Sri Lanka left with a mountain to climb

Rex Clementine in Durban

South Africa heaped further misery on Sri Lanka in Durban, piling up 366 for five before declaring at tea, leaving the tourists staring down the barrel of an improbable target of 516. With rain clouds expected to roll in on Sunday, the final day of the Test, Sri Lanka finds themselves clutching at straws, having been skittled out inside 14 overs in their first innings.

Skipper Temba Bavuma and rising star Tristan Stubbs were the architects of South Africa’s commanding position, both notching centuries and forging a mammoth partnership.

Their 249-run stand for the fourth wicket not only obliterated the previous record against Sri Lanka—set by A.B. de Villiers and Jacques Kallis with a 192-run effort in Cape Town in 2012—but also matched the highest fourth-wicket partnership in Durban. The latter was set by none other than Kallis and Gary Kirsten against the West Indies in 2003.

Despite a spirited showing from Sri Lanka’s bowlers, who gave their all in the first innings and continued to show grit, their efforts were often undone by lackluster fielding. Several chances went begging, leaving the tourists to rue their missed opportunities.

Bavuma, anchoring the innings with aplomb, brought up his third Test century after lunch, adding another feather to his cap in a year marred by injuries. Making a triumphant return to the side after a prolonged layoff due to an elbow injury, the South African captain displayed immense resilience. He weathered a barrage of body blows but stood firm. Bavuma’s knock of 113 off 218 deliveries, laced with nine boundaries, came to an end in the final over before tea, prompting South Africa’s declaration.

Stubbs, widely regarded as the future of South African cricket, followed suit with a mature and measured innings. The 24-year-old showcased poise beyond his years, overcoming some nervy moments against spin to notch his second Test century. His 122 off 221 balls, studded with nine fours, was a testament to his growing stature in international cricket.

For Sri Lanka, the chasm between their batting and South Africa’s was glaring. While the hosts showed the value of grit and patience against the new ball—weathering the storm early before cashing in against tired bowlers in later spells—the Sri Lankans seemed woefully undercooked. Despite arriving in South Africa early for a preparatory camp, their batters struggled to find their footing in challenging conditions.