Brilliant Jayawardene Boosts SL

Mahela Jayawardene was the undoubtedly the star of the test match as the classy Sri Lankan batsman conquered the South African bowling attack and compiled a majestic 237 which gave Sri Lanka the upper hand on day two.

Resuming on 116* with Sri Lanka on 7/279, South Africa would've understandably backed themselves to dismiss Sri Lanka for a 300 run total. But thanks to determined batting by Mahela Jayawardene and the ever reliable Chaminda Vaas, Sri Lanka went on to reach 486, a score that will go a long way in securing a positive result for Sri Lanka.

Jaywardene's innings was that of class, his 237 containing 25 boundaries and 3 sixes. The partnership of Vaas and Jayawardene reached 170 with Vaas contributing a very valuable 69 to the cause. Jayawardene however looked unstoppable as he reached milestone after milestone.

However with the score at 8/449, Vaas' superb fighting innings came to an end as Nicky Boje got the breakthrough and Vaas was caught by Nantie Hayward. Soon after the brilliant innings of Jaywardene came to an end, being lbw to Hayward for 237.

Sri Lanka had surprisingly reached 486 and South Africa had an uphill mountain to climb with the likes of Murali waiting in the wings.

South Africa however began with a new opening combination as Greame Smith decided to drop himself down the order. Boeta Dippenaar and Martin van Jaarsveld were sent to open the batting and the two began in a positive and solid fashion.

Combining aggression with caution, the two moved along South Africa's reply past 50. In the closing minutes of the day's play, the two were still unbeaten as South Africa were 0/82 with Dippenaar on 46* and van Jaarsveld on 30*.


Brief Score Summary:

End of Day 2

Sri Lanka (1st Innings): 486 All Out (Jayawardene 237, Vaas 69, Sangakkara 58, Pollock 4/48, Hayward 3/81)

South Africa (1st Innings): 0/82 (Dippenaar 46*, van Jaarsveld 30*)



Posted by Sangrah