to deep fine for a single. 

Vishwa Fernando to Tristan Stubbs, Tristan Stubbs isn't judging the line very carefully here. On a length around the leg stump, shapes in, Tristan Stubbs gets hit on the pad trying to work it away and again a small appeal for LBW but it is going down leg. 

Vishwa Fernando to Tristan Stubbs, Yet to get off the mark, Tristan Stubbs wears another ball on the front pads but it looks to be pitching outside the leg stump line on a good length.

Vishwa Fernando to Tristan Stubbs, Much fuller and on the off stump. Tristan Stubbs offers a solid front foot defence to drop the ball down.

Vishwa Fernando to Tristan Stubbs, Starts with a good length around the leg stump, Tristan Stubbs gets beaten on the inside edge and the ball gets hit on the pad. A mild appeal for LBW but it is clearly down the leg.

Asitha Fernando to Temba Bavuma, Ends the over with a good length delivery just outside the off stump and Temba Bavuma blocks it off the front foot straight to point.

Asitha Fernando to Temba Bavuma, Holds the length back outside off. Temba Bavuma does not offer a shot.

Asitha Fernando to Temba Bavuma, No run.

Asitha Fernando to Temba Bavuma, Swings the ball up fuller on the off stump line. Temba Bavuma taps it off the front foot towards covers.

Asitha Fernando to Temba Bavuma, No run.

Asitha Fernando to Temba Bavuma, No run.

Vishwa Fernando to Tristan Stubbs, No run.

Vishwa Fernando to Tristan Stubbs, No run.

Vishwa Fernando to Tristan Stubbs, No run.

Vishwa Fernando to Temba Bavuma, Off the mark straight away! Length ball on the off stump from around the wicket. Temba Bavuma drops it infront of covers and runs a single..

Temba Bavuma comes out to the middle now.

Vishwa Fernando to Tony de Zorzi, ! c Kamindu Mendis b Vishwa Fernando.

Vishwa Fernando to Tony de Zorzi, No run.

Tristan Stubbs walks out to bat at number 3.

Asitha Fernando to Aiden Markram, ! c Angelo Mathews b Asitha Fernando.

Asitha Fernando to Aiden Markram, Left alone outside off stump by Aiden Markram. Length ball away from the off stump does no hard to the batter.

Asitha Fernando to Tony de Zorzi, Bye.

Asitha Fernando to Aiden Markram, Drops the length back on the off stump. Aiden Markram drops it to the left of point with soft hands and runs a single off the misfield by the fielder.

Asitha Fernando to Aiden Markram, No run.

Asitha Fernando to Aiden Markram, No run.

Vishwa Fernando to Tony de Zorzi, ! Tony de Zorzi is off the mark sticky, but he will take the four runs.

Vishwa Fernando to Tony de Zorzi, No run.

Vishwa Fernando to Tony de Zorzi, Fuller on the fifth stump line, swinging away. Tony de Zorzi covers the line of the stumps and lets it go though.

Vishwa Fernando to Tony de Zorzi, Good away swing outside the off stump from a much fuller length. Tony de Zorzi takes the front foot out and leaves it to the wicketkeeper.

Vishwa Fernando to Tony de Zorzi, No run.

Vishwa Fernando to share the attack.

Vishwa Fernando to Tony de Zorzi, No run.

Asitha Fernando to Aiden Markram, No run.

Asitha Fernando to Aiden Markram, No run.

Asitha Fernando to Aiden Markram, ! TWO IN TWO! 

Asitha Fernando to Aiden Markram, Four!

Asitha Fernando to Aiden Markram, No run.

Asitha Fernando to Aiden Markram, Runs in hard from over the wicket angle and pitches the ball on the good length straight away getting the shape away from the batter outside off. Aiden Markram covers the line of the stumps and sees it through to get things underway.

All in readiness for this crucial first Test to begin! Sri Lanka won an important toss earlier and chose to bowl first under overcast conditions without any surprises. Rain could be a big threat throughout Day 1 but for now, the players are out in the middle. Aiden Markram and Tony de Zorzi are the two openers for South Africa.

Sri Lanka (Playing XI) - Dimuth Karunaratne, Pathum Nissanka, Dinesh Chandimal, Angelo Mathews, Kamindu Mendis, Dhananjaya de Silva (C), Kusal Mendis (WK), Prabath Jayasuriya, Lahiru Kumara, Asitha Fernando, Vishwa Fernando.

South Africa (Playing XI) - Aiden Markram, Tony de Zorzi, Tristan Stubbs, Temba Bavuma (C), David Bedingham, Kyle Verreynne (WK), Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Gerald Coetzee, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada.

... DAY 2, SESSION 2 ...

Dissecting more into Pakistan stuff, there is a lot of talk going about the hosting of next year's Champions Trophy. An ODI tournament which will be played between teams ranked in the top 8. Pakistan are scheduled to host the same but with India refusing to travel to Pakistan, the tournament could take a hit. Would the entire tournament be shifted to another country? Or could we have a hybrid model, where a few matches are held in Pakistan while the others, including the knockouts, are held outs

How are the neighbours doing? Let's take a peek to check what is happening in Zimbabwe. The 3rd ODI between Zimbabwe and Pakistan is scheduled today and Pakistan have reached 229/3 in the 44th over, riding on a century by newcomer Kamran Ghulam and 50 by Abdullah Shafique. The pitch is definitely on the slower side but there are no demons in it as such. The hosts have found it difficult to pick wickets in Bulawayo and Pakistan would be aiming to get as close to 300 as possible from here on.

Thanks to this doubly extended session, the second session could start as late as 1040 GMT. South Africa would be disappointed with their batting effort but one feels that this is not that easy a batting pitch as it might seem. The good thing for the home side is, the weather has not affected the pitch. There is plenty of juice on offer and if the Saffas come out and keep Sri Lanka under 200-250, we could have a one-inning shootout. Please stay tuned. 

Let's not take anything away from Sri Lanka. Whether batting was difficult, or South Africa left a few runs out there - the Lankan bowlers deserved their wickets. The seamers were on the money, keeping the length betwee, good and short, which generated extra bounce and got the balls moving off the seam. The Proteas' technical flaws might have been exposed but that can come only when the bowlers are consistently persistent. Asitha Fernando has been a revelation for a few months now, while he was

Perfectionists will be perfectionists, aye? As per the great legend Hashim Amla on air, South Africa have left a few runs out there. He bluntly says that anything under 300 is not enough on this surface and on dissecting the African batting, he reckons that even though the bowling was good, it was not unplayable. As per him, the wickets fell due to technical deficiencies, as the batters lacked patience and did not know where their off stump were. He reckons that it was all about batters spending

Champions stand up when the chips are usually down. That's exactly how Temba Bavuma played. He was fidgety and struggling for a major part on Day 1 but this morning, he found his rhythm. He readily took the burden of batting with the tail and formed useful partnerships with Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj ​​​​and Kagiso Rabada, before falling for a valiant 70. Yes, he was given a couple of lives on Wednesday, but that is not his problem. His gritty knock has given the home side a compet

Like Wednesday, Sri Lanka were right on the money on Thursday morning, blowing through the lower middle order of South Africa. Lahiru Kumara removed Kyle Verreynne early and then Prabath Jayasuriya got into his work, removing two wickets quickly. At that stage, the home side was in grave danger of getting bowled out under 150, with the score reading 117/7. But the lower order rallied around its skipper and managed to add a valuable 74 runs for the last 3 wickets.

That concludes a doubly extended session this morning. First, the session was extended by 15 minutes, which got extended by a further quarter of an hour, meaning that we roughly had a session of 150 minutes. Sri Lanka bowled 29 overs, picked up all the remaining 6 wickets while South Africa scored 111 runs. It was primarily Sri Lanka's session for two-thirds of it. but that last half an hour would have made the Protea bowlers smile, because they now have something to bowl at.

Asitha Fernando to Kagiso Rabada, ! CAUGHT! The short ball ploy finally works and Sri Lanka wrap the Proteas inning for 191 runs! 

Asitha Fernando to Wiaan Mulder, On a good length, around off, Wiaan Mulder goes back and works it through mid-wicket for a run.

Asitha Fernando to Kagiso Rabada, Lucky again! This is frustrating for Sri Lanka.

Asitha Fernando to Kagiso Rabada, ! Lucky runs, valuable nevertheless for South Africa! A short ball, outside off, from around the wicket, Kagiso Rabada looks to pull.

Dhananjaya de Silva to Wiaan Mulder, Full and on off and middle, Wiaan Mulder turns it to square leg.

Dhananjaya de Silva to Wiaan Mulder, ! Oh hello, Wiaan Mulder has cleared the fence with a beautiful strike! 

Dhananjaya de Silva to Wiaan Mulder, Tossed up, full and on off, Wiaan Mulder drives it back to the bowler.

Dhananjaya de Silva to Kagiso Rabada, A touch short, around middle, Kagiso punches it down to long on for a single.

Dhananjaya de Silva to Kagiso Rabada, No run.

Dhananjaya de Silva to Kagiso Rabada, ! Does not start well, does the skipper. A short ball, down the leg side, Kagiso Rabada stays inside the line, goes back and nudges it through fine leg. Square leg tries to chase it down but is late.

The skipper, Dhananjaya de Silva, looks for some inspiration. Brings himself on.

Asitha Fernando to Kagiso Rabada, Oh dear! A mixup that luckily doesn't cost Rabada his wicket! Asitha Fernando angles in the short one, on middle and leg, Kagiso Rabada is caught by surprise and looks to keep it out. His bottom hand comes off the bat but he manages to dab it out on the leg side. Wiaan Mulder sets off for the run but Rabada isn't quite sure and responds to it eventually. Asitha Fernando charges in towards the ball, collects it and has a shy at the bowling end but misse

Asitha Fernando to Wiaan Mulder, Fires in a yorker, right at the toes, Wiaan Mulder gets low and taps the ball on it's heading working it in front of deep square leg for a single.

Asitha Fernando to Kagiso Rabada, Short and on middle, Kagiso Rabada pulls it off the upper half of his bat but does well to keep it all along the ground and in front of deep mid-wicket for one.

Asitha Fernando to Kagiso Rabada, Another bouncer, around middle, Rabada evades with a duck.

Asitha Fernando to Kagiso Rabada, Another bouncer, let through.

Asitha Fernando to Kagiso Rabada, No run.

Vishwa Fernando to Kagiso Rabada, Length, on off, Kagiso Rabada pushes it to point for a single.

Vishwa Fernando to Kagiso Rabada, Takes some pace off and keeps it just outside off, on a length, Kagiso Rabada sees the line and makes a leave.

Vishwa Fernando to Kagiso Rabada, No run.

Vishwa Fernando to Kagiso Rabada, 5 Wides!

Vishwa Fernando to Kagiso Rabada, On a good length, outside off, Kagiso pushes inside the line but misses.

Vishwa Fernando to Kagiso Rabada, On a length wide outside off, Rabada slashes but misses.

We all have been proved wrong. Lunch has been extended by 15 minutes. So a 135-minute session could actually go to 150! Wiaan Mulder walks out to bat to resume his innings from 1, replacing his skipper, Temba Bavuma.

Vishwa Fernando to Kagiso Rabada, A short ball, around middle, Kagiso Rabada looks to pull but the ball gets big on him.

Asitha Fernando to Temba Bavuma, ! CAUGHT! The return of Asitha Fernando brings Sri Lanka a big wicket! Temba Bavuma departs after a well-compiled 70 off 117 balls. He looked solid at the crease, but he'll surely be disappointed with his shot selection there.

Asitha Fernando to Temba Bavuma, Unusual from Bavuma but that one goes past the outside edge! On a fuller length, outside off, shaping away from the batter. Temba Bavuma seems to walk into the line and tries to make forceful contact with soft hands but misses. 

Asitha Fernando to Temba Bavuma, On a fuller length, outside off, shaping away further, Temba Bavuma is happy to make a leave. 

Asitha Fernando to Temba Bavuma, Lucky again. On a good length, outside off, a touch wide, the skipper reaches out to push the ball away.

Asitha Fernando to Temba Bavuma, Fuller, around middle, Bavuma flicks it to deep mid-wicket. Does not take the single.

Asitha comes running in but then bails out. From one end, it is extremely difficult to bowl because you would be running into the breeze. Around 5 minutes left for Lunch, but don't think it will be extended if this wicket does not fall.

Asitha Fernando to Temba Bavuma, Asitha Fernando is back on. 12-3-33.1. Straight into the attack and bang on target again. Outstanding again. No looseners.

Vishwa Fernando to Kagiso Rabada, Length, just outside off, Kagiso Rabada steers it to gully with an extended arm. 

Vishwa Fernando to Kagiso Rabada, 2 runs.

Vishwa Fernando to Temba Bavuma, Hard length, on off, Temba Bavuma just pushes it in front of cover-point and gets a single.

Vishwa Fernando to Temba Bavuma, Another bouncer, perhaps a tad slower.

Vishwa Fernando to Temba Bavuma, Ooohhh... just wide! Full, around middle, Temba Bavuma walked down the track and looked to flick. But the ball moved away and took the leading edge. Flew in the air, just wide of the diving fielder at cover! Single not taken.

Vishwa Fernando to Temba Bavuma, Dropped short now, around off, Bavuma pulls it to deep mid-wicket. Single refused again.

