Overview
- South Africa declared their second innings at 366-5, setting Sri Lanka a daunting target of 516 runs to win the first Test at Kingsmead.
- Tristan Stubbs and Temba Bavuma scored 122 and 113 runs respectively, building a 249-run fourth-wicket stand that solidified South Africa's commanding position.
- Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen took two wickets each as South Africa reduced Sri Lanka to 103-5 by stumps on day three, with only five wickets remaining.
- Sri Lanka, bowled out for a record-low 42 in the first innings, showed some improvement in their second innings but struggled against South Africa's pace attack.
- A 2-0 series win would significantly boost South Africa's chances of qualifying for the World Test Championship final next year.