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South Africa
Tour Sri Lanka - 2004 |
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icricketer.com > Series >
South Africa Tour Sri
Lanka - 2004 > News
Rain promises SA escape route in
Test
COLOMBO: Rain gave South Africa a glimmer of hope as they looked to
escape with a draw in the second and final Test against Sri Lanka at
the Sinhalese Sports Club ground here on Saturday.
Just eight overs were possible on the penultimate day as South
Africa were set a 493-run target by the home side, who declared at
their overnight 211-4 after gaining a 281-run first innings lead.
South Africa were 21-2 at close as the Sri Lankan new-ball bowlers
came up with incisive spells. But rain, which had washed out the
first two sessions, came back to force an early closure.
Umpires Steve Bucknor of the West Indies and Billy Bowden of New
Zealand had scheduled 38 overs for the day after overnight and early
morning rain washed out the major part, but rain spoiled their
calculations. Sri Lanka were left with their fingers crossed as they
looked to win their first Test series against South Africa after the
first match ended in a draw in Galle last week.
Malinga hurled a bouncer at opener Herschelle Gibbs (four) and the
batsman was caught fending off as the ball went straight to Thilan
Samaraweera at leg-gully. Gibbs, who missed the first Test because
of an ankle injury, could not get off the mark in the first innings.
Martin Van Jaarsveld (two), softened by a bouncer from Malinga that
hit his viser, went a little later.
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