Despite a strong start from the South Africa National Cricket Team, rain caused a 3 1/2-hour delay and eventually ended the first day of their first test against the Sri Lanka National Cricket Team. Fast bowlers Asitha Fernando and Vishwa Fernando were able to remove the openers early on, but some luck and dropped catches allowed South Africa's captain Temba Bavuma and Tristan Stubbs to start building a partnership before play was stopped. The match is now set to resume on Day 2.
Rain Halts First Day of South Africa vs. Sri Lanka Test Match
Johannesburg, South Africa - The first day of the first Test match between South Africa and Sri Lanka was abandoned due to rain after a 3 1/2-hour delay.
The match began with South Africa winning the toss and electing to bat first. Openers Sarel Erwee and Dean Elgar got off to a strong start, putting on 40 runs for the first wicket. However, Asitha Fernando and Vishwa Fernando struck early blows, removing Elgar for 17 and Erwee for 20.
South Africa's captain, Temba Bavuma, and Tristan Stubbs came to the crease and began to build a partnership. Bavuma was dropped on 22 by Angelo Mathews, and Stubbs was dropped on 4 by Fernando. The pair had put on 53 runs for the third wicket before rain stopped play.
The match will resume on Day 2, with South Africa on 93/2.
Background
South Africa and Sri Lanka are two of the top cricketing nations in the world. South Africa is currently ranked fourth in the ICC Test rankings, while Sri Lanka is ranked sixth.
The two teams have a long history of playing each other, with South Africa holding a significant advantage. In 25 Test matches, South Africa has won 15, Sri Lanka has won 5, and 5 matches have been drawn.
The current Test series is the first between the two teams in over two years. The last time they played each other, South Africa won 2-0 in Sri Lanka.
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