Sri Lanka Faces Uphill Battle as South Africa Eyes Series Sweep

South Africa tightened their grip on the series, dismissing Sri Lanka’s top five batters on the fourth day in Gqeberha while setting a daunting 348-run target. By stumps, Sri Lanka had reached 205 for 5, thanks to an unbroken 83-run partnership between Dhananjaya de Silva and Kusal Mendis. While the duo has kept hopes alive, the visitors still require 143 runs with a fragile tail comprising players who have previously batted at No. 11.

The final day will pose significant challenges for Sri Lanka. They must counter a fresh second new ball, due in 28 overs, while navigating the tricky morning conditions that have favoured bowlers throughout this Test. However, Sri Lanka can draw some inspiration from their historic chase in Gqeberha in 2019 when Kusal Mendis led them to victory without losing a wicket on the final morning, needing 137 runs overnight. Both Kusal and Dhananjaya are unbeaten on 39, mirroring their resilience from that famous chase.

Maharaj’s Game-Changing Spell

Keshav Maharaj played a pivotal role on the fourth afternoon, leveraging a turning pitch to dismantle Sri Lanka's middle order. Angelo Mathews and Kamindu Mendis had rebuilt with a 53-run stand, fending off South Africa’s seamers, but Maharaj turned the game around. First, he bowled Mathews with a straighter delivery that slid under a slog sweep. Then, in his next over, Kamindu was caught bat-pad by Kyle Verreynne, who made a spectacular dive to secure the chance. These twin strikes left Sri Lanka teetering at 122 for 5 before Dhananjaya and Kusal staged their recovery.

Earlier, South Africa's pacers inflicted early damage with the new ball. Kagiso Rabada trapped Dimuth Karunaratne lbw for his fourth cheap dismissal of the series, while Dane Paterson removed Pathum Nissanka and Dinesh Chandimal. Nissanka edged a wide outswinger, and Chandimal fell to an inswinger that barely grazed leg stump, as confirmed by a review.

Jayasuriya’s Heroics Keep Sri Lanka Afloat

Sri Lanka’s fightback earlier in the day was spearheaded by Prabath Jayasuriya, who claimed his first overseas five-wicket haul, finishing with 5 for 129. Using the rough outside the right-hander's leg stump to his advantage, Jayasuriya displayed exceptional control and variety, accounting for three key dismissals in the morning session. His efforts restricted South Africa, who added just 126 runs for their final seven wickets.

The morning began dramatically with a mix-up between Temba Bavuma and Tristan Stubbs, resulting in Stubbs being run out for 47. Bavuma, however, continued his fine form, reaching his fourth half-century of the series and contributing 66 runs before being bowled by Jayasuriya. His series tally now stands at an impressive 327 runs.

South Africa’s tailenders added crucial runs after lunch, with Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, and Paterson smashing two sixes and five boundaries. These lower-order contributions proved vital, echoing the first innings, where the ninth and tenth-wicket partnerships combined for 89 runs.

Final Day Preview

As the series whitewash looms, Sri Lanka faces an enormous task to deny South Africa. Dhananjaya and Kusal must replicate their past heroics while fending off a formidable South African attack under challenging conditions. With history on their side but odds stacked against them, the final day promises high drama as Sri Lanka fights to keep their hopes alive.