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The first Test between South Africa and Sri Lanka at Durban has turned into a one-sided affair, with the hosts in a commanding position. The host setting the tone with the ball in the first innings by bundling Sri Lanka out for a paltry 42, taking a massive first-innings lead. The Proteas have since extended their dominance, powered by brilliant batting displays from Tristan Stubbs and Temba Bavuma. As Day 3 progresses, South Africa leads by an over 450 runs runs with seven wickets in hand. With their sights set on a declaration, the hosts look poised to secure a victory, leaving Sri Lanka in a desperate struggle to avoid a𒊎n innings defeat.
Tristan Stubbs shines with maiden home test century
Stubbs has delivered a sensational performance with the bat, registering his maiden home Test century in only his sixth Test appearance. Walking in at a precarious 77/2, Stubbs demonstrated remarkable composure and technique. His 197-ball knock of 105 not out so far has been laced with seven boundaries and two sixes, a testament to his ability to mix caution with aggression. Partnering seamlessly with Bavuma, Stubbs has defied Sri Lanka’s bowlers, building a partnership that has deflated the visitors’ spirits. His footwork against spinners, especially Prabath Jayasuriya, has been noteworthy, as he frequently stepped out to neutralize turn. Stubbs’ innings marks a potential turning point in his career, 💦showcasing his credentials as a reliable middle-order ba🌄tter.
Also READ: SA vs SL 2024: Fans in shock as Marco Jansen demolishes Sri L⛦anka for their lowest-ever total on Day 2 of Durban Test
Temba Bavuma anchors with gritty hundred
South African skipper Bavuma also played a captain’s knock so far, crafting an unbeaten 102 off 207 balls. Anchoring the innings after early jitters, Bavuma showcased his trademark patience and resilience. His innings, featuring nine boundaries, epitomized a blend of defensive solidity and calculated aggression. Bavuma’s ability to handle both pace and spin has been crucial, as he built a vital partnership with Stubbs to keep Sri Lanka’s bowlers at bay. The century is a significant statement from Bavuma, silencing critics who questioned his place in the side. His leadership on the field, both as a batter and tactician, has been pivotal in ensuring South Africa’s dominance in this match.
Here’s how Twitter reacted:
TRISTAN STUBBS 💯!!!
It's a 2nd test match century in as many matches!! First in SA!He's really taking to test cricket like a duck to water! One can just see the talent he oozes!! Playing with such maturity & responsibility! He's going to make a lot more test 100's!!🔥🔥
— Lawrence Bailey ⚪ 🇿🇦 (🃏@LawrenceBailey0)
TRISTAN STUBBS OUR PRESENT AND FUTURE
— 🇿🇦🇿🇦 Sabeeha Majid 🏏/DA Miller stan account❤️ 🐎(@SabeehaMajid)
Tristan Stubbs!
The number 3 spot was a punt but he's shown again that if there ever was someone to take that punt on, it was him. Can sway between both ends of the spectrum in terms of pacing an innings like Jaiswal. A colossus in the making!
— Soorya Sesha (@sooryasesha7)
Stubbs scored⛦ his 100 against Sri Lanka in 183 deliveries, to honour India’s World 🉐Cup final winning score from 1983
— Gappistan Radio (@whyteknight07)
Tristan Stubbs might just be the answer to South Africa's lack of a top 10 test batsman. All the talent in the world. Hopefully,his career kicks on and he finds great consistency.
— MDR Chels 💙 (@Ramusi23)
Congrat Stubbs 🇿🇦🔥🔥🔥 really loving how you are p✱rogressing in you♍r test career 😍 Take a bow!
— Trish Kisten (@trish_kisten1)
Wonderful Test match hundred that from Trist🥂an Stubbs, patient, artistic and glimpses of the p🎐ower game we all know.
— Philasande Sixaba (@psixaba)
STUBBS!!! What a player
— Makashule Gana – RISE Mzansi🇿🇦 (@Makashule)
Stubbs 💯, next gener🧸ation SA legend in the making.
— Talha Arshad (@Mtam687)
A brilliant 💯from Tris🅺🎃tan Stubbs as South Africa pile on the runs against Sri Lanka
— Anwar Khan (@AnwarKhanKorai)
King Bavuma 💥💥💥
— Saurabh Malhotra (@MalhotraSaurabh)
Temba B💞avuma, you beauty, CENTURY 💯 well played Captain 🔥🏏🇿🇦
— Gills (@gpricey23)
Absolutely stellar batting from Bavuma on a challenging pitch! He truly anchored the innings in both the innings. A pair of exceptional captain's knocks!
— Sudheer (@EpicCricketTalk)
Super happy for Bavuma. He wanted this badly – he did get tentative as he neared the landmark. And he has earned this ton for holding an inexperienced batting lineup together for a good while now
— Soorya Sesha (@sooryasesha7)
Proteas scoring hundreds for fun these days. Long may it continue. Stubbs and Bavuꦕma have been terrific at Kingsmead.
SA we🌸ll placed tಞo claim another crucial win in the context of the WTC
— Jon Cardinelli (@jon_cardinelli)
3️⃣rd Test hundred for Temba Bavuma 💯
— betvisa69.com (@CricketTimesHQ)
Pure Class!🥂
Captain Temba leading by example in Durban.
Captain our captain. 🫡He bri൲ngs up an 🔥outstandingly resilient century!🏏🙌
— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA)
Top tons from Temba and Triston!
Batting SA into a position of absolute strength.
— Nikhil 🏏 (@CricCrazyNIKS)
South Africa firmly in the driver’s seat against Sri Lanka
The match has been entirely one-sided, with South Africa dominating every session. After being bowled out for 191 in their first innings, the Proteas’ bowlers dismantled Sri Lanka for just 42, thanks to Marco Jansen‘s career-best 7/13. The South African batters then capitalized on the massive lead, with Stubbs and Bavuma leading the charge in the second innings. The Sri Lankan bowlers have lacked penetration, with only Jayasuriya showing occasional sparks of brilliance. Heading into the third session on Day 3, South Africa’s massive lead puts them on course for a commanding victory. For Sri Lanka, a miraculous fightback will be required to prevent an innings defeat.
