Verreynne’s heroics lift South Africa to competitive total against Sri Lanka

GQEBERHA, South Africa: South African wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne delivered a scintillating early morning century to propel his team to a first-innings total of 358 all out on the second day of the second Test against Sri Lanka at St George’s Park on Friday.

Verreynne, who resumed his innings on 48, showcased exceptional attacking prowess, finishing unbeaten on 105. His explosive knock frustrated the Sri Lankan bowlers and gave South Africa crucial momentum. By lunch, Sri Lanka had reached 19-0, but the session firmly belonged to Verreynne.

Starting the day at 269-7, South Africa suffered an early setback when Keshav Maharaj was dismissed, leaving Verreynne without much support. However, he found an able partner in Kagiso Rabada, with the duo adding a valuable 56 runs for the ninth wicket. Rabada contributed 23 before falling to Asitha Fernando, leaving Verreynne 19 runs short of his third Test century.

Verreynne smashed two sixes off Fernando to reach his milestone. Alongside No. 11 Dane Paterson, he added a quick-fire 33 off 17 balls for the last wicket. Paterson was eventually dismissed, but Verreynne’s heroics ensured South Africa posted a competitive total.