Lahiru Kumara to Temba Bavuma, Digs it into the deck, short and on middle, Temba Bavuma is rocked back by the enxtra bounce and pace, but manages to dab it out in front of deep square leg for a single.

Lahiru Kumara to Temba Bavuma, ! The ball had no intention of slowing down!

Lahiru Kumara to Temba Bavuma, Lands it around the fifth stump line, on a length and gets the ball to nip back in. Temba Bavuma trusts the line and the bounce and holds his wrists up, making the leave. 

Lahiru Kumara to Temba Bavuma, Good comeback by the bowler. Kumara holds the length back, lands it outside off, and makes the ball jag back in. The skipper looks to defend but is cut into half and is hit on the body.

Lahiru Kumara to Temba Bavuma, ! ELEGANT! Just a tad too full, outside off, Bavuma strides onto the front foot, meets it on the half volley and drives it beautifully through the covers. Moves to 62.

Lahiru Kumara to Temba Bavuma, No run.

Vishwa Fernando to Kagiso Rabada, Make that three on the trot! This time the line is just outside off, on a length, Kagiso Rabada looks to drive it through the off side but is very late on his shot. The ball whizzes past the outside edge.

Vishwa Fernando to Kagiso Rabada, Brings the line closer by a bit and on a length, Kagiso Rabada swings again but fails to make the connection. 

Vishwa Fernando to Kagiso Rabada, Hits the deck hard, on a shorter length, well outside off. Kagiso Rabada swings hard but does so well inside the line.

Vishwa Fernando to Kagiso Rabada, On a good length, around off, Kagiso Rabada looks to defend but misses.

Vishwa Fernando to Temba Bavuma, 1 run.

Vishwa Fernando to Temba Bavuma, No run.

Lahiru Kumara to Temba Bavuma, Good length, angling into middle and leg, Temba Bavuma tucks it in front of deep square leg and gets a single. 

Lahiru Kumara to Temba Bavuma, ! Wow, what a shot from Temba Bavuma!

Lahiru Kumara to Temba Bavuma, Short and over middle, Temba Bavuma looks to pull but the ball goes way above his reach. 

Lahiru Kumara to Temba Bavuma, No run.

Lahiru Kumara to Temba Bavuma, Fuller, just around off, Bavuma works this through mid-wicket for a single. No, he does not run. Sends Rabada back.

Lahiru Kumara to Temba Bavuma, No run.

Kagiso Rabada walks in now, at number 11, replacing Keshav Maharaj. So Mulder will come only after the fall of the 9th wicket.

Vishwa Fernando to Keshav Maharaj, ! CAUGHT! Keshav Maharaj who looked so good out in the middle finds the fielder to perfection and trudges back with his head down! A timely wicket for Sri Lanka and Vishwa Fernando gets his second!

Vishwa Fernando to Keshav Maharaj, Into the stumps, on a nagging length, Keshav Maharaj makes a block down the deck.

Vishwa Fernando to Keshav Maharaj, Very full, on off, Keshav Maharaj firms his drive but straight to mid off. 

Vishwa Fernando to Keshav Maharaj, No run.

Vishwa Fernando to Keshav Maharaj, No run.

Vishwa Fernando to Temba Bavuma, Vishwa Fernando returns. 11-12-24-1 so far. Meanwhile, 50 FOR TEMBA BAVUMA!

Lahiru Kumara to Keshav Maharaj, Great running! Fuller and on off, Keshav Maharaj gets low and pushes it in front of deep cover and scampers in two quick runs.

Lahiru Kumara to Keshav Maharaj,  A great ball from Lahiru Kumara! Serves it on a good length, outside off and gets the ball to shape in a bit. Keshav Maharaj with absolutely no foot movement looks to poke at it but gets beaten on the outside edge. 

Lahiru Kumara to Keshav Maharaj, No run.

Lahiru Kumara to Keshav Maharaj, This time the length is pushed forward. On a good length, outside off, a touch wide, Keshav lets it go.

Lahiru Kumara to Keshav Maharaj, No run.

Lahiru Kumara to Keshav Maharaj, No run.

Good news from the South African dressing room. We are hearing that Wiaan Mulder will bat, if required. No word on his bowling, as of now.

Prabath Jayasuriya to Temba Bavuma, No run.

Prabath Jayasuriya to Keshav Maharaj, 1 run.

Prabath Jayasuriya to Keshav Maharaj, No run.

Prabath Jayasuriya to Keshav Maharaj, No run.

Prabath Jayasuriya to Keshav Maharaj, No run.

Prabath Jayasuriya to Keshav Maharaj, ! Maharaj is taking a liking to his counterpart here! 19 runs in the last 7 balls against Jayasuriya.

Lahiru Kumara to Temba Bavuma, A stifled appeal for caught behind from Lahiru Kumara alone! This is very short and over leg, Temba Bavuma looks to pull but the ball climbs further and goes past him. 

Lahiru Kumara to Keshav Maharaj, Angling in, on a back of a length, on middle and leg, Keshav Maharaj is quick to rock back and tucks it to square leg for a single. 

Lahiru Kumara to Keshav Maharaj, Hard length, on off, Keshav Maharaj taps it to mid off with a lot of conviction. 

Lahiru Kumara to Keshav Maharaj, Short and around off, Maharaj pushes it to the off side.

Lahiru Kumara to Keshav Maharaj, No run.

Lahiru Kumara to Keshav Maharaj, No run.

Prabath Jayasuriya to Keshav Maharaj, Full, around middle, KM works it through square leg for a run. 15 from the over, Prabath Jayasuriya's figures read 4-1-19-2.

Prabath Jayasuriya to Keshav Maharaj, ! Well, Maharaj is getting some quick runs here! A short ball, but down the leg side. Keshav Maharaj gets inside the line and nudges it nicely past the keeper, to the fine leg fence. Valuable runs for South Africa.

Prabath Jayasuriya to Keshav Maharaj, No run.

Prabath Jayasuriya to Keshav Maharaj, ! No doubt about this one! A replica of the first ball of this over.

Prabath Jayasuriya to Keshav Maharaj, Around off, nudged to the leg side.

Prabath Jayasuriya to Keshav Maharaj, Four!

Asitha Fernando to Keshav Maharaj, Full and around off, Maharaj pushes it towards cover and takes the single to get off the mark.

Asitha Fernando to Keshav Maharaj, Outside off, just back of full, Keshav Maharaj comes half forward and drives the ball towards point.

Asitha Fernando to Keshav Maharaj, On a good length, around off, KM looks to turn it to the leg side.

Asitha Fernando to Keshav Maharaj, Around off, not quite full, but Keshav stays in his crease and meets it from the higher portion of his bat, pushing the ball towards point.

Asitha Fernando to Keshav Maharaj, On a good length, around off, Maharaj defends, although a bit awkwardly.

Asitha Fernando to Keshav Maharaj, On a good length, outside off, Keshav Maharaj gets across and shoulders arms.

Prabath Jayasuriya to Temba Bavuma, Landed outside off, Temba Bavuma pushes it towards point. Wants the single, but it is not there. Stays on 49.

Prabath Jayasuriya to Keshav Maharaj, Leg bye.

Prabath Jayasuriya to Keshav Maharaj, No run.

Prabath Jayasuriya to Gerald Coetzee, ! CAUGHT! Spectacularly taken in the deep by Kamindu Mendis and Jayasuriya has struck twice in the span of 6 balls!

Keshav Maharaj walks in now, at number 10, replacing Gerald Coetzee.

Prabath Jayasuriya to Gerald Coetzee, This is much straighter, Coetzee looks to defend but misses and is hit on the pads. The Lankans get excited but there was some wood involved, one presumes.

Prabath Jayasuriya to Gerald Coetzee, No run.

Asitha Fernando to Gerald Coetzee, A short ball, around off, spits off the deck, Gerald is surprised and tries to take his hands off the bat. The ball goes off the inner half towards fine leg. A single taken.

Asitha Fernando to Gerald Coetzee, A bouncer, around off, Coetzee sways away.

Asitha Fernando to Gerald Coetzee, Full, around off, watchfully defended by Gerald Coetzee.

Asitha Fernando to Temba Bavuma, Ohh... where did that come from? A short ball, around middle, the skipper swivels for the pull but is way too early into the shot.

Asitha Fernando to Temba Bavuma, Around off, angling away, Bavuma pushes it towards point.

Asitha Fernando to Temba Bavuma, No run.

Prabath Jayasuriya to Gerald Coetzee, Fuller, around off, Gerald Coetzee dabs it towards square leg. 2-0-4-1 for Jayasuriya so far.

Prabath Jayasuriya to Gerald Coetzee, No run.

DRINKS BREAK. Excellent passage of play for Sri Lanka. 14 overs exactly, 33 runs and 2 wickets. Add the retired hurt of Wiaan Mulder as well. If wickets fell to gloomy conditions on Day 1, they have fallen to persistent precision on Day 2.

Prabath Jayasuriya to Marco Jansen, ! LBW! Jansen has a long chat with Bavuma and takes the review, with 7 seconds left on the clock. Full and straight from Jayasuriya, Marco Jansen looked to defend it but the ball pitched and then spun away. Hit him on the pads and a confident Jayasuriya appealed. Umpire Paul Reiffel raised his finger. Time for technology now. Where did the ball pitch? UltraEdge first up. No murmur when ball passes bat. Now, Ball Tracking. Pitching in line! Hitting le

Prabath Jayasuriya to Marco Jansen, No run.

Prabath Jayasuriya to Temba Bavuma, 1 run.

Prabath Jayasuriya to Marco Jansen, Full, around leg, Marco Jansen defends.

Asitha Fernando to Temba Bavuma, Fuller than a good length, on off, Temba Bavuma taps it in front of mid off.

Asitha Fernando to Marco Jansen, Back of a length, on middle, Marco Jansen hops back and tucks it behind square on the leg side for one.

Asitha Fernando to Marco Jansen, Another one from Fernando and this is better than the previous one! Gets the line closer to the off-stump and shapes away to go past the outside edge by not more than a whisker!

Asitha Fernando to Marco Jansen, Beauty! Hurls it on a good length, on off and gets the ball to nip away off the deck. Marco Jansen has a feel for it but does well to pull his bat back as the ball shapes away going past the outside edge. 

Asitha Fernando to Marco Jansen, Bashes it into the surface again, on a shorter length, on leg, Marco Jansen half ducks at it.

Asitha Fernando to Marco Jansen, Hits the deck hard, on a length, on off, Marco Jansen leans ahead and makes a very confident block off the middle of the bat. 

Prabath Jayasuriya to Marco Jansen, Offers a bit more flight this time, on off, Marco Jansen knocks it to mid-wicket for a single.

Prabath Jayasuriya to Marco Jansen, Darts it quicker, flatter and on a nagging length, but down leg. Marco Jansen lets it go past him. 

Prabath Jayasuriya to Marco Jansen, Tosses it up, on off, with a flatter trajectory, Marco Jansen keeps it out.

Prabath Jayasuriya to Temba Bavuma, Flighted on leg, Temba Bavuma pushes it in front of deep square leg for a single.

Prabath Jayasuriya to Temba Bavuma, Fuller and on middle and leg again, Temba Bavuma tucks it to the leg side.

Prabath Jayasuriya to Temba Bavuma, Double change as Prabath Jayasuriya is introduced. Starts from around the wicket and bowls the first one nice and full, on middle and leg, Temba Bavuma fails to make a block and gets hit on the front pad.

Asitha Fernando to Temba Bavuma, Short of a length, over middle, Temba Bavuma clips it to mid-wicket for a single.

Asitha Fernando to Temba Bavuma, Outside off and Temba Bavuma is happy to let go.

Asitha Fernando to Temba Bavuma, On a length, on off, Temba Bavuma pushes it to cover. 

Asitha Fernando to Temba Bavuma, ! Asitha Fernando goes fuller for once and gets punished! 

Asitha Fernando to Temba Bavuma, Good length, on middle and off, Temba Bavuma keeps it out.

Asitha Fernando to Temba Bavuma, Fuller than a length, on off, Temba Bavuma makes a solid block towards cover.

Vishwa Fernando to Marco Jansen, That's the odd one that bounces a bit more! On a length, around off, the ball shoots up and goes past the outside edge with some shape taking it away further. 

Vishwa Fernando to Marco Jansen, No run.

Vishwa Fernando to Marco Jansen, No run.

Vishwa Fernando to Temba Bavuma, Back of a length, over middle and leg, Temba Bavuma gets his bat high and dabs it in front of deep square leg for one.

Vishwa Fernando to Temba Bavuma, Angling away, outside off, Temba Bavuma makes a leave. 

Vishwa Fernando to Marco Jansen, Fuller and attacking the pads, Marco Jansen with soft hands just nudges it to square leg for a single.

Lahiru Kumara to Temba Bavuma, ! Crunched! South Africa cross the 100-run mark! Lahiru Kumara digs it in short and on off, Temba Bavuma hops back and punches it with real authority past cover for a boundary. 

Lahiru Kumara to Temba Bavuma, Short and on off, Temba Bavuma rides the bounce and taps it down in front of cover.

Lahiru Kumara to Marco Jansen, Serves it on a hard length, on middle, Marco Jansen just about manages to squeeze it across to deep square leg for a single. 

Lahiru Kumara to Marco Jansen, ! Nicely done by Jansen! Lahiru Kumara digs it into the surface on a back of a length, on off, Marco Jansen sticks his bat away from his body and opens the bat face nicely to steer it past gully for a boundary. 

