New Delhi: Lahiru Kumara set the internet ablaze with a sensational delivery on Day 1 (Wednesday, November 27) of the first Test of the two-match series between Sri Lanka and South Africa at Kingsmead, Durban. The premier Sri Lanka bowler bagged two wickets in the first session to rock the Proteas’ top order and give the visitors a superb start in the series opener. Of the two wickets, his dismissal of David Bedingham, in particular, left the fans in absolute awe.
Lahiru Kumar stuns the Proteas in Durban
Lahiru stunned Bedingham on the first ball of the 18th over, dismissing the South African batter with a nip backer which jagged back sharply from the off stump. Clocked at 142 kph, the ball sent the off-stump for a ride after sneaking between the bat and pad. After watching the stump go cartwheeling, Kumara celebrated in jubilation with his teammates.
WHAT A DELIVERY LAHIRU KUMARA ..!!!🥶
– Lahiru Kumara clean up by Bedingham..- Champions Trophy
— MANU. (@Manojy9812) November 27, 2024
SA rocked by SL new-ball bowlers
South Africa lost four wickets in the first session, reaching 80 for 4 at Lunch on Day 1. The hosts’ innings was steadied by a 26-run partnership between skipper Temba Bavuma and Kyle Verreynne, batting on 28* and 9* respectively.
While Lahiru got rid of Tristan Stubbs (16) and Bedingham (4), Asitha Fernando got Sri Lanka off the mark with the prized wicket of Aiden Markram (9). Tony de Zorzi, the other opener, was the second wicket to fall, being dismissed by Vishwa Fernando for 4.
At the time of writing this, rain and a wet outfield prevented the players and officials from coming out on the field in the post-lunch session.
WTC Final at stake
The two-match series between South Africa and Sri Lanka holds significance in the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 final race. While India and Australia, featuring in the ongoing five-Test series Down Under, are placed first and second places respectively in the WTC points table, SA and SL are not too far behind in the race for the summit clash set to be played at Lord’s next year.
SA vs SL: Lahiru Kumara stunned South Africa batter David Bedingham on the first ball of the 18th over. The sensational delivery that got rid of the Proteas batsman has set the internet ablaze. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
