Snubbed in IPL Auction, Lahiru Kumara Shines with Stunning Spell Against South Africa

A few days after going unsold in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 auction, Sri Lankan fast bowler Lahiru Kumara made headlines with a remarkable delivery against South Africa during the first Test at Kingsmead, Durban, on Wednesday.

On a rain-interrupted day, which saw just 20.4 overs bowled, Kumara’s outstanding performance left cricket fans buzzing.

Twin Strikes Shake South Africa

Batting first, South Africa faced a challenging start, losing both openers, Aiden Markram and Tony de Zorzi, for single-digit scores. Kumara’s first breakthrough came in the 16th over, dismissing Tristan Stubbs.

He followed it up in the 18th over with an incredible delivery that clean-bowled David Bedingham.

The right-arm pacer delivered a full-length ball outside off, which swung back sharply to breach Bedingham’s defense, sending the off-stump flying.

Kumara’s signature celebration with his teammates, captured on video, quickly went viral on social media.

South Africa’s Struggles Continue

By the end of the rain-affected day, South Africa had managed 80 runs for the loss of four wickets. Captain Temba Bavuma and Kyle Verreynne were unbeaten on 28 and 9, respectively.

Earlier, Asitha Fernando and Vishwa Fernando struck early, removing Markram and De Zorzi for 1 and 4 runs, respectively. Kumara’s incisive bowling put Sri Lanka in a commanding position.

Importance of the Test Series

The series holds immense significance for both teams, with implications for the World Test Championship (WTC) standings. Sri Lanka, currently third on the table with a PCT of 55.56%, can improve to 63.64% if they win both Tests against South Africa.

Their chances of reaching their maiden WTC final, however, also depend on the outcome of India’s Test series against Australia.

Praise and Challenges for Kumara

Kumara’s performance drew praise from South Africa’s batting coach Ashwell Prince, who acknowledged the bowler’s skill. “There was a lot in favor of the bowling team, and they bowled well. The deliveries that got wickets were all pretty decent,” Prince said.

Sri Lanka’s bowling coach, Darshana Gamage, highlighted Kumara’s pace as his key asset. With a history of hamstring injuries, Kumara is now being utilized as a Test specialist.

“Our biggest challenge is to have quicks who will win us Test matches, and I can say that we have the nucleus now to do the job away from home,” Gamage explained.

A Rain-Affected Day at Kingsmead

Under overcast skies and on a green pitch, Sri Lanka’s decision to bowl first paid dividends. Both South African openers were dismissed with the score at 14, courtesy of Ajitha Fernando and Vishwa Fernando. Markram and De Zorzi fell to near-identical deliveries that swung away and found edges to slip fielders.

Stubbs and Bavuma attempted to stabilize the innings, but Kumara’s introduction brought a flurry of action.

Although his first over conceded 17 runs, including three boundaries by Stubbs, Kumara quickly made amends with a sharp bouncer to dismiss Stubbs and a searing delivery to clean up Bedingham.

Kumara thought he had Bavuma out with a short-pitched ball caught behind by Kusal Mendis, but a no-ball denied him his third wicket. Bavuma, who survived a dropped catch at slip earlier, remained unbeaten at stumps, offering South Africa a glimmer of hope.

Weather and Prospects for Day Two

The weather forecast suggests clearer skies from Thursday, which could alter the conditions significantly. South Africa’s batting coach Ashwell Prince drew parallels with a recent Test between India and Australia, where changing weather conditions shifted the game in favor of the batting side.

“When the sun came out, the pitch changed color, and conditions changed dramatically. We’re hoping for a bit of sunshine tomorrow morning,” Prince remarked.

World Test Championship Stakes

This two-Test series is pivotal for both teams aiming for a spot in the WTC final at Lord’s. While Sri Lanka sits in third place, South Africa occupies the fifth spot. Both teams need strong performances to keep their hopes alive.

Kumara’s impressive showing on the opening day has given Sri Lanka a significant advantage, setting the stage for an intriguing contest as the series progresses.