Lahiru Kumara to Marco Jansen, On a good length, on off, Marco Jansen makes a solid block.

Lahiru Kumara to Temba Bavuma, A bit short of a god length, on middle, Temba Bavuma tucks it to mid-wicket for a single.

Lahiru Kumara to Temba Bavuma, Nicely bowled! Lahiru Kumara isn't allowing an inch! Oh dear, he has overstepped!

Vishwa Fernando to Marco Jansen, ! A real freebie that helps break the shackles a bit! Full and on leg, Marco Jansen takes it on the full and flicks it past square leg to his right for a boundary to get off the mark.

Vishwa Fernando to Marco Jansen, No run.

Vishwa Fernando to Marco Jansen, Sliding donw leg, on a fuller length. Not the best ball to bowl to the batter who has just come in to bat. Marco Jansen looks to tickle it fine but misses. 

Vishwa Fernando to Temba Bavuma, Back of a length, over middle, Temba Bavuma tucks it behind square on the leg side and gets a single.

Vishwa Fernando to Temba Bavuma, No run.

Oh no, this is concerning! Wiaan Mulder is walking off the field, and that's definitely not the sight the hosts would have wanted. It doesn't look too promising at the moment, but let's hope it's just a precautionary measure and nothing too serious. Marco Jansen makes his way out to bat now!

Vishwa Fernando to Temba Bavuma, Angling away, fuller and outside off, Temba Bavuma leaves it alone.

Lahiru Kumara to Wiaan Mulder, Outside off, on a length, Wiaan Mulder shoulders arms. 

Lahiru Kumara to Temba Bavuma, 1 run.

Lahiru Kumara to Temba Bavuma, Lands it outside off, on a fuller length and gets the ball to nip back in a bit, Temba Bavuma decides to let it go through. 

Lahiru Kumara to Temba Bavuma, Back of a length, over middle, Temba Bavuma rides the bounce and dabs it down the deck.

Oh no! Wiaan Mulder has been struck on his right hand and appears to be in considerable discomfort. The physio quickly comes out to assess the situation, providing some on-field treatment. While it initially seemed like Mulder was ready to carry on, he's clearly not at ease. The physio is called back again for another check. This doesn’t look great for South Africa, as they’ll be hoping their all-rounder can shake it off and continue. Fingers crossed it’s nothing serious! Right then, he no

Lahiru Kumara to Wiaan Mulder, Very full, on off, Wiaan Mulder steers it in front of point and gets a single. He shakes his head through his run and doesn't look very comfortable. 

Lahiru Kumara to Wiaan Mulder, No run.

Vishwa Fernando to Temba Bavuma, Length, over middle, Temba Bavuma taps it to the right of the bowler.

Vishwa Fernando to Temba Bavuma, No run.

Vishwa Fernando to Temba Bavuma, No run.

Vishwa Fernando to Temba Bavuma, Very confident leave this time from Bavuma! Vishwa Fernando pulls the line closer and keeps it around the fifth stumps, angling away, full, Temba Bavuma strides out and holds his wrist up to make a leave. 

Vishwa Fernando to Temba Bavuma, Angling away, on a fuller length, well outside off, Temba Bavuma is happy to let it go past. 

Vishwa Fernando to Temba Bavuma, Fires it very full, at the stumps, Temba Bavuma pushes it down the deck off the cue end of his bat.

Lahiru Kumara to Wiaan Mulder, Outside off, on a length, Wiaan Mulder hops back and makes a leave. 

Lahiru Kumara to Wiaan Mulder, So nearly another one! Hang on! After a long discussion, Sri Lanka have decided to send it upstairs for a check! 

Lahiru Kumara to Wiaan Mulder, Digs the short one hard into the deck, over middle, Wiaan Mulder ducks under.

Wiaan Mulder walks out to bat at number 7 for South Africa!

Lahiru Kumara to Wiaan Mulder, No run.

Lahiru Kumara to Kyle Verreynne, ! LBW! Lahiru Kumara has gotten an early breakthrough Sri Lanka were after! 

Lahiru Kumara to Kyle Verreynne, Back of a length, just outside off, Kyle Verreynne looks to punch it off the back foot but ends up playing it very close to his body. Chops it down the deck!

Vishwa Fernando to Temba Bavuma, No run.

Vishwa Fernando to Temba Bavuma, No run.

Vishwa Fernando to Temba Bavuma, A bit fuller on this occasion, on off, Temba Bavuma eases it out to cover, quite comfortably. 

Vishwa Fernando to Temba Bavuma, No run.

Vishwa Fernando to Temba Bavuma, Fuller and at the stumps, Temba Bavuma pushes it to mid off. 

Vishwa Fernando to Temba Bavuma, Steams in from over the wicket and angles it away, on a length, around off, Temba Bavuma with soft hands taps it in front of cover. 

Lahiru Kumara to Kyle Verreynne, Slightly wider ouside off, good carry as well, Verreynne shoulders arms.

Lahiru Kumara to Kyle Verreynne, On a good length now, outside off, extra bounce, Kyle Verreynne rises with the bounce and punches it towards gully.

Lahiru Kumara to Temba Bavuma, 1 run.

On the Verreynne LBW appeal in the previous over, UltraEdge detects a thick inside edge. Forget the pitching.

Lahiru Kumara to Temba Bavuma, 2 runs.

Lahiru Kumara to Temba Bavuma, Similar ball, on a length, outside off, Bavuma puts in a good stride and shoulders arms.

Lahiru Kumara to Temba Bavuma, Full, outside off, Temba Bavuma gets a big stride and lets it go.

Who will bowl from the other end?

Vishwa Fernando to Kyle Verreynne, Close, close, close!

Vishwa Fernando to Kyle Verreynne, Fuller, just outside off, slanting away, Kyle Verreynne takes his bat away from the ball.

All set for Thursday to kick off in Durban! A beautiful day greets us, with plenty of sunshine, to go along with a nice breeze. The players and umpires are making their way out to the middle. The overnight batters - Temba Bavuma and Kyle Verreynne stride out to the middle, while the Sri Lankans gather themselves in a huddle. That huddle disperses and the players now get ready to set things rolling for the day. Vishwa Fernando will complete his pending over from the previous day. Verreynne to

We did talk about Sri Lanka searching for a couple of quick wickets to run through the lower middle order of the Proteas. But just a reminder, in South Africa's recent tour to Bangladesh, Wiaan Mulder and Kyle Verreynne fought hard to recover their team from a precarious situation. So the hosts would be thinking - see off the first hour and they could actually be around 200 for not more than 5 down by Lunch. Any score close to 300 in the first innings should be a good one in Durban.

Since we also mentioned about Pakistan, let's inform you that Pakistan are about to conclude their ODI series against Zimbabwe. They have chosen to bat in the final game and not surprisingly, they have not made any changes. The Asian side has been on a roll in this format, since their tour to Australia, but their first game loss to Zimbabwe would have been shocking to many. As a result, they have been forced into a decider. The home side, on the other hand, would expect themselves to give a good

Since we did talk about New Zealand briefly, let's tell you about what happened earlier in the day. England and New Zealand kickstarted their 3-Test series in Christchurch, with the visitors opting to bowl first, as is mostly the case in SENA countries in Tests. Almost like a repeat of what happened in the India-New Zealand Tests, the Kiwis got themselves into a good position again, only to see a collapse happen through the middle. Tom Latham, Kane Williamson and Rachin Ravindra were making sure

Okay. Focus on the present, shall we? After going around the globe, let's get back to Kingsmead. The first major question seems to have been answered. How is the weather? Bright and sunny, without a cloud in the sky, is what we are hearing. There is still that forecast of rain but for now, we can go ahead into the talk of overs being played today. 98 is the maximum allotted, although we can play more if there is stipulated time left. Talking about time, this is how the sessions would be allotted

So now, if we look at the latest scenarios - there is a high likelihood that only one among Australia or India can make it to the final. The reason being - Australia are to tour Sri Lanka next, where they have not won a Test for the last 13 years, let alone a series. So, if the Lankans put on a good show in South Africa and continue their dominance against Australia, they stand a chance of making it to the final. On the same note, South Africa have two home series left - the one ongoing against

Now, let's talk about the all-important World Test Championship. Not too long ago, say roughly around the Men's T20 World Cup in June, we were looking at an Australia-India final for the WTC. Both teams had gone so far ahead in their PCT standings that it was considered impossible for any other team to match that. Then, suddenly, out of nowhere, New Zealand blanked India in the latter's backyard and that has opened a pandora box. Thanks to that whitewash, New Zealand have got themselves into re

Skipper Temba Bavuma, hunting his own demons of a place in the side, tried to steer a rearguard action, along with the impressive Kyle Verreynne, but before he could cement that into a big show, the weather had a say. Of course, things are not over yet, and the pair can still continue their recovery job today, but from Sri Lanka's point of view, if they break this stand early and get another wicket soon, they can actually think of keeping South Africa under 175. Yes, the conditions have been

Let's take a quick recap of what happened on Wednesday. It has been a torrid time for openers around the globe and barring that one stand between KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal recently in Perth, the period post the T20 World Cup has not been that kind for batters trying to see off the new ball. Irrespective of the country where the game is being played, the new ball is talking and wickets are falling. In Durban, the two Fernandos - Asitha and Vishwa - made the ball talk early while Lahiru Kumara

Hello everyone. Wednesday's action seems like a T10 game. With the Abu Dhabi T10 going around, not surprising to find that comparison. With just 20-odd overs bowled in a day where 90 are allotted, one can just imagine the time that was lost. Still, in that period, Sri Lanka gave a good account of themselves and how eager they are, to grab the chance to reach the World Test Championship final in 2025. But even for that to happen, matches over the next few months need to have results and for that,

... DAY 2 ...

Right then! Just 20.4 overs of play on Day 1 and there will be extension on the remaining days to cover up Wednesday's loss of play. The first two sessions on the remaining days will be extended by 15 minutes apiece while the last session will have the addon of the half hour. South Africa will look to build on this Bavuma-Verreyne stand while Sri Lanka will be looking to keep picking up wickets. Both teams were looking to get a good start in the series but the rains had other plans yet

UPDATE - 01.45 pm GMT - That's it from Day 1 of this Test match as the officials confirm that there can be no play possible further today. Relentless rain in Durban, which arrived just before lunch, has never allowed the players to return to the field. Day 1 is called off!

UPDATE - 12.30 pm GMT - There is only a chance of 20 more overs to happen in the time left for the day and it's still raining heavily at Kingsmead. Puddles have formed at various positions in the outfield. The waiting game is on and the chances of the game to start today are getting slimmer by the passing minute. Let's see what happens.

UPDATE - 11.59 am GMT - It's getting close to Tea now, but the rain is relentless in Durban. There is some thunder and lightning as well which are not good signs at all. We are surely not getting any action in the second session, and the chances of getting any more play also look pretty bleak here.

UPDATE - 11.29 am GMT - Still no positive news from the middle! It is still raining in Durban and we have lost more than 1.5 hours with the conditions still looking pretty gloomy. The forecast for the rest of the days is decent, but both teams will need to fight it hard to force a result because a draw won't help either. Stay tuned for more updates.

UPDATE - 10.52 am GMT - The rain is playing hide and seek with us! It did go away for some time, giving us a glimmer of hope, but it has come back on again with more intensity. The waiting game continues...

UPDATE - 10.25 am GMT - Well, there is nothing new to update about, but the rain has steadied down a bit in Durban. However, looking at the skies, the signs are not looking very positive here. All we can do is hope. 

UPDATE - 10.07 am GMT - Uh..oh! The second session should have been underway by now, but the rain has gotten heavier during the break. All the covers are firmly on and we are in for a longer break than we expected. Stick with us for more news.

As play resumes after the rain-interrupted session, the hosts will look to Bavuma and Kyle Verreynne to rebuild. For now, it's Sri Lanka who head into Lunch brimming with confidence after a stellar start. If there is no more rain during the break and the outfield is ready, the second session will begin around 10.06 am GMT. However, with all the rain forecasted throughout the day, it could be a stop-start kind of day. So, just keep an eye here as we will be providing regular updates.

The day began with high drama as South Africa lost both openers within the first three overs, leaving them reeling early on. The pair of Tristan Stubbs and captain Temba Bavuma then took on the responsibility of steadying the ship. Bavuma, benefiting from two lives, displayed resilience and remains unbeaten on 28 at the break. Stubbs appeared to have found his rhythm but was undone by a sharp delivery from Lahiru Kumara, who claimed him just as he seemed set. Kumara struck again shortly after,

LUNCH! SESSION SUMMARY - 20.4 overs, 4 wickets and 80 runs. The opening session of this Test match at Kingsmead, Durban, has firmly belonged to Sri Lanka. Under overcast skies, their seam bowlers took full advantage of the conditions, delivering a masterclass in Test match bowling. At the lunch break, South Africa finds themselves struggling at 80/4, a testament to Sri Lanka's relentless attack.

The rain gods have finally shown their presence and the players and the umpires walk off the field right at the brink of LUNCH!

Vishwa Fernando to Kyle Verreynne, Pitched up and on middle and off, Kyle Verreynne keeps it out to the off side.

Vishwa Fernando to Kyle Verreynne, Good length and around off, angling away, Kyle Verreynne leaves it alone.

Vishwa Fernando to Temba Bavuma, Touch fuller and on middle, Temba Bavuma clips it through square leg for a single.

