Hard work is the key to success but it may require a sprinkle of fortune. Sri Lankan left-arm pacer Vishwa Fernando was left in tatters during the morning session of the third day of the Kingsmead Test against South Africa when Tristan Stubbs got a reprieve, courtesy of Angelo Mathews dropped catch.
With seven wickets and 281 runs lead in the bank, the Proteas Men eyed to take control of the game with two of the in-form batters Temba Bavuma and Tristan Stubbs around. With the sun baking, the pacers got minimum assistance from the conditions, albeit Vishwa ensured some hope for the visitors. After a ball didn’t carry to the keeper and Bavuma survived a close shave lbw, the left-arm pacer’s third opportunity was downgraded by his teammate Mathews.
Mixing up the length nicely, Vishwa dished a good length delivery near the off stump that Stubbs tried to give a go at it. However, the ball seamed away a tad and nicked the outside edge towards the first slip where Mathews awaited. However, the vintage Sri Lankan ended up botching the grasp with the red cherry slipping off the palm after a thud. Seeing another chance go begging, Vishwa was down on his knees with his head touching the pitch. Not only the visitors but the Twitterverse empathized with the fast bowler’s hard work going in vain.
They Have Glenn Phillips, We have Angelo Mathews. #SAvSL https://t.co/7B5rBXxb8m pic.twitter.com/bBSx4DOmuP
— Lahiru Abeysinghe (@lahiruabey_) November 29, 2024
LOL!
— Pandit Pranoob (@pranoob76889) November 29, 2024
Oh!
Kamindu fluke will end soon. Then he’ll be another Angelo Mathews
— akshat (@100notoutPerth) November 29, 2024
Yes he is!
Angelo Mathews is still around?😭😭😭
— Tabrez (@tabrezdont) November 28, 2024
No idea on this!
What Should Be Ideal Target For Srilanka To Chase In The 4th Innings ? Maybe 350-400 Is Enough ? Or Even More ! #SLvsSA pic.twitter.com/TQ30gJ6fgo
— Gaurang Mestry (@Gaurang321) November 29, 2024
He is so good at it!
Well played Temba Bavuma❤️#SLvsSA pic.twitter.com/YonCF1e5W1
— mohit kumar (मोहित कुमार) (@sodhamohit90) November 29, 2024
Hahaha!
Gulliver telling his own story to the people of Lilliput. @marcojansen2000@ProteasMenCSA#Gulliverstravel#MarcoJansen #SAvSL #SLvsSA pic.twitter.com/CQBgAwBTU7
— Arya Ek Deewana (@arya_ekdeewana1) November 29, 2024