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Verreynne's Unbeaten 105 Propels SA to 358, SL Openers Start Strong in Chase
Verreynne's Unbeaten 105 Propels SA to 358, SL Openers Start Strong in Chase
Kyle Verreynne's unbeaten 105 helped South Africa to 358.
Kyle Verreynne delivered a masterclass in counterattacking batting, smashing six fours and three sixes to reach an exhilarating third Test century. Taking on a barrage of bouncers, he added a crucial 66-run partnership with Kagiso Rabada, lifting South Africa to a formidable total of 358. Verreynne’s confidence grew as Sri Lanka’s short-ball tactics fell apart, leaving their bowlers visibly frustrated.
Starting the day on 48, Verreynne went into overdrive on the second morning, scoring a blistering 57 runs off just 50 balls and finishing unbeaten on 105 off 133 deliveries. He received valuable support from Rabada, who contributed 23, and Dane Paterson, who chipped in with 9 before the innings wrapped up.
Sri Lanka’s seamers each took a wicket on day two. Vishwa Fernando removed Keshav Maharaj with a sharp catch at slip, Asitha Fernando bowled Rabada, and Lahiru Kumara dismissed Paterson to finish with impressive figures of 4 for 79.
Sri Lanka’s openers, Dimuth Karunaratne and Pathum Nissanka, were tested by Rabada and Marco Jansen in the six overs before lunch. The bowlers generated pace and bounce, drawing edges and misses, but the openers held firm, with Karunaratne finding a boundary behind square to ease some pressure.
Verreynne’s innings hit top gear during the 99th over, where he punished Asitha Fernando with three boundaries. Despite a packed leg-side field and a barrage of short-pitched deliveries, Verreynne adjusted his stance and consistently sent the ball past fielders. He later launched Prabath Jayasuriya for a six over cow corner and followed up by smashing Asitha into the stands twice more to bring up a memorable hundred.
The milestone sparked jubilation, with Verreynne bowing to the dressing room and sharing an emotional hug with Paterson. For a batter who started the day with little expectation of reaching triple figures, Verreynne’s knock was nothing short of remarkable. South Africa added 89 runs in just 17.1 overs on the second morning, leaving Sri Lanka with plenty to think about.
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