Vishwa Fernando to Temba Bavuma, Four!

Vishwa Fernando to Temba Bavuma, Fuller but way outside off, angles further away, Temba Bavuma leaves it alone. Wided.

Lahiru Kumara to Kyle Verreynne, ! Classy shot! Much fuller from Lahiru Kumara, on middle, Kyle Verreynne presents the full face of the bat and drives it beautifully past the bowler for a boundary.

Lahiru Kumara to Kyle Verreynne, Short of a length and well outside off, shaping away, Kyle Verreynne leaves it alone.

Lahiru Kumara to Temba Bavuma, Overpitched and on middle, Temba Bavuma drives it off the inside half of the bat through mid on for three runs.

Lahiru Kumara to Temba Bavuma, No ball!

Lahiru Kumara to Temba Bavuma, Four!

Lahiru Kumara to Kyle Verreynne, Short of a length and on off, Kyle Verreynne dabs it down to point.

Lahiru Kumara to Kyle Verreynne, Four!

Asitha Fernando to Kyle Verreynne, Errs in line and lands this on a length but down the leg side, this one does not bounce that much. Kyle Verreynne leaves it alone and Kusal Mendis dives to his left but fails to collect it cleanly. A bye is taken.

Asitha Fernando to Kyle Verreynne, Short of a length and on off, Kyle Verreynne stays back and dabs it to point.

Asitha Fernando to Kyle Verreynne, Good-length delivery just around off, shaping away sharply, Kyle Verreynne leaves it alone.

Asitha Fernando to Kyle Verreynne, Pitched up, on middle, angling into the pads, Kyle Verreynne clips it to square leg.

The breeze getting steady and there is a bit of rain in the air already. We might get an early break if this continues!

Asitha Fernando to Temba Bavuma, 1 run.

Asitha Fernando to Temba Bavuma, Fuller in length and around off, shaping away, Temba Bavuma leaves it alone.

Lahiru Kumara to Kyle Verreynne, No run.

Lahiru Kumara to Kyle Verreynne, Oh..so close!

Lahiru Kumara to Kyle Verreynne, BEAUTY! Lahiru Kumara serves this a bit fuller and just around off, gets it to shape away, Kyle Verreynne gets forward and has a poke at it but gets beaten on the outside edge.

Lahiru Kumara to Kyle Verreynne, On a length and on middle, angling in, Kyle Verreynne nudges it to square leg. It is also called a No Ball for overstepping.

Lahiru Kumara to Kyle Verreynne, Hard length and in that channel outside off, Kyle Verreynne offers no shot at it.

Lahiru Kumara to Kyle Verreynne, No run.

Kyle Verreynne walks out to bat now with the floodlights on and the ground getting covered with clouds.

Lahiru Kumara to David Bedingham, ! BOWLED'EM! Absolute peach of a delivery and Lahiru Kumara strikes again!

Asitha Fernando to Temba Bavuma, Full again from wide of the crease that time, on the sixth stump line, Temba Bavuma leaves it alone. It takes off behind the stumps as Kusal Mendis takes it near his head.

Asitha Fernando to Temba Bavuma, Pitches it up, on middle, nips away a shy bit, Temba Bavuma almost gets squared up but manages to push it to covers.

Asitha Fernando to Temba Bavuma, Hard length and on middle, Temba Bavuma stays back and tucks it to short mid-wicket.

Asitha Fernando to Temba Bavuma, ! Lovely shot! Asitha Fernando goes a bit too fuller in search of swing, on off, Temba Bavuma leans onto his drive nicely and creams it through covers for a boundary.

Asitha Fernando to Temba Bavuma, Good length and on off, shaping away, Temba Bavuma guides it towards point.

Asitha Fernando to Temba Bavuma, Fuller one and on middle, angling in, Temba Bavuma knocks it towards mid on.

Lahiru Kumara to David Bedingham, On a length and on middle, angling in, David Bedingham nudges it to mid-wicket.

Lahiru Kumara to David Bedingham, ! WOW! Nice drive for a boundary at wide of dee point. 

Lahiru Kumara to David Bedingham, No run.

Lahiru Kumara to David Bedingham, No run.

Lahiru Kumara to David Bedingham, Nicely bowled to the new batter on the crease. Good length, shapes in, around middle, David Bedingham gets a thick outside edge that falls ahead of second slip. 

David Bedingham walks out to bat.

Lahiru Kumara to Tristan Stubbs, ! EDGED AND GONE! Excellent comeback from Lahiru Kumara! Tristan Stubbs was not happy with the sightscreen just before this delivery and maybe lost his focus, which led to his downfall here.

Angelo Mathews to Temba Bavuma, Another full delivery, on the sixth stump line, holds its line, Temba Bavuma offers no shot at it. Back-to-back maidens from Angelo Mathews!

Angelo Mathews to Temba Bavuma, No run.

Angelo Mathews to Temba Bavuma, Hard length and on off, shaping in again, Temba Bavuma moves across to block but misses again to get hit high on the pads.

Angelo Mathews to Temba Bavuma, No run.

Angelo Mathews to Temba Bavuma, No run.

Angelo Mathews to Temba Bavuma, Fuller delivery around off, shaping a long way away, Temba Bavuma leaves it alone.

Lahiru Kumara to Tristan Stubbs, Four!

Lahiru Kumara to Tristan Stubbs, ! Top shot! Third boundary of the over!

Lahiru Kumara to Tristan Stubbs, No run.

Lahiru Kumara to Tristan Stubbs, Four!

Lahiru Kumara to Tristan Stubbs, Goes a bit fuller now, on off, Tristan Stubbs strides out and pushes it to short covers.

Lahiru Kumara to Tristan Stubbs, Much better! He lands this on a good length and on the fifth stump line, Tristan Stubbs stays back and pats it to short cover. Oh..no! It is called a No Ball for overstepping.

Lahiru Kumara to Tristan Stubbs, 4 Leg byes.

Change from both ends as Lahiru Kumara replaces Vishwa Fernando now.

Angelo Mathews to Temba Bavuma, MAIDEN OVER! Much fuller, on off, gets it to nip back in sharply, Temba Bavuma looks to defend but gets an inside edge onto his pads as the ball goes nowhere.

Angelo Mathews to Temba Bavuma, No run.

Angelo Mathews to Temba Bavuma, No run.

Angelo Mathews to Temba Bavuma, Fuller again and in that channel outside off, moves away, Temba Bavuma leaves it alone.

Angelo Mathews to Temba Bavuma, Touch fuller, on off, shaping in this time, Temba Bavuma strides out to push it away but gets an inside edge towards square leg.

Angelo Mathews to Temba Bavuma, Angelo Mathews starts with a good-length delivery around off, shaping further away, Temba Bavuma leaves it alone.

Change of gloves for Temba Bavuma.

Drinks! Sri Lanka's hour as they have exploited the overcast conditions perfectly. Both the Fernando's have picked up a wicket each and have made life difficult for the batters. South Africa have steadied the ship a bit through Tristan Stubbs and Temba Bavuma, but surviving the deadly spells is getting more and more difficult. An exciting phase of cricket awaits us.

Vishwa Fernando to Tristan Stubbs, Ends with short of length around the leg stump, Tristan Stubbs tucks it to wide of short mid-wicket from the back foot. 

Vishwa Fernando to Tristan Stubbs, Nice confident defence from Tristan Stubbs under his eyes. Hard length around middle, Tristan Stubbs comes forward and shows full face of the bat. 

Vishwa Fernando to Tristan Stubbs, Shorter than good length, outside off, Tristan Stubbs lets it go to the keeper.

Vishwa Fernando to Temba Bavuma, 1 run.

Vishwa Fernando to Temba Bavuma, Same length outside off, Temba Bavuma sees it through to the keeper. 

Vishwa Fernando to Temba Bavuma, Runs in hard and bowls a hard length outside off, Temba Bavuma gets beaten on the outside edge in trying to defend it. 

Asitha Fernando to Tristan Stubbs, On the pads, nipping into the right-hander from a good length. Tristan Stubbs flicks the ball straight to mid-wicket to end the over.

Asitha Fernando to Tristan Stubbs, On a good length just outside off. Tristan Stubbs takes a small foot out and lets the ball go.

Asitha Fernando to Tristan Stubbs, Much fuller but still away from the off stump. Tristan Stubbs takes the foot out and lets the ball go though.

Asitha Fernando to Tristan Stubbs, Just short outside off and Tristan Stubbs waves arms at it covering the line of the stumps.

Asitha Fernando to Tristan Stubbs, Swings the ball away from over the wicket outside off. Tristan Stubbs sees the ball through to the wicket keeper.

Asitha Fernando to Tristan Stubbs, Good length ball on the pads from over the wicket. Tristan Stubbs tucks it to mid-wicket.

Vishwa Fernando to Tristan Stubbs, 3 runs.

Vishwa Fernando to Tristan Stubbs, No run.

Vishwa Fernando to Tristan Stubbs, No run.

Vishwa Fernando to Tristan Stubbs, No run.

Vishwa Fernando to Tristan Stubbs, No run.

Vishwa Fernando to Tristan Stubbs, No run.

Asitha Fernando to Temba Bavuma, Four!

Asitha Fernando to Temba Bavuma, Four!

Asitha Fernando to Temba Bavuma, No run.

Asitha Fernando to Temba Bavuma, No run.

The sun is out now. Hopefully, the dark clouds stay away like this and we get a full day's of play.

Asitha Fernando to Temba Bavuma, No run.

Asitha Fernando to Temba Bavuma, No run.

Vishwa Fernando to Tristan Stubbs, Ends with a good length ball outside off, Temba Bavuma gets beaten on the outside edge from the front foot. 

Vishwa Fernando to Temba Bavuma, 1 run.

Vishwa Fernando to Temba Bavuma, Hard length from over the wicket around middle, Temba Bavuma tucks it to square leg.

Vishwa Fernando to Temba Bavuma, Back of a length outside off, Temba Bavuma blocks it off.

Vishwa Fernando to Temba Bavuma, No run.

Vishwa Fernando to Temba Bavuma, No run.

Asitha Fernando to Tristan Stubbs, On the length swinging away. Tristan Stubbs takes a good front foot out and sees it through.

Asitha Fernando to Tristan Stubbs, Just short outside off. Tristan Stubbs stays back and drops it down to point.

Asitha Fernando to Tristan Stubbs, Nagging length on the stumps, straight with the angle. Tristan Stubbs taps it down to square leg.

Asitha Fernando to Tristan Stubbs, Left alone outside off. Length ball swinging away from Asitha Fernando and Tristan Stubbs sees it through.

Asitha Fernando to Tristan Stubbs, Hits the length hard on the stumps and gets the ball to nip back in. Tristan Stubbs blocks the ball from the crease and gets an inside edge to square leg.

Asitha Fernando to Tristan Stubbs, Much fuller but away from off. Tristan Stubbs leaves the ball off the front foot.

Vishwa Fernando to Temba Bavuma, Much fuller angling on the off stump. Temba Bavuma flicks the ball straight to mid-wicket off the front foot.

Vishwa Fernando to Tristan Stubbs, Fuller on the pads, Tristan Stubbs leans and flicks it to deep fine for a single. 

Vishwa Fernando to Tristan Stubbs, Tristan Stubbs isn't judging the line very carefully here. On a length around the leg stump, shapes in, Tristan Stubbs gets hit on the pad trying to work it away and again a small appeal for LBW but it is going down leg. 

Vishwa Fernando to Tristan Stubbs, Yet to get off the mark, Tristan Stubbs wears another ball on the front pads but it looks to be pitching outside the leg stump line on a good length.

Vishwa Fernando to Tristan Stubbs, Much fuller and on the off stump. Tristan Stubbs offers a solid front foot defence to drop the ball down.

Vishwa Fernando to Tristan Stubbs, Starts with a good length around the leg stump, Tristan Stubbs gets beaten on the inside edge and the ball gets hit on the pad. A mild appeal for LBW but it is clearly down the leg.

Asitha Fernando to Temba Bavuma, Ends the over with a good length delivery just outside the off stump and Temba Bavuma blocks it off the front foot straight to point.

Asitha Fernando to Temba Bavuma, Holds the length back outside off. Temba Bavuma does not offer a shot.

Asitha Fernando to Temba Bavuma, No run.

Asitha Fernando to Temba Bavuma, Swings the ball up fuller on the off stump line. Temba Bavuma taps it off the front foot towards covers.

Asitha Fernando to Temba Bavuma, No run.

Asitha Fernando to Temba Bavuma, No run.

Vishwa Fernando to Tristan Stubbs, No run.

Vishwa Fernando to Tristan Stubbs, No run.

Vishwa Fernando to Tristan Stubbs, No run.

Vishwa Fernando to Temba Bavuma, Off the mark straight away! Length ball on the off stump from around the wicket. Temba Bavuma drops it infront of covers and runs a single..

Temba Bavuma comes out to the middle now.

Vishwa Fernando to Tony de Zorzi, ! c Kamindu Mendis b Vishwa Fernando.

Vishwa Fernando to Tony de Zorzi, No run.

Tristan Stubbs walks out to bat at number 3.

Asitha Fernando to Aiden Markram, ! c Angelo Mathews b Asitha Fernando.

Asitha Fernando to Aiden Markram, Left alone outside off stump by Aiden Markram. Length ball away from the off stump does no hard to the batter.

Asitha Fernando to Tony de Zorzi, Bye.

