Following their dominant 233-run victory in Durban, South Africa will look to consolidate their World Test Championship standing when they face Sri Lanka in the second Test.
The hosts’ was comprehensive in their performance in the first test which was highlighted by Marco Jansen’s 11-wicket haul.
Sri Lanka, however, reels under their first innings collapse by 42 runs and the loss that faces. The visitors have to recover quickly but will have to tackle batting fragility and work out ways of taming the South African potent bowling.
Now, momentum firmly behind the Proteas, Sri Lanka needs something of a miracle turn of fortune to level the series in the second SA vs SL match.
Also read: Jay Shah quits BCCI secretary position, assumes ICC Chairmanship
SA vs SL Weather Report And Pitch Report Of the St George’s Park, Gqeberha – 2nd Test, Sri Lanka tour of South Africa 2024
SA vs SL Weather Report Of St George’s Park, Gqeberha
The second Test between SA vs SL at St George’s Park in Gqeberha is set for pleasant playing conditions. On Thursday, it will be mostly cloudy with temperatures around 24°C, no precipitation, and moderate winds at 27 km/h.
Partly cloudy conditions are expected on Friday, with a high of 26°C, and slightly stronger winds at 35 km/h.
The third day, Saturday, is expected to be sunny with a cooler temperature of 23°C and light winds at 26 km/h. With humidity levels in between the 57–65% range, swing bowlers were to get some support by the morning sessions. For the first three days at least, there won’t be any rain, so continuous cricketing action.
St George’s Park usually presents a less bouncy pitch compared to the rest of the South African grounds which will please subcontinent batsmen.
The new ball would play a vital role since there can be good seam movement and swing by the pacers in the initial phase.
Scoring can come easily to the batsmen once the pitch starts getting on but spinners can turn up for the second innings as wear can happen here and also because of its shape and size
SA vs SL Pitch Analysis
Here are the stats of the St George’s Park, Gqeberha:
| Matches Played | 32 |
| Matches Won Batting First | 14 |
| Matches Won Batting Second | 13 |
| Average 1st innings score | 312 |
| Average 2nd innings score | 235 |
| Average 3rd innings score | 213 |
| Average 4th innings score | 156 |
| Highest Totals recorded | 549/7 (Australia vs South Africa) |
| Lowest Totals recorded | 30 (South Africa vs England) |
| Highest score chased | 271/8 (Australia vs South Africa) |
| Highest scored defended | 130 (England vs South Africa) |
The pitch at St George’s Park in Gqeberha is a balanced surface with challenges for both batters and bowlers.
Historically, the venue has hosted 32 Tests, with teams batting first winning 14 and those bowling first winning 13 given its even nature. Batters are best placed when the average score is 312 in the first innings but then declines sharply with the match running into the fourth innings at a paltry average of 156.
The pitch is low-bouncing, hence suitable for subcontinental batters, but the early support for seamers is visible.
Conclusion
The favorable weather conditions, with temperatures in the mid-20s, provide an excellent opportunity for fans to enjoy SA vs SL engaging cricket matches.