KYLE VERREYNNE ON THE CHARGE Start of South Africa's Kyle first innings Verreynne prepares to play a shot during the second day of the second Test between South Africa and Sri Lanka at St Georges Park in Gqeberha on December 6, 2024. PIcture Marco Longari/AFP
Image: Marco Longari / AFP
Kyle Verreynne scored his third Test century as he helped South Africa post 358 all out on day two of the second Test against Sri Lanka, in Gqeberha, on Friday.
Verreynne starred with a quite brilliant 105 from 133 balls, striking 12 fours and three sixes for the Proteas.
Resuming on their overnight total of 269/7, Keshav Maharaj was dismissed inside the first 10 minutes of the second day’s play.
The strike buoyed Sri Lanka as they kept the runs down, as Verreynne took some time to add the two runs to his overnight total of 48 to reach his first milestone of his innings.
Soon though, Verreynne together with Kagiso Rabada (23) the pair began to find their stride as they would put on a vital 56 for the ninth wicket.
In fact, Rabada hit a couple cracking shots through the covers as he notched up five fours to score 20 of his runs in boundaries.
Verreynne, meanwhile, began to take on the Sri Lankan attack most notably smashing quick bowler Asitha Fernando for three fours in one over. All three fours were bouncers which Verreynne was able to swat in front of square with absolute authority.
The chance of Verreynne reaching his three figure score took a blow when Rabada departed, with the wicketkeeper-batsman still needing 19 to get to his century.
However, with number 11 Dane Paterson (nine) providing some support, Verreynne was able to continue playing in aggressive fashion.
Quite appropriately, it was off the bowling of Fernando that Verreynne reached his hundred. Persisting with short bowling, Verreynne miscued a bouncer but his top edge was able to fly over fine leg for six. As the ball landed beyond the rope. Verreynne set off in wild celebration of his achievement.
Coming out to bat before lunch, Sri Lanka were able to safely navigate their way to the interval as they reached 19/0.