Asitha Fernando to Aiden Markram, Drops the length back on the off stump. Aiden Markram drops it to the left of point with soft hands and runs a single off the misfield by the fielder.

Asitha Fernando to Aiden Markram, No run.

Asitha Fernando to Aiden Markram, No run.

Vishwa Fernando to Tony de Zorzi, ! Tony de Zorzi is off the mark sticky, but he will take the four runs.

Vishwa Fernando to Tony de Zorzi, No run.

Vishwa Fernando to Tony de Zorzi, Fuller on the fifth stump line, swinging away. Tony de Zorzi covers the line of the stumps and lets it go though.

Vishwa Fernando to Tony de Zorzi, Good away swing outside the off stump from a much fuller length. Tony de Zorzi takes the front foot out and leaves it to the wicketkeeper.

Vishwa Fernando to Tony de Zorzi, No run.

Vishwa Fernando to share the attack.

Vishwa Fernando to Tony de Zorzi, No run.

Asitha Fernando to Aiden Markram, No run.

Asitha Fernando to Aiden Markram, No run.

Asitha Fernando to Aiden Markram, ! TWO IN TWO! 

Asitha Fernando to Aiden Markram, Four!

Asitha Fernando to Aiden Markram, No run.

Asitha Fernando to Aiden Markram, Runs in hard from over the wicket angle and pitches the ball on the good length straight away getting the shape away from the batter outside off. Aiden Markram covers the line of the stumps and sees it through to get things underway.

All in readiness for this crucial first Test to begin! Sri Lanka won an important toss earlier and chose to bowl first under overcast conditions without any surprises. Rain could be a big threat throughout Day 1 but for now, the players are out in the middle. Aiden Markram and Tony de Zorzi are the two openers for South Africa.

Sri Lanka (Playing XI) - Dimuth Karunaratne, Pathum Nissanka, Dinesh Chandimal, Angelo Mathews, Kamindu Mendis, Dhananjaya de Silva (C), Kusal Mendis (WK), Prabath Jayasuriya, Lahiru Kumara, Asitha Fernando, Vishwa Fernando.

South Africa (Playing XI) - Aiden Markram, Tony de Zorzi, Tristan Stubbs, Temba Bavuma (C), David Bedingham, Kyle Verreynne (WK), Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Gerald Coetzee, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada.

... DAY 2, SESSION 2 ...

Dissecting more into Pakistan stuff, there is a lot of talk going about the hosting of next year's Champions Trophy. An ODI tournament which will be played between teams ranked in the top 8. Pakistan are scheduled to host the same but with India refusing to travel to Pakistan, the tournament could take a hit. Would the entire tournament be shifted to another country? Or could we have a hybrid model, where a few matches are held in Pakistan while the others, including the knockouts, are held outs

How are the neighbours doing? Let's take a peek to check what is happening in Zimbabwe. The 3rd ODI between Zimbabwe and Pakistan is scheduled today and Pakistan have reached 229/3 in the 44th over, riding on a century by newcomer Kamran Ghulam and 50 by Abdullah Shafique. The pitch is definitely on the slower side but there are no demons in it as such. The hosts have found it difficult to pick wickets in Bulawayo and Pakistan would be aiming to get as close to 300 as possible from here on.

Thanks to this doubly extended session, the second session could start as late as 1040 GMT. South Africa would be disappointed with their batting effort but one feels that this is not that easy a batting pitch as it might seem. The good thing for the home side is, the weather has not affected the pitch. There is plenty of juice on offer and if the Saffas come out and keep Sri Lanka under 200-250, we could have a one-inning shootout. Please stay tuned. 

Let's not take anything away from Sri Lanka. Whether batting was difficult, or South Africa left a few runs out there - the Lankan bowlers deserved their wickets. The seamers were on the money, keeping the length betwee, good and short, which generated extra bounce and got the balls moving off the seam. The Proteas' technical flaws might have been exposed but that can come only when the bowlers are consistently persistent. Asitha Fernando has been a revelation for a few months now, while he was

Perfectionists will be perfectionists, aye? As per the great legend Hashim Amla on air, South Africa have left a few runs out there. He bluntly says that anything under 300 is not enough on this surface and on dissecting the African batting, he reckons that even though the bowling was good, it was not unplayable. As per him, the wickets fell due to technical deficiencies, as the batters lacked patience and did not know where their off stump were. He reckons that it was all about batters spending

Champions stand up when the chips are usually down. That's exactly how Temba Bavuma played. He was fidgety and struggling for a major part on Day 1 but this morning, he found his rhythm. He readily took the burden of batting with the tail and formed useful partnerships with Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj ​​​​and Kagiso Rabada, before falling for a valiant 70. Yes, he was given a couple of lives on Wednesday, but that is not his problem. His gritty knock has given the home side a compet

Like Wednesday, Sri Lanka were right on the money on Thursday morning, blowing through the lower middle order of South Africa. Lahiru Kumara removed Kyle Verreynne early and then Prabath Jayasuriya got into his work, removing two wickets quickly. At that stage, the home side was in grave danger of getting bowled out under 150, with the score reading 117/7. But the lower order rallied around its skipper and managed to add a valuable 74 runs for the last 3 wickets.

That concludes a doubly extended session this morning. First, the session was extended by 15 minutes, which got extended by a further quarter of an hour, meaning that we roughly had a session of 150 minutes. Sri Lanka bowled 29 overs, picked up all the remaining 6 wickets while South Africa scored 111 runs. It was primarily Sri Lanka's session for two-thirds of it. but that last half an hour would have made the Protea bowlers smile, because they now have something to bowl at.

Asitha Fernando to Kagiso Rabada, ! CAUGHT! The short ball ploy finally works and Sri Lanka wrap the Proteas inning for 191 runs! 

Asitha Fernando to Wiaan Mulder, On a good length, around off, Wiaan Mulder goes back and works it through mid-wicket for a run.

Asitha Fernando to Kagiso Rabada, Lucky again! This is frustrating for Sri Lanka.

Asitha Fernando to Kagiso Rabada, ! Lucky runs, valuable nevertheless for South Africa! A short ball, outside off, from around the wicket, Kagiso Rabada looks to pull.

Dhananjaya de Silva to Wiaan Mulder, Full and on off and middle, Wiaan Mulder turns it to square leg.

Dhananjaya de Silva to Wiaan Mulder, ! Oh hello, Wiaan Mulder has cleared the fence with a beautiful strike! 

Dhananjaya de Silva to Wiaan Mulder, Tossed up, full and on off, Wiaan Mulder drives it back to the bowler.

Dhananjaya de Silva to Kagiso Rabada, A touch short, around middle, Kagiso punches it down to long on for a single.

Dhananjaya de Silva to Kagiso Rabada, No run.

Dhananjaya de Silva to Kagiso Rabada, ! Does not start well, does the skipper. A short ball, down the leg side, Kagiso Rabada stays inside the line, goes back and nudges it through fine leg. Square leg tries to chase it down but is late.

The skipper, Dhananjaya de Silva, looks for some inspiration. Brings himself on.

Asitha Fernando to Kagiso Rabada, Oh dear! A mixup that luckily doesn't cost Rabada his wicket! Asitha Fernando angles in the short one, on middle and leg, Kagiso Rabada is caught by surprise and looks to keep it out. His bottom hand comes off the bat but he manages to dab it out on the leg side. Wiaan Mulder sets off for the run but Rabada isn't quite sure and responds to it eventually. Asitha Fernando charges in towards the ball, collects it and has a shy at the bowling end but misse

Asitha Fernando to Wiaan Mulder, Fires in a yorker, right at the toes, Wiaan Mulder gets low and taps the ball on it's heading working it in front of deep square leg for a single.

Asitha Fernando to Kagiso Rabada, Short and on middle, Kagiso Rabada pulls it off the upper half of his bat but does well to keep it all along the ground and in front of deep mid-wicket for one.

Asitha Fernando to Kagiso Rabada, Another bouncer, around middle, Rabada evades with a duck.

Asitha Fernando to Kagiso Rabada, Another bouncer, let through.

Asitha Fernando to Kagiso Rabada, No run.

Vishwa Fernando to Kagiso Rabada, Length, on off, Kagiso Rabada pushes it to point for a single.

Vishwa Fernando to Kagiso Rabada, Takes some pace off and keeps it just outside off, on a length, Kagiso Rabada sees the line and makes a leave.

Vishwa Fernando to Kagiso Rabada, No run.

Vishwa Fernando to Kagiso Rabada, 5 Wides!

Vishwa Fernando to Kagiso Rabada, On a good length, outside off, Kagiso pushes inside the line but misses.

Vishwa Fernando to Kagiso Rabada, On a length wide outside off, Rabada slashes but misses.

We all have been proved wrong. Lunch has been extended by 15 minutes. So a 135-minute session could actually go to 150! Wiaan Mulder walks out to bat to resume his innings from 1, replacing his skipper, Temba Bavuma.

Vishwa Fernando to Kagiso Rabada, A short ball, around middle, Kagiso Rabada looks to pull but the ball gets big on him.

Asitha Fernando to Temba Bavuma, ! CAUGHT! The return of Asitha Fernando brings Sri Lanka a big wicket! Temba Bavuma departs after a well-compiled 70 off 117 balls. He looked solid at the crease, but he'll surely be disappointed with his shot selection there.

Asitha Fernando to Temba Bavuma, Unusual from Bavuma but that one goes past the outside edge! On a fuller length, outside off, shaping away from the batter. Temba Bavuma seems to walk into the line and tries to make forceful contact with soft hands but misses. 

Asitha Fernando to Temba Bavuma, On a fuller length, outside off, shaping away further, Temba Bavuma is happy to make a leave. 

Asitha Fernando to Temba Bavuma, Lucky again. On a good length, outside off, a touch wide, the skipper reaches out to push the ball away.

Asitha Fernando to Temba Bavuma, Fuller, around middle, Bavuma flicks it to deep mid-wicket. Does not take the single.

Asitha comes running in but then bails out. From one end, it is extremely difficult to bowl because you would be running into the breeze. Around 5 minutes left for Lunch, but don't think it will be extended if this wicket does not fall.

Asitha Fernando to Temba Bavuma, Asitha Fernando is back on. 12-3-33.1. Straight into the attack and bang on target again. Outstanding again. No looseners.

Vishwa Fernando to Kagiso Rabada, Length, just outside off, Kagiso Rabada steers it to gully with an extended arm. 

Vishwa Fernando to Kagiso Rabada, 2 runs.

Vishwa Fernando to Temba Bavuma, Hard length, on off, Temba Bavuma just pushes it in front of cover-point and gets a single.

Vishwa Fernando to Temba Bavuma, Another bouncer, perhaps a tad slower.

Vishwa Fernando to Temba Bavuma, Ooohhh... just wide! Full, around middle, Temba Bavuma walked down the track and looked to flick. But the ball moved away and took the leading edge. Flew in the air, just wide of the diving fielder at cover! Single not taken.

Vishwa Fernando to Temba Bavuma, Dropped short now, around off, Bavuma pulls it to deep mid-wicket. Single refused again.

Lahiru Kumara to Temba Bavuma, Digs it into the deck, short and on middle, Temba Bavuma is rocked back by the enxtra bounce and pace, but manages to dab it out in front of deep square leg for a single.

Lahiru Kumara to Temba Bavuma, ! The ball had no intention of slowing down!

Lahiru Kumara to Temba Bavuma, Lands it around the fifth stump line, on a length and gets the ball to nip back in. Temba Bavuma trusts the line and the bounce and holds his wrists up, making the leave. 

Lahiru Kumara to Temba Bavuma, Good comeback by the bowler. Kumara holds the length back, lands it outside off, and makes the ball jag back in. The skipper looks to defend but is cut into half and is hit on the body.

Lahiru Kumara to Temba Bavuma, ! ELEGANT! Just a tad too full, outside off, Bavuma strides onto the front foot, meets it on the half volley and drives it beautifully through the covers. Moves to 62.

Lahiru Kumara to Temba Bavuma, No run.

Vishwa Fernando to Kagiso Rabada, Make that three on the trot! This time the line is just outside off, on a length, Kagiso Rabada looks to drive it through the off side but is very late on his shot. The ball whizzes past the outside edge.

Vishwa Fernando to Kagiso Rabada, Brings the line closer by a bit and on a length, Kagiso Rabada swings again but fails to make the connection. 

Vishwa Fernando to Kagiso Rabada, Hits the deck hard, on a shorter length, well outside off. Kagiso Rabada swings hard but does so well inside the line.

Vishwa Fernando to Kagiso Rabada, On a good length, around off, Kagiso Rabada looks to defend but misses.

Vishwa Fernando to Temba Bavuma, 1 run.

Vishwa Fernando to Temba Bavuma, No run.

Lahiru Kumara to Temba Bavuma, Good length, angling into middle and leg, Temba Bavuma tucks it in front of deep square leg and gets a single. 

Lahiru Kumara to Temba Bavuma, ! Wow, what a shot from Temba Bavuma!

Lahiru Kumara to Temba Bavuma, Short and over middle, Temba Bavuma looks to pull but the ball goes way above his reach. 

Lahiru Kumara to Temba Bavuma, No run.

Lahiru Kumara to Temba Bavuma, Fuller, just around off, Bavuma works this through mid-wicket for a single. No, he does not run. Sends Rabada back.

Lahiru Kumara to Temba Bavuma, No run.

