The much-awaited South Africa vs Sri Lanka 2nd Test Match is all set to begin on December 5, 2024, at St George’s Park, Port Elizabeth. This clash comes with high stakes as South Africa, riding high on confidence after their commanding win in the first Test, aim to secure the series. A victory here would boost their chances of making it to the World Test Championship (WTC) Final. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka faces a must-win situation to keep their WTC Final hopes alive. A loss would end their campaign and remove them from contention for the prestigious final at Lord’s.
Start Time for the 2nd Test Match
Cricket fans in India can tune in at 2:00 PM IST to catch the action live from St George’s Park. The game will follow the same timing across all five days of play.
Predicted Playing XIs for Both Teams
South Africa’s Predicted XI:
- Temba Bavuma (C)
- Tony de Zorzi
- Aiden Markram
- Marco Jansen
- Wiaan Mulder
- David Bedingham
- Tristan Stubbs
- Kyle Verreynne (WK)
- Gerald Coetzee
- Keshav Maharaj
- Kagiso Rabada
Sri Lanka’s Predicted XI:
- Pathum Nissanka
- Dimuth Karunaratne (C)
- Dhananjaya de Silva
- Angelo Mathews
- Kamindu Mendis
- Kusal Mendis (WK)
- Dinesh Chandimal
- Vishwa Fernando
- Prabath Jayasuriya
- Lahiru Kumara
- Asitha Fernando
St George’s Park Test Stats & Records
St George’s Park, Port Elizabeth, offers a rich history of Test cricket. Here are the key stats to keep in mind:
- Total Matches Played: 32
- Matches Won Batting First: 14
- Matches Won Bowling First: 13
- Average 1st Innings Score: 312
- Average 2nd Innings Score: 235
- Average 3rd Innings Score: 213
- Average 4th Innings Score: 156
- Highest Total: 549/7 by Australia vs. South Africa
- Lowest Total: 30/10 by South Africa vs. England
Pitch Report for St George’s Park
The pitch at St George’s Park offers a unique challenge. Unlike other South African venues, the bounce here is relatively low, which might benefit Sri Lanka’s subcontinental batting style.
- First Innings Advantage: Fast bowlers will likely dominate early on with plenty of assistance from the new ball.
- Easier for Batters Later: The pitch eases out for batters as the game progresses, making it a good opportunity for middle-order players to pile up runs.
- Spinners’ Role: By the second innings, spinners will find some help, especially with the wear and tear on the surface.
The venue promises a fair contest between bat and ball, with early breakthroughs crucial for both teams to seize control of the game.
Match Details at a Glance
- Match: South Africa vs Sri Lanka, 2nd Test Match
- Series: Sri Lanka tour of South Africa 2024
- Dates: December 5, 2024 – December 9, 2024
- Start Time: 10:00 AM Local Time | 2:00 PM Indian Standard Time
- Venue: St George’s Park, Port Elizabeth
- Where to Watch in India: JioCinema App and Website
What’s at Stake?
With South Africa leading 1-0, the pressure is firmly on Sri Lanka to deliver a strong performance and level the series. For South Africa, a win will solidify their WTC standing and move them closer to securing a spot in the Final. Expect intense competition as both teams bring their best game to Port Elizabeth.