Day two of the second Test between South Africa and Sri Lanka at St George's Park, Gqeberha, delivered a dramatic moment when Sri Lankan pacer Lahiru Kumara broke Kagiso Rabada's bat with a searing delivery.
South Africa, opting to bat first, posted a formidable total of 358, with Ryan Rickelton (101) and Kyle Verreynne (105*) scoring vital centuries.
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Batting at No. 10, Rabada contributed a crucial 23 runs off 40 balls, striking five boundaries. His partnership of 56 runs with Verreynne for the ninth wicket frustrated the Sri Lankan bowlers and added vital lower-order runs to the hosts' tally.
The incident that stole the spotlight occurred in the 90th over of the innings. Kumara, delivering with pace and precision, bowled a hard-length delivery off the seam. Rabada, attempting a forward defensive shot, saw the ball hit high on the bat just below the handle. The impact was so forceful that it broke the bat, leaving the handle and blade hanging by a thread. Rabada instinctively released his bottom hand to soften the blow, but the damage was done, providing a rare and memorable visual spectacle.
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Kumara, who ended the innings with figures of 4/79, showcased his ability to trouble even the tailenders with his fiery spells. Rabada's defiance was eventually ended by Asitha Fernando, who clean bowled him to break the resilient ninth-wicket stand.
The incident highlighted the fierce competition in the match, with South Africa holding the upper hand after their disciplined batting effort.