Kagiso Rabada walks in now, at number 11, replacing Keshav Maharaj. So Mulder will come only after the fall of the 9th wicket.

Vishwa Fernando to Keshav Maharaj, ! CAUGHT! Keshav Maharaj who looked so good out in the middle finds the fielder to perfection and trudges back with his head down! A timely wicket for Sri Lanka and Vishwa Fernando gets his second!

Vishwa Fernando to Keshav Maharaj, Into the stumps, on a nagging length, Keshav Maharaj makes a block down the deck.

Vishwa Fernando to Keshav Maharaj, Very full, on off, Keshav Maharaj firms his drive but straight to mid off. 

Vishwa Fernando to Keshav Maharaj, No run.

Vishwa Fernando to Keshav Maharaj, No run.

Vishwa Fernando to Temba Bavuma, Vishwa Fernando returns. 11-12-24-1 so far. Meanwhile, 50 FOR TEMBA BAVUMA!

Lahiru Kumara to Keshav Maharaj, Great running! Fuller and on off, Keshav Maharaj gets low and pushes it in front of deep cover and scampers in two quick runs.

Lahiru Kumara to Keshav Maharaj,  A great ball from Lahiru Kumara! Serves it on a good length, outside off and gets the ball to shape in a bit. Keshav Maharaj with absolutely no foot movement looks to poke at it but gets beaten on the outside edge. 

Lahiru Kumara to Keshav Maharaj, No run.

Lahiru Kumara to Keshav Maharaj, This time the length is pushed forward. On a good length, outside off, a touch wide, Keshav lets it go.

Lahiru Kumara to Keshav Maharaj, No run.

Lahiru Kumara to Keshav Maharaj, No run.

Good news from the South African dressing room. We are hearing that Wiaan Mulder will bat, if required. No word on his bowling, as of now.

Prabath Jayasuriya to Temba Bavuma, No run.

Prabath Jayasuriya to Keshav Maharaj, 1 run.

Prabath Jayasuriya to Keshav Maharaj, No run.

Prabath Jayasuriya to Keshav Maharaj, No run.

Prabath Jayasuriya to Keshav Maharaj, No run.

Prabath Jayasuriya to Keshav Maharaj, ! Maharaj is taking a liking to his counterpart here! 19 runs in the last 7 balls against Jayasuriya.

Lahiru Kumara to Temba Bavuma, A stifled appeal for caught behind from Lahiru Kumara alone! This is very short and over leg, Temba Bavuma looks to pull but the ball climbs further and goes past him. 

Lahiru Kumara to Keshav Maharaj, Angling in, on a back of a length, on middle and leg, Keshav Maharaj is quick to rock back and tucks it to square leg for a single. 

Lahiru Kumara to Keshav Maharaj, Hard length, on off, Keshav Maharaj taps it to mid off with a lot of conviction. 

Lahiru Kumara to Keshav Maharaj, Short and around off, Maharaj pushes it to the off side.

Lahiru Kumara to Keshav Maharaj, No run.

Lahiru Kumara to Keshav Maharaj, No run.

Prabath Jayasuriya to Keshav Maharaj, Full, around middle, KM works it through square leg for a run. 15 from the over, Prabath Jayasuriya's figures read 4-1-19-2.

Prabath Jayasuriya to Keshav Maharaj, ! Well, Maharaj is getting some quick runs here! A short ball, but down the leg side. Keshav Maharaj gets inside the line and nudges it nicely past the keeper, to the fine leg fence. Valuable runs for South Africa.

Prabath Jayasuriya to Keshav Maharaj, No run.

Prabath Jayasuriya to Keshav Maharaj, ! No doubt about this one! A replica of the first ball of this over.

Prabath Jayasuriya to Keshav Maharaj, Around off, nudged to the leg side.

Prabath Jayasuriya to Keshav Maharaj, Four!

Asitha Fernando to Keshav Maharaj, Full and around off, Maharaj pushes it towards cover and takes the single to get off the mark.

Asitha Fernando to Keshav Maharaj, Outside off, just back of full, Keshav Maharaj comes half forward and drives the ball towards point.

Asitha Fernando to Keshav Maharaj, On a good length, around off, KM looks to turn it to the leg side.

Asitha Fernando to Keshav Maharaj, Around off, not quite full, but Keshav stays in his crease and meets it from the higher portion of his bat, pushing the ball towards point.

Asitha Fernando to Keshav Maharaj, On a good length, around off, Maharaj defends, although a bit awkwardly.

Asitha Fernando to Keshav Maharaj, On a good length, outside off, Keshav Maharaj gets across and shoulders arms.

Prabath Jayasuriya to Temba Bavuma, Landed outside off, Temba Bavuma pushes it towards point. Wants the single, but it is not there. Stays on 49.

Prabath Jayasuriya to Keshav Maharaj, Leg bye.

Prabath Jayasuriya to Keshav Maharaj, No run.

Prabath Jayasuriya to Gerald Coetzee, ! CAUGHT! Spectacularly taken in the deep by Kamindu Mendis and Jayasuriya has struck twice in the span of 6 balls!

Keshav Maharaj walks in now, at number 10, replacing Gerald Coetzee.

Prabath Jayasuriya to Gerald Coetzee, This is much straighter, Coetzee looks to defend but misses and is hit on the pads. The Lankans get excited but there was some wood involved, one presumes.

Prabath Jayasuriya to Gerald Coetzee, No run.

Asitha Fernando to Gerald Coetzee, A short ball, around off, spits off the deck, Gerald is surprised and tries to take his hands off the bat. The ball goes off the inner half towards fine leg. A single taken.

Asitha Fernando to Gerald Coetzee, A bouncer, around off, Coetzee sways away.

Asitha Fernando to Gerald Coetzee, Full, around off, watchfully defended by Gerald Coetzee.

Asitha Fernando to Temba Bavuma, Ohh... where did that come from? A short ball, around middle, the skipper swivels for the pull but is way too early into the shot.

Asitha Fernando to Temba Bavuma, Around off, angling away, Bavuma pushes it towards point.

Asitha Fernando to Temba Bavuma, No run.

Prabath Jayasuriya to Gerald Coetzee, Fuller, around off, Gerald Coetzee dabs it towards square leg. 2-0-4-1 for Jayasuriya so far.

Prabath Jayasuriya to Gerald Coetzee, No run.

DRINKS BREAK. Excellent passage of play for Sri Lanka. 14 overs exactly, 33 runs and 2 wickets. Add the retired hurt of Wiaan Mulder as well. If wickets fell to gloomy conditions on Day 1, they have fallen to persistent precision on Day 2.

Prabath Jayasuriya to Marco Jansen, ! LBW! Jansen has a long chat with Bavuma and takes the review, with 7 seconds left on the clock. Full and straight from Jayasuriya, Marco Jansen looked to defend it but the ball pitched and then spun away. Hit him on the pads and a confident Jayasuriya appealed. Umpire Paul Reiffel raised his finger. Time for technology now. Where did the ball pitch? UltraEdge first up. No murmur when ball passes bat. Now, Ball Tracking. Pitching in line! Hitting le

Prabath Jayasuriya to Marco Jansen, No run.

Prabath Jayasuriya to Temba Bavuma, 1 run.

Prabath Jayasuriya to Marco Jansen, Full, around leg, Marco Jansen defends.

Asitha Fernando to Temba Bavuma, Fuller than a good length, on off, Temba Bavuma taps it in front of mid off.

Asitha Fernando to Marco Jansen, Back of a length, on middle, Marco Jansen hops back and tucks it behind square on the leg side for one.

Asitha Fernando to Marco Jansen, Another one from Fernando and this is better than the previous one! Gets the line closer to the off-stump and shapes away to go past the outside edge by not more than a whisker!

Asitha Fernando to Marco Jansen, Beauty! Hurls it on a good length, on off and gets the ball to nip away off the deck. Marco Jansen has a feel for it but does well to pull his bat back as the ball shapes away going past the outside edge. 

Asitha Fernando to Marco Jansen, Bashes it into the surface again, on a shorter length, on leg, Marco Jansen half ducks at it.

Asitha Fernando to Marco Jansen, Hits the deck hard, on a length, on off, Marco Jansen leans ahead and makes a very confident block off the middle of the bat. 

Prabath Jayasuriya to Marco Jansen, Offers a bit more flight this time, on off, Marco Jansen knocks it to mid-wicket for a single.

Prabath Jayasuriya to Marco Jansen, Darts it quicker, flatter and on a nagging length, but down leg. Marco Jansen lets it go past him. 

Prabath Jayasuriya to Marco Jansen, Tosses it up, on off, with a flatter trajectory, Marco Jansen keeps it out.

Prabath Jayasuriya to Temba Bavuma, Flighted on leg, Temba Bavuma pushes it in front of deep square leg for a single.

Prabath Jayasuriya to Temba Bavuma, Fuller and on middle and leg again, Temba Bavuma tucks it to the leg side.

Prabath Jayasuriya to Temba Bavuma, Double change as Prabath Jayasuriya is introduced. Starts from around the wicket and bowls the first one nice and full, on middle and leg, Temba Bavuma fails to make a block and gets hit on the front pad.

Asitha Fernando to Temba Bavuma, Short of a length, over middle, Temba Bavuma clips it to mid-wicket for a single.

Asitha Fernando to Temba Bavuma, Outside off and Temba Bavuma is happy to let go.

Asitha Fernando to Temba Bavuma, On a length, on off, Temba Bavuma pushes it to cover. 

Asitha Fernando to Temba Bavuma, ! Asitha Fernando goes fuller for once and gets punished! 

Asitha Fernando to Temba Bavuma, Good length, on middle and off, Temba Bavuma keeps it out.

Asitha Fernando to Temba Bavuma, Fuller than a length, on off, Temba Bavuma makes a solid block towards cover.

Vishwa Fernando to Marco Jansen, That's the odd one that bounces a bit more! On a length, around off, the ball shoots up and goes past the outside edge with some shape taking it away further. 

Vishwa Fernando to Marco Jansen, No run.

Vishwa Fernando to Marco Jansen, No run.

Vishwa Fernando to Temba Bavuma, Back of a length, over middle and leg, Temba Bavuma gets his bat high and dabs it in front of deep square leg for one.

Vishwa Fernando to Temba Bavuma, Angling away, outside off, Temba Bavuma makes a leave. 

Vishwa Fernando to Marco Jansen, Fuller and attacking the pads, Marco Jansen with soft hands just nudges it to square leg for a single.

Lahiru Kumara to Temba Bavuma, ! Crunched! South Africa cross the 100-run mark! Lahiru Kumara digs it in short and on off, Temba Bavuma hops back and punches it with real authority past cover for a boundary. 

Lahiru Kumara to Temba Bavuma, Short and on off, Temba Bavuma rides the bounce and taps it down in front of cover.

Lahiru Kumara to Marco Jansen, Serves it on a hard length, on middle, Marco Jansen just about manages to squeeze it across to deep square leg for a single. 

Lahiru Kumara to Marco Jansen, ! Nicely done by Jansen! Lahiru Kumara digs it into the surface on a back of a length, on off, Marco Jansen sticks his bat away from his body and opens the bat face nicely to steer it past gully for a boundary. 

Lahiru Kumara to Marco Jansen, On a good length, on off, Marco Jansen makes a solid block.

Lahiru Kumara to Temba Bavuma, A bit short of a god length, on middle, Temba Bavuma tucks it to mid-wicket for a single.

Lahiru Kumara to Temba Bavuma, Nicely bowled! Lahiru Kumara isn't allowing an inch! Oh dear, he has overstepped!

Vishwa Fernando to Marco Jansen, ! A real freebie that helps break the shackles a bit! Full and on leg, Marco Jansen takes it on the full and flicks it past square leg to his right for a boundary to get off the mark.

Vishwa Fernando to Marco Jansen, No run.

Vishwa Fernando to Marco Jansen, Sliding donw leg, on a fuller length. Not the best ball to bowl to the batter who has just come in to bat. Marco Jansen looks to tickle it fine but misses. 

Vishwa Fernando to Temba Bavuma, Back of a length, over middle, Temba Bavuma tucks it behind square on the leg side and gets a single.

Vishwa Fernando to Temba Bavuma, No run.

Oh no, this is concerning! Wiaan Mulder is walking off the field, and that's definitely not the sight the hosts would have wanted. It doesn't look too promising at the moment, but let's hope it's just a precautionary measure and nothing too serious. Marco Jansen makes his way out to bat now!

Vishwa Fernando to Temba Bavuma, Angling away, fuller and outside off, Temba Bavuma leaves it alone.

Lahiru Kumara to Wiaan Mulder, Outside off, on a length, Wiaan Mulder shoulders arms. 

Lahiru Kumara to Temba Bavuma, 1 run.

Lahiru Kumara to Temba Bavuma, Lands it outside off, on a fuller length and gets the ball to nip back in a bit, Temba Bavuma decides to let it go through. 

Lahiru Kumara to Temba Bavuma, Back of a length, over middle, Temba Bavuma rides the bounce and dabs it down the deck.

Oh no! Wiaan Mulder has been struck on his right hand and appears to be in considerable discomfort. The physio quickly comes out to assess the situation, providing some on-field treatment. While it initially seemed like Mulder was ready to carry on, he's clearly not at ease. The physio is called back again for another check. This doesn’t look great for South Africa, as they’ll be hoping their all-rounder can shake it off and continue. Fingers crossed it’s nothing serious! Right then, he no

Lahiru Kumara to Wiaan Mulder, Very full, on off, Wiaan Mulder steers it in front of point and gets a single. He shakes his head through his run and doesn't look very comfortable. 

