Sri Lanka vs South Africa
Sri Lanka opening batsman Dimuth Karunaratne struck a defiant unbeaten hundred on his return to the side to give the hosts a fighting first innings total in the opening Test against South Africa on Thursday.
However, captain Faf du Plessis might have to rely less on his quick men and more on his spinners, as the conditions in Galle may just suit the slower bowler. The 30-year-old, who missed the tour of West Indies due to injury, became the fourth Sri Lankan to carry his bat after Sidath Wettimuny, Russel Arnold and Marvan Atapattu. He capped off a memorable home summer with a player of the series performance against Australia (23 wickets at an average of 19) and was announced as the SA Cricketer of the Year for the second time. However, after the first inroad, Kagiso Rabada tasted blood and ran through Sri Lanka's middle order, picking up four wickets. While it was guile that put South Africa in a potentially sticky situation, it was largely pace that undid Sri Lanka. His fellow proteas fast bowler Vernon Philander also has 35 wicket to his name in the same number of Tests against Sri Lanka.
"I think so", he said of making a successful comeback. Steyn accounted for Mendis when the batsman flicked one straight into the hands of Kagiso Rabada.
Meanwhile, last time the Proteas played in Sri Lanka, two enthralling Tests and eventually saw them win a series on the Island for only the second time, and subsequently first time in 21 years.
Stand-in-captain Suranga Lakmal also fought with Karunaratne during their 48-run ninth wicket stand that frustrated the bowling side.
Man shot by Chicago police officer dies, crowd gathers
Here's more of the scuffle between Chicago Police officers and protestors at the scene where an officer shot and killed a man. This article has been updated with a Chicago activist group and local newspaper identifying the victim .
Much to their relief, the last two pairs added 111 runs with Karunratne realising 48 runs with Suranga Lakmal (10) and 63 for the last-wicket with Lakshan Sandakan (25).
Despite the late fightback, it was a disappointing batting effort by the Sri Lankans.
Incidentally, both Sri Lanka's captain and coach were accused guilty of delaying the start of play for nearly two hours on the third day of the St. Lucia Test amidst the ball-tampering row. A much more accomplished South Africa seam attack awaits them in this series, but the theory is that having countered movement and pace on those hard pitches, they will be able to neutralise a tougher opposition on dustier tracks.
"I would say honors are probably even", Shamsi said.
Recommended News
-
15 July 2018Melania Trump meets children and vets, bowls in London
United States first lady Melania trump is now in Europe on an official visit, accompanying her husband U.S. Mrs Trump was greeted by Mr May when she stepped out of her vehicle at the Royal Hospital London today.
15 July 2018May presses Trump for post-Brexit trade deal with United States
Other long-time regulars at the bar told AFP there was a silent majority in Britain who actually backed the presidential visit. Later they will hold talks with the foreign secretary at Chequers - the PM's country residence in Buckinghamshire.
15 July 2018FIFA Had To Ask World Cup Broadcasters To Stop Ogling Female Fans
The Argentinian team did not have a good World Cup and lost 3-4 in the round of 16 to France, who will play in Sunday's final against their Croatian counterpart. -
15 July 2018Cardinals fire Matheny with team hovering near .500
The Cardinals said DeWitt and Mozeliak would hold a press conference on Sunday to discuss the move and additional staff changes. Louis Cardinals have fired manager Mike Matheny during his seventh season with the team hovering around.500.
15 July 2018Unbelievable scenes as Ireland's Dan Martin wins Tour de France stage
Four-time victor Chris Froome remained over a minute behind Van Avermaet, a support rider for BMC leading hope Richie Porte . After the relatively flat first nine days, the race will head south and into the Alps and then the Pyrenees Mountains.
15 July 2018Target tries to one up Amazon with one-day sale
With special deals happening as often as every 5 minutes, there are sure to be lots of great bargains that you won't want to miss. The first Prime Day took place on July 15 2015, the anniversary of the founding of the company by chief executive Jeff Bezos . -
15 July 2018France reach third World Cup final after beating Belgium in semifinal
Goalkeeper and captain Hugo Lloris echoed Deschamps' sentiments on Henry and called the occasion "special". It is a possibility. "We adapt the way we play against our opponent and this is his credit".
15 July 2018Borussia Dortmund Forward Arrives At West Ham Training For Medical
It is understood that Wilshere is expected to complete the formalities on a switch to West Ham in the coming days. He joined Dortmund a year ago and scored three goals in 18 league games, 13 of which he started._4.jpg)
15 July 2018Pacquiao-Matthysse match on GMA 7 today
Pacquiao improved his record to (60-7-2) after stopping his opponent in the seventh round of their fight. Manny Pacquiao proves he can still slug it out. "You win some, you lose some", Matthysse said. -
15 July 2018Will Donald Trump meet Boris Johnson? "Not sure", says U.S. ambassador
ERG is not expecting any further resignations, nor were we expecting any in the first place", said Mr Jenkin. In theory, it can result in May's resignation as party leader and the country's prime minister.
15 July 2018Vivo Nex S price leaked ahead of India launch on July 19
The smartphone houses a dual rear camera setup of 12-megapixel primary camera and 5-megapixel secondary camera with 4-axis OIS. Vivo Nex is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 Octa-core processor, coupled with 8GB RAM and 128GB/256GB of storage options.
15 July 2018First 3D colour X-ray of a human using CERN technology
This enables easy differentiation between bones, fats, muscles, calcium, disease markers or all other tissues present in the body. It allows high resolution and very reliable images that promised to have many more uses than just high-energy physics.
