[WATCH]- Tony De Zorzi Grabs A Brilliant Reflex Catch At Short Leg On Day Three Of The SA vs SL 1st Test

South African opener Tony de Zorzi took a breathtaking catch at short leg to bring an exhilarating end to Day 3 of the opening Test against Sri Lanka at Kingsmead, Durban. Prabath Jayasuriya, the batter dismissed, was left shell-shocked as the day’s final delivery resulted in a wicket, leaving the visitors struggling on November 29.

The breakthrough came in the 30th over of the innings when Kagiso Rabada delivered a full ball on middle and leg. Although Jayasuriya appeared to have timed it well, De Zorzi’s lightning-quick reflexes saw him instinctively put up his hand, and the ball stuck, sparking jubilant celebrations from the South African players.

You can watch the video here:

https://x.com/naeemahbenjamin/status/1862524948184436743?s=46

It was Rabada’s second wicket of the innings, having earlier dismissed Dimuth Karunaratne in the fifth over. By stumps, Sri Lanka had slumped to 103/5, chasing an unlikely target of 516 for victory. Marco Jansen accounted for Angelo Mathews and Kamindu Mendis, while Gerald Coetzee removed Pathum Nissanka.

Tony de Zorzi’s struggles with the bat continue despite South Africa’s dominant performance

De Zorzi scored just 21 runs across both innings in Durban. However, South Africa dominated with the bat overall, thanks to Temba Bavuma’s captain’s knock of 70, which lifted them to 191. That total proved more than enough as Sri Lanka were skittled for 42, with Marco Jansen taking a sensational seven-wicket haul.

The 34-year-old followed up his first-innings contribution with a composed century in the second, supported by Tristan Stubbs, who also scored a ton. South Africa declared immediately after Bavuma’s dismissal. With a win in sight, the Proteas have significantly improved their chances of reaching the World Test Championship (WTC) final.

Sri Lanka, who also had a chance to make the WTC final, may see their hopes severely impacted if they succumb to defeat in Durban.

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