Lahiru Kumara to Wiaan Mulder, No run.

Vishwa Fernando to Temba Bavuma, Length, over middle, Temba Bavuma taps it to the right of the bowler.

Vishwa Fernando to Temba Bavuma, No run.

Vishwa Fernando to Temba Bavuma, No run.

Vishwa Fernando to Temba Bavuma, Very confident leave this time from Bavuma! Vishwa Fernando pulls the line closer and keeps it around the fifth stumps, angling away, full, Temba Bavuma strides out and holds his wrist up to make a leave. 

Vishwa Fernando to Temba Bavuma, Angling away, on a fuller length, well outside off, Temba Bavuma is happy to let it go past. 

Vishwa Fernando to Temba Bavuma, Fires it very full, at the stumps, Temba Bavuma pushes it down the deck off the cue end of his bat.

Lahiru Kumara to Wiaan Mulder, Outside off, on a length, Wiaan Mulder hops back and makes a leave. 

Lahiru Kumara to Wiaan Mulder, So nearly another one! Hang on! After a long discussion, Sri Lanka have decided to send it upstairs for a check! 

Lahiru Kumara to Wiaan Mulder, Digs the short one hard into the deck, over middle, Wiaan Mulder ducks under.

Wiaan Mulder walks out to bat at number 7 for South Africa!

Lahiru Kumara to Wiaan Mulder, No run.

Lahiru Kumara to Kyle Verreynne, ! LBW! Lahiru Kumara has gotten an early breakthrough Sri Lanka were after! 

Lahiru Kumara to Kyle Verreynne, Back of a length, just outside off, Kyle Verreynne looks to punch it off the back foot but ends up playing it very close to his body. Chops it down the deck!

Vishwa Fernando to Temba Bavuma, No run.

Vishwa Fernando to Temba Bavuma, No run.

Vishwa Fernando to Temba Bavuma, A bit fuller on this occasion, on off, Temba Bavuma eases it out to cover, quite comfortably. 

Vishwa Fernando to Temba Bavuma, No run.

Vishwa Fernando to Temba Bavuma, Fuller and at the stumps, Temba Bavuma pushes it to mid off. 

Vishwa Fernando to Temba Bavuma, Steams in from over the wicket and angles it away, on a length, around off, Temba Bavuma with soft hands taps it in front of cover. 

Lahiru Kumara to Kyle Verreynne, Slightly wider ouside off, good carry as well, Verreynne shoulders arms.

Lahiru Kumara to Kyle Verreynne, On a good length now, outside off, extra bounce, Kyle Verreynne rises with the bounce and punches it towards gully.

Lahiru Kumara to Temba Bavuma, 1 run.

On the Verreynne LBW appeal in the previous over, UltraEdge detects a thick inside edge. Forget the pitching.

Lahiru Kumara to Temba Bavuma, 2 runs.

Lahiru Kumara to Temba Bavuma, Similar ball, on a length, outside off, Bavuma puts in a good stride and shoulders arms.

Lahiru Kumara to Temba Bavuma, Full, outside off, Temba Bavuma gets a big stride and lets it go.

Who will bowl from the other end?

Vishwa Fernando to Kyle Verreynne, Close, close, close!

Vishwa Fernando to Kyle Verreynne, Fuller, just outside off, slanting away, Kyle Verreynne takes his bat away from the ball.

All set for Thursday to kick off in Durban! A beautiful day greets us, with plenty of sunshine, to go along with a nice breeze. The players and umpires are making their way out to the middle. The overnight batters - Temba Bavuma and Kyle Verreynne stride out to the middle, while the Sri Lankans gather themselves in a huddle. That huddle disperses and the players now get ready to set things rolling for the day. Vishwa Fernando will complete his pending over from the previous day. Verreynne to

We did talk about Sri Lanka searching for a couple of quick wickets to run through the lower middle order of the Proteas. But just a reminder, in South Africa's recent tour to Bangladesh, Wiaan Mulder and Kyle Verreynne fought hard to recover their team from a precarious situation. So the hosts would be thinking - see off the first hour and they could actually be around 200 for not more than 5 down by Lunch. Any score close to 300 in the first innings should be a good one in Durban.

Since we also mentioned about Pakistan, let's inform you that Pakistan are about to conclude their ODI series against Zimbabwe. They have chosen to bat in the final game and not surprisingly, they have not made any changes. The Asian side has been on a roll in this format, since their tour to Australia, but their first game loss to Zimbabwe would have been shocking to many. As a result, they have been forced into a decider. The home side, on the other hand, would expect themselves to give a good

Since we did talk about New Zealand briefly, let's tell you about what happened earlier in the day. England and New Zealand kickstarted their 3-Test series in Christchurch, with the visitors opting to bowl first, as is mostly the case in SENA countries in Tests. Almost like a repeat of what happened in the India-New Zealand Tests, the Kiwis got themselves into a good position again, only to see a collapse happen through the middle. Tom Latham, Kane Williamson and Rachin Ravindra were making sure

Okay. Focus on the present, shall we? After going around the globe, let's get back to Kingsmead. The first major question seems to have been answered. How is the weather? Bright and sunny, without a cloud in the sky, is what we are hearing. There is still that forecast of rain but for now, we can go ahead into the talk of overs being played today. 98 is the maximum allotted, although we can play more if there is stipulated time left. Talking about time, this is how the sessions would be allotted

So now, if we look at the latest scenarios - there is a high likelihood that only one among Australia or India can make it to the final. The reason being - Australia are to tour Sri Lanka next, where they have not won a Test for the last 13 years, let alone a series. So, if the Lankans put on a good show in South Africa and continue their dominance against Australia, they stand a chance of making it to the final. On the same note, South Africa have two home series left - the one ongoing against

Now, let's talk about the all-important World Test Championship. Not too long ago, say roughly around the Men's T20 World Cup in June, we were looking at an Australia-India final for the WTC. Both teams had gone so far ahead in their PCT standings that it was considered impossible for any other team to match that. Then, suddenly, out of nowhere, New Zealand blanked India in the latter's backyard and that has opened a pandora box. Thanks to that whitewash, New Zealand have got themselves into re

Skipper Temba Bavuma, hunting his own demons of a place in the side, tried to steer a rearguard action, along with the impressive Kyle Verreynne, but before he could cement that into a big show, the weather had a say. Of course, things are not over yet, and the pair can still continue their recovery job today, but from Sri Lanka's point of view, if they break this stand early and get another wicket soon, they can actually think of keeping South Africa under 175. Yes, the conditions have been

Let's take a quick recap of what happened on Wednesday. It has been a torrid time for openers around the globe and barring that one stand between KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal recently in Perth, the period post the T20 World Cup has not been that kind for batters trying to see off the new ball. Irrespective of the country where the game is being played, the new ball is talking and wickets are falling. In Durban, the two Fernandos - Asitha and Vishwa - made the ball talk early while Lahiru Kumara

Hello everyone. Wednesday's action seems like a T10 game. With the Abu Dhabi T10 going around, not surprising to find that comparison. With just 20-odd overs bowled in a day where 90 are allotted, one can just imagine the time that was lost. Still, in that period, Sri Lanka gave a good account of themselves and how eager they are, to grab the chance to reach the World Test Championship final in 2025. But even for that to happen, matches over the next few months need to have results and for that,

... DAY 2 ...

Right then! Just 20.4 overs of play on Day 1 and there will be extension on the remaining days to cover up Wednesday's loss of play. The first two sessions on the remaining days will be extended by 15 minutes apiece while the last session will have the addon of the half hour. South Africa will look to build on this Bavuma-Verreyne stand while Sri Lanka will be looking to keep picking up wickets. Both teams were looking to get a good start in the series but the rains had other plans yet

UPDATE - 01.45 pm GMT - That's it from Day 1 of this Test match as the officials confirm that there can be no play possible further today. Relentless rain in Durban, which arrived just before lunch, has never allowed the players to return to the field. Day 1 is called off!

UPDATE - 12.30 pm GMT - There is only a chance of 20 more overs to happen in the time left for the day and it's still raining heavily at Kingsmead. Puddles have formed at various positions in the outfield. The waiting game is on and the chances of the game to start today are getting slimmer by the passing minute. Let's see what happens.

UPDATE - 11.59 am GMT - It's getting close to Tea now, but the rain is relentless in Durban. There is some thunder and lightning as well which are not good signs at all. We are surely not getting any action in the second session, and the chances of getting any more play also look pretty bleak here.

UPDATE - 11.29 am GMT - Still no positive news from the middle! It is still raining in Durban and we have lost more than 1.5 hours with the conditions still looking pretty gloomy. The forecast for the rest of the days is decent, but both teams will need to fight it hard to force a result because a draw won't help either. Stay tuned for more updates.

UPDATE - 10.52 am GMT - The rain is playing hide and seek with us! It did go away for some time, giving us a glimmer of hope, but it has come back on again with more intensity. The waiting game continues...

UPDATE - 10.25 am GMT - Well, there is nothing new to update about, but the rain has steadied down a bit in Durban. However, looking at the skies, the signs are not looking very positive here. All we can do is hope. 

UPDATE - 10.07 am GMT - Uh..oh! The second session should have been underway by now, but the rain has gotten heavier during the break. All the covers are firmly on and we are in for a longer break than we expected. Stick with us for more news.

As play resumes after the rain-interrupted session, the hosts will look to Bavuma and Kyle Verreynne to rebuild. For now, it's Sri Lanka who head into Lunch brimming with confidence after a stellar start. If there is no more rain during the break and the outfield is ready, the second session will begin around 10.06 am GMT. However, with all the rain forecasted throughout the day, it could be a stop-start kind of day. So, just keep an eye here as we will be providing regular updates.

The day began with high drama as South Africa lost both openers within the first three overs, leaving them reeling early on. The pair of Tristan Stubbs and captain Temba Bavuma then took on the responsibility of steadying the ship. Bavuma, benefiting from two lives, displayed resilience and remains unbeaten on 28 at the break. Stubbs appeared to have found his rhythm but was undone by a sharp delivery from Lahiru Kumara, who claimed him just as he seemed set. Kumara struck again shortly after,

LUNCH! SESSION SUMMARY - 20.4 overs, 4 wickets and 80 runs. The opening session of this Test match at Kingsmead, Durban, has firmly belonged to Sri Lanka. Under overcast skies, their seam bowlers took full advantage of the conditions, delivering a masterclass in Test match bowling. At the lunch break, South Africa finds themselves struggling at 80/4, a testament to Sri Lanka's relentless attack.

The rain gods have finally shown their presence and the players and the umpires walk off the field right at the brink of LUNCH!

Vishwa Fernando to Kyle Verreynne, Pitched up and on middle and off, Kyle Verreynne keeps it out to the off side.

Vishwa Fernando to Kyle Verreynne, Good length and around off, angling away, Kyle Verreynne leaves it alone.

Vishwa Fernando to Temba Bavuma, Touch fuller and on middle, Temba Bavuma clips it through square leg for a single.

Vishwa Fernando to Temba Bavuma, Four!

Vishwa Fernando to Temba Bavuma, Fuller but way outside off, angles further away, Temba Bavuma leaves it alone. Wided.

Lahiru Kumara to Kyle Verreynne, ! Classy shot! Much fuller from Lahiru Kumara, on middle, Kyle Verreynne presents the full face of the bat and drives it beautifully past the bowler for a boundary.

Lahiru Kumara to Kyle Verreynne, Short of a length and well outside off, shaping away, Kyle Verreynne leaves it alone.

Lahiru Kumara to Temba Bavuma, Overpitched and on middle, Temba Bavuma drives it off the inside half of the bat through mid on for three runs.

Lahiru Kumara to Temba Bavuma, No ball!

Lahiru Kumara to Temba Bavuma, Four!

Lahiru Kumara to Kyle Verreynne, Short of a length and on off, Kyle Verreynne dabs it down to point.

Lahiru Kumara to Kyle Verreynne, Four!

Asitha Fernando to Kyle Verreynne, Errs in line and lands this on a length but down the leg side, this one does not bounce that much. Kyle Verreynne leaves it alone and Kusal Mendis dives to his left but fails to collect it cleanly. A bye is taken.

Asitha Fernando to Kyle Verreynne, Short of a length and on off, Kyle Verreynne stays back and dabs it to point.

Asitha Fernando to Kyle Verreynne, Good-length delivery just around off, shaping away sharply, Kyle Verreynne leaves it alone.

Asitha Fernando to Kyle Verreynne, Pitched up, on middle, angling into the pads, Kyle Verreynne clips it to square leg.

The breeze getting steady and there is a bit of rain in the air already. We might get an early break if this continues!

Asitha Fernando to Temba Bavuma, 1 run.

Asitha Fernando to Temba Bavuma, Fuller in length and around off, shaping away, Temba Bavuma leaves it alone.

Lahiru Kumara to Kyle Verreynne, No run.

Lahiru Kumara to Kyle Verreynne, Oh..so close!

Lahiru Kumara to Kyle Verreynne, BEAUTY! Lahiru Kumara serves this a bit fuller and just around off, gets it to shape away, Kyle Verreynne gets forward and has a poke at it but gets beaten on the outside edge.

