Oshada Fernando's aggressive century for Sri Lanka A proved challenging for South Africa A on the second day of the first four-day match in Kimberley. Fernando's innings of 122 from 146 balls, featuring 21 boundaries, propelled Sri Lanka A to 232-4 by the end of the day, leaving them 140 runs behind South Africa A, who had been bowled out for 372 earlier.
Matthew Breetzke continued his solid form, adding 17 runs to his overnight score, finishing unbeaten on 129 from 213 balls, including 11 fours. However, South Africa A's total was slightly disappointing given their strong position at 294-4 on the first day. They lost Patrick Kruger early in the day for 20 runs, and Breetzke was eventually dismissed with the score at 336.
The lower order offered little resistance, with only wicketkeeper Rivaldo Moonsamy reaching double figures, scoring 34. The innings concluded at 372 in 108.2 overs, with seamer Eshan Malinga being the standout bowler for Sri Lanka A, taking 4-65.
South Africa A made early inroads into Sri Lanka A's batting lineup, dismissing Lahiru Udara for 12 and Nuwanidu Fernando for a duck. However, a crucial third-wicket partnership of 153 between Oshada Fernando and captain Pasindu Sooriyabandara (61 from 110 balls, with six fours) reinvigorated the visitors' innings.
Late in the day, South Africa A managed to dismiss both key batsmen, with Neil Brand and Patrick Kruger taking the wickets of Fernando and Sooriyabandara, respectively. This left the home side with a slight advantage heading into the match's halfway stage.