Sri Lanka's Kusal Mendis (left) observes the ball after executing a shot as South Africa's wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne (right) reacts during the fourth day of the second international Test cricket match at St Georges Park in Gqeberha on Sunday. — AFP

South Africa needs five wickets and Sri Lanka requires 143 runs as the second Test is poised for an exciting finish on Monday, with both teams vying for victory to secure a spot in the World Test Championship final. Sri Lanka closed the fourth day on Sunday at 205-5, chasing a target of 348 to win and level the series, while South Africa aims to dismiss the remaining batsmen and secure a 2-0 series win.

An unbeaten partnership of 83 between captain Dhananajaya de Silva and Kusal Mendes, both on 39 not out, gives Sri Lanka hope of victory, maintaining a brisk run rate of over four per over. However, they would need to surpass the highest successful run chase at the venue, which was Australia’s 271-8 against South Africa in 1997.

The pair will resume on Monday, with Sri Lanka needing a win to remain in contention for the WTC final at Lord’s next June. A South African victory would propel them above Australia into the top spot in the standings.

After dismissing South Africa for 317 shortly after lunch, Sri Lanka came out with attacking intent but lost openers Pathum Nissanka and Dimuth Karunaratne before tea. Karunaratne was leg-before-wicket to Kagiso Rabada for a single, while Nissanka hit four boundaries before perishing for 18, chasing a wide delivery from Dane Paterson. Paterson then trapped Dinesh Chandimal lbw for 29 at the start of the last session.

Keshav Maharaj’s spin bowled Angelo Mathews for 32 when he missed a tossed-up delivery. The dangerous Kamindu Mendes continued the attacking play, scoring 35 runs off as many balls, but was caught out by a Maharaj delivery, with wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne making a one-handed catch right under the feet of the batsman.

Earlier, spinner Prabath Jayasuriya achieved his first five-wicket haul outside Sri Lanka with figures of 5-129, and captain Temba Bavuma top-scored for the hosts in their second innings. Bavuma, 34, resumed overnight on 48, completing his 24th Test fifty in the first over, and moved on to 66 before being undone by Jayasuriya.

South Africa defeated Sri Lanka by 233 runs in Durban to win the first match of the two-Test series.

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