DURBAN, South Africa — On Friday, South Africa found itself just five wickets away from securing a win in the first Test match against Sri Lanka, thanks to outstanding centuries from Tristan Stubbs and captain Temba Bavuma at Kingsmead.

Sri Lanka has been set a daunting target of 516 runs to clinch victory, but as the third day came to a close, they were struggling at 103-5, with very few recognized batsmen left to rely on in diminishing daylight.

With a substantial lead of 281 runs at the start of the day, South Africa capitalized on their advantage. Stubbs and Bavuma, batting together at the fourth wicket, displayed remarkable synergy, each reaching their fifties just two overs apart and their centuries within four overs of each other.

However, their successful partnership ended quickly as both were dismissed within four overs of each other. Stubbs scored 122 runs before departing, followed by Bavuma, who made 113 right before the tea break. Following their impressive contributions, the Proteas declared their second innings at a formidable 366-5.

South Africa’s pace bowlers, Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen, each took two wickets early in Sri Lanka’s innings, which left the visitors in a dire position as they faced almost certain defeat on Saturday, ending their unbeaten streak in Durban.