Lahiru Kumara to Kyle Verreynne, On a length and on middle, angling in, Kyle Verreynne nudges it to square leg. It is also called a No Ball for overstepping.

Lahiru Kumara to Kyle Verreynne, Hard length and in that channel outside off, Kyle Verreynne offers no shot at it.

Lahiru Kumara to Kyle Verreynne, No run.

Kyle Verreynne walks out to bat now with the floodlights on and the ground getting covered with clouds.

Lahiru Kumara to David Bedingham, ! BOWLED'EM! Absolute peach of a delivery and Lahiru Kumara strikes again!

Asitha Fernando to Temba Bavuma, Full again from wide of the crease that time, on the sixth stump line, Temba Bavuma leaves it alone. It takes off behind the stumps as Kusal Mendis takes it near his head.

Asitha Fernando to Temba Bavuma, Pitches it up, on middle, nips away a shy bit, Temba Bavuma almost gets squared up but manages to push it to covers.

Asitha Fernando to Temba Bavuma, Hard length and on middle, Temba Bavuma stays back and tucks it to short mid-wicket.

Asitha Fernando to Temba Bavuma, ! Lovely shot! Asitha Fernando goes a bit too fuller in search of swing, on off, Temba Bavuma leans onto his drive nicely and creams it through covers for a boundary.

Asitha Fernando to Temba Bavuma, Good length and on off, shaping away, Temba Bavuma guides it towards point.

Asitha Fernando to Temba Bavuma, Fuller one and on middle, angling in, Temba Bavuma knocks it towards mid on.

Lahiru Kumara to David Bedingham, On a length and on middle, angling in, David Bedingham nudges it to mid-wicket.

Lahiru Kumara to David Bedingham, ! WOW! Nice drive for a boundary at wide of dee point. 

Lahiru Kumara to David Bedingham, No run.

Lahiru Kumara to David Bedingham, No run.

Lahiru Kumara to David Bedingham, Nicely bowled to the new batter on the crease. Good length, shapes in, around middle, David Bedingham gets a thick outside edge that falls ahead of second slip. 

David Bedingham walks out to bat.

Lahiru Kumara to Tristan Stubbs, ! EDGED AND GONE! Excellent comeback from Lahiru Kumara! Tristan Stubbs was not happy with the sightscreen just before this delivery and maybe lost his focus, which led to his downfall here.

Angelo Mathews to Temba Bavuma, Another full delivery, on the sixth stump line, holds its line, Temba Bavuma offers no shot at it. Back-to-back maidens from Angelo Mathews!

Angelo Mathews to Temba Bavuma, No run.

Angelo Mathews to Temba Bavuma, Hard length and on off, shaping in again, Temba Bavuma moves across to block but misses again to get hit high on the pads.

Angelo Mathews to Temba Bavuma, No run.

Angelo Mathews to Temba Bavuma, No run.

Angelo Mathews to Temba Bavuma, Fuller delivery around off, shaping a long way away, Temba Bavuma leaves it alone.

Lahiru Kumara to Tristan Stubbs, Four!

Lahiru Kumara to Tristan Stubbs, ! Top shot! Third boundary of the over!

Lahiru Kumara to Tristan Stubbs, No run.

Lahiru Kumara to Tristan Stubbs, Four!

Lahiru Kumara to Tristan Stubbs, Goes a bit fuller now, on off, Tristan Stubbs strides out and pushes it to short covers.

Lahiru Kumara to Tristan Stubbs, Much better! He lands this on a good length and on the fifth stump line, Tristan Stubbs stays back and pats it to short cover. Oh..no! It is called a No Ball for overstepping.

Lahiru Kumara to Tristan Stubbs, 4 Leg byes.

Change from both ends as Lahiru Kumara replaces Vishwa Fernando now.

Angelo Mathews to Temba Bavuma, MAIDEN OVER! Much fuller, on off, gets it to nip back in sharply, Temba Bavuma looks to defend but gets an inside edge onto his pads as the ball goes nowhere.

Angelo Mathews to Temba Bavuma, No run.

Angelo Mathews to Temba Bavuma, No run.

Angelo Mathews to Temba Bavuma, Fuller again and in that channel outside off, moves away, Temba Bavuma leaves it alone.

Angelo Mathews to Temba Bavuma, Touch fuller, on off, shaping in this time, Temba Bavuma strides out to push it away but gets an inside edge towards square leg.

Angelo Mathews to Temba Bavuma, Angelo Mathews starts with a good-length delivery around off, shaping further away, Temba Bavuma leaves it alone.

Change of gloves for Temba Bavuma.

Drinks! Sri Lanka's hour as they have exploited the overcast conditions perfectly. Both the Fernando's have picked up a wicket each and have made life difficult for the batters. South Africa have steadied the ship a bit through Tristan Stubbs and Temba Bavuma, but surviving the deadly spells is getting more and more difficult. An exciting phase of cricket awaits us.

Vishwa Fernando to Tristan Stubbs, Ends with short of length around the leg stump, Tristan Stubbs tucks it to wide of short mid-wicket from the back foot. 

Vishwa Fernando to Tristan Stubbs, Nice confident defence from Tristan Stubbs under his eyes. Hard length around middle, Tristan Stubbs comes forward and shows full face of the bat. 

Vishwa Fernando to Tristan Stubbs, Shorter than good length, outside off, Tristan Stubbs lets it go to the keeper.

Vishwa Fernando to Temba Bavuma, 1 run.

Vishwa Fernando to Temba Bavuma, Same length outside off, Temba Bavuma sees it through to the keeper. 

Vishwa Fernando to Temba Bavuma, Runs in hard and bowls a hard length outside off, Temba Bavuma gets beaten on the outside edge in trying to defend it. 

Asitha Fernando to Tristan Stubbs, On the pads, nipping into the right-hander from a good length. Tristan Stubbs flicks the ball straight to mid-wicket to end the over.

Asitha Fernando to Tristan Stubbs, On a good length just outside off. Tristan Stubbs takes a small foot out and lets the ball go.

Asitha Fernando to Tristan Stubbs, Much fuller but still away from the off stump. Tristan Stubbs takes the foot out and lets the ball go though.

Asitha Fernando to Tristan Stubbs, Just short outside off and Tristan Stubbs waves arms at it covering the line of the stumps.

Asitha Fernando to Tristan Stubbs, Swings the ball away from over the wicket outside off. Tristan Stubbs sees the ball through to the wicket keeper.

Asitha Fernando to Tristan Stubbs, Good length ball on the pads from over the wicket. Tristan Stubbs tucks it to mid-wicket.

Vishwa Fernando to Tristan Stubbs, 3 runs.

Vishwa Fernando to Tristan Stubbs, No run.

Vishwa Fernando to Tristan Stubbs, No run.

Vishwa Fernando to Tristan Stubbs, No run.

Vishwa Fernando to Tristan Stubbs, No run.

Vishwa Fernando to Tristan Stubbs, No run.

Asitha Fernando to Temba Bavuma, Four!

Asitha Fernando to Temba Bavuma, Four!

Asitha Fernando to Temba Bavuma, No run.

Asitha Fernando to Temba Bavuma, No run.

The sun is out now. Hopefully, the dark clouds stay away like this and we get a full day's of play.

Asitha Fernando to Temba Bavuma, No run.

Asitha Fernando to Temba Bavuma, No run.

Vishwa Fernando to Tristan Stubbs, Ends with a good length ball outside off, Temba Bavuma gets beaten on the outside edge from the front foot. 

Vishwa Fernando to Temba Bavuma, 1 run.

Vishwa Fernando to Temba Bavuma, Hard length from over the wicket around middle, Temba Bavuma tucks it to square leg.

Vishwa Fernando to Temba Bavuma, Back of a length outside off, Temba Bavuma blocks it off.

Vishwa Fernando to Temba Bavuma, No run.

Vishwa Fernando to Temba Bavuma, No run.

Asitha Fernando to Tristan Stubbs, On the length swinging away. Tristan Stubbs takes a good front foot out and sees it through.

Asitha Fernando to Tristan Stubbs, Just short outside off. Tristan Stubbs stays back and drops it down to point.

Asitha Fernando to Tristan Stubbs, Nagging length on the stumps, straight with the angle. Tristan Stubbs taps it down to square leg.

Asitha Fernando to Tristan Stubbs, Left alone outside off. Length ball swinging away from Asitha Fernando and Tristan Stubbs sees it through.

Asitha Fernando to Tristan Stubbs, Hits the length hard on the stumps and gets the ball to nip back in. Tristan Stubbs blocks the ball from the crease and gets an inside edge to square leg.

Asitha Fernando to Tristan Stubbs, Much fuller but away from off. Tristan Stubbs leaves the ball off the front foot.

Vishwa Fernando to Temba Bavuma, Much fuller angling on the off stump. Temba Bavuma flicks the ball straight to mid-wicket off the front foot.

Vishwa Fernando to Tristan Stubbs, Fuller on the pads, Tristan Stubbs leans and flicks it to deep fine for a single. 

Vishwa Fernando to Tristan Stubbs, Tristan Stubbs isn't judging the line very carefully here. On a length around the leg stump, shapes in, Tristan Stubbs gets hit on the pad trying to work it away and again a small appeal for LBW but it is going down leg. 

Vishwa Fernando to Tristan Stubbs, Yet to get off the mark, Tristan Stubbs wears another ball on the front pads but it looks to be pitching outside the leg stump line on a good length.

Vishwa Fernando to Tristan Stubbs, Much fuller and on the off stump. Tristan Stubbs offers a solid front foot defence to drop the ball down.

Vishwa Fernando to Tristan Stubbs, Starts with a good length around the leg stump, Tristan Stubbs gets beaten on the inside edge and the ball gets hit on the pad. A mild appeal for LBW but it is clearly down the leg.

Asitha Fernando to Temba Bavuma, Ends the over with a good length delivery just outside the off stump and Temba Bavuma blocks it off the front foot straight to point.

Asitha Fernando to Temba Bavuma, Holds the length back outside off. Temba Bavuma does not offer a shot.

Asitha Fernando to Temba Bavuma, No run.

Asitha Fernando to Temba Bavuma, Swings the ball up fuller on the off stump line. Temba Bavuma taps it off the front foot towards covers.

Asitha Fernando to Temba Bavuma, No run.

Asitha Fernando to Temba Bavuma, No run.

Vishwa Fernando to Tristan Stubbs, No run.

Vishwa Fernando to Tristan Stubbs, No run.

Vishwa Fernando to Tristan Stubbs, No run.

Vishwa Fernando to Temba Bavuma, Off the mark straight away! Length ball on the off stump from around the wicket. Temba Bavuma drops it infront of covers and runs a single..

Temba Bavuma comes out to the middle now.

Vishwa Fernando to Tony de Zorzi, ! c Kamindu Mendis b Vishwa Fernando.

Vishwa Fernando to Tony de Zorzi, No run.

Tristan Stubbs walks out to bat at number 3.

Asitha Fernando to Aiden Markram, ! c Angelo Mathews b Asitha Fernando.

Asitha Fernando to Aiden Markram, Left alone outside off stump by Aiden Markram. Length ball away from the off stump does no hard to the batter.

Asitha Fernando to Tony de Zorzi, Bye.

Asitha Fernando to Aiden Markram, Drops the length back on the off stump. Aiden Markram drops it to the left of point with soft hands and runs a single off the misfield by the fielder.

Asitha Fernando to Aiden Markram, No run.

Asitha Fernando to Aiden Markram, No run.

Vishwa Fernando to Tony de Zorzi, ! Tony de Zorzi is off the mark sticky, but he will take the four runs.

Vishwa Fernando to Tony de Zorzi, No run.

Vishwa Fernando to Tony de Zorzi, Fuller on the fifth stump line, swinging away. Tony de Zorzi covers the line of the stumps and lets it go though.

Vishwa Fernando to Tony de Zorzi, Good away swing outside the off stump from a much fuller length. Tony de Zorzi takes the front foot out and leaves it to the wicketkeeper.

Vishwa Fernando to Tony de Zorzi, No run.

Vishwa Fernando to share the attack.

Vishwa Fernando to Tony de Zorzi, No run.

Asitha Fernando to Aiden Markram, No run.

Asitha Fernando to Aiden Markram, No run.

Asitha Fernando to Aiden Markram, ! TWO IN TWO! 

Asitha Fernando to Aiden Markram, Four!

Asitha Fernando to Aiden Markram, No run.

Asitha Fernando to Aiden Markram, Runs in hard from over the wicket angle and pitches the ball on the good length straight away getting the shape away from the batter outside off. Aiden Markram covers the line of the stumps and sees it through to get things underway.

All in readiness for this crucial first Test to begin! Sri Lanka won an important toss earlier and chose to bowl first under overcast conditions without any surprises. Rain could be a big threat throughout Day 1 but for now, the players are out in the middle. Aiden Markram and Tony de Zorzi are the two openers for South Africa.

Sri Lanka (Playing XI) - Dimuth Karunaratne, Pathum Nissanka, Dinesh Chandimal, Angelo Mathews, Kamindu Mendis, Dhananjaya de Silva (C), Kusal Mendis (WK), Prabath Jayasuriya, Lahiru Kumara, Asitha Fernando, Vishwa Fernando.

South Africa (Playing XI) - Aiden Markram, Tony de Zorzi, Tristan Stubbs, Temba Bavuma (C), David Bedingham, Kyle Verreynne (WK), Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Gerald Coetzee, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada.