Temba Bavuma, Tristan Stubbs put South Africa on top against Sri Lanka on Day 3 of the Durban Test

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South Africa stamped their authority on Day 3 of the first Test against Sri Lanka at Kingsmead, Durban, setting an imposing target of 516 runs. The home side’s charge was powered by a stellar batting display from skipper Temba Bavuma and Tristan Stubbs, who both notched centuries, and a devastating bowling performance by Marco Jansen, who claimed a remarkable seven-wicket haul in Sri Lanka’s first innings. At stumps, the visitors were struggling at 103/5, facing a monumental task to avoid an innings defeat. With over two days left to play, South Africa’s all-round dominance has left Sri Lanka on the brink.

Temba Bavuma and Tristan Stubbs build a towering lead

After losing three early wickets in their second innings, South Africa looked in trouble, but Bavuma and Stubbs steadied the ship with an incredible 249-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Bavuma’s gritty 113 off 228 balls demonstrated immense patience and leadership, while Stubbs’ maiden Test century, a composed 122 off 221 deliveries, cemented South Africa’s commanding position. The duo blunted Sri Lanka’s bowling attack and methodically accumulated runs, frustrating the visitors. Their efforts allowed South Africa to declare at 366/5, setting a mammoth target of 516. This partnership showcased their class and ensured Sri Lanka had little chance of staging a comeback.

Sri Lanka’s uphill battle in the chase

Sri Lanka’s second innings started poorly, with the openers Pathum Nissanka and Dimuth Karunaratne falling early to Kagiso Rabada and Gerald Coetzee. The middle order showed brief resistance, with Dhananjaya de Silva fighting hard for an unbeaten 31 and Kusal Mendis trying to stabilize the innings. However, consistent pressure from South Africa’s bowlers ensured that wickets kept falling at regular intervals. By the end of Day 3, Sri Lanka were tottering at 103/5, still needing 413 runs for an unlikely victory. With two full days remaining, the visitors face an uphill battle to salvage the game and avoid a heavy defeat.

Also READ: Twitter reactions: Temba Bavuma, Tristan Stubbs light up Kingsmead with sensational centuries in first SA vs SL Test

Marco Jansen’s devastating bowling spell for South Africa

Earlier, Marco Jansen’s sensational bowling in Sri Lanka’s first innings was the highlight of the South Africa, as he tore through the batting lineup to finish with career-best figures of 7/13. His sharp pace and steepling bounce exploited the conditions perfectly, leaving the batters in disarray. Sri Lanka’s innings crumbled to a dismal 42 all out in just 13.5 overs, with only Kamindu Mendis managing a double-digit score (13). Jansen’s fiery spell not only secured a huge 149-run lead for South Africa but also sent a clear message about his prowess as a premier pacer. His performance set the tone for South Africa’s dominance in the match.

Also READ: Top 10 shortest cricketers of all-time ft. Temba Bavuma

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