South African batter Kyle Verreynne grabbed the limelight with an unconventional batting stance and a scintillating century that showcased his brilliance on Day 2 of the match against Sri Lanka in Gqeberha. Verreynne’s remarkable approach, combined with his calculated aggression, underscored his ability to rise to the occasion, anchoring the innings when it mattered most.
Steady start with fluctuating fortunes
The hosts enjoyed a promising start on the first day, thanks to a masterful century from Ryan Rickelton and a determined 78 off 109 balls from skipper Temba Bavuma. Together, they laid a strong foundation for South Africa. However, consistent breakthroughs by Sri Lankan pacer Lahiru Kumara, who finished the day with an impressive three-wicket haul, disrupted the Proteas’ momentum. Despite the setbacks, the home side showed resilience and ended the day on a balanced yet slightly fragile note.
Vital contributions in testing conditions
Resuming on the second day at 278/7, Verreynne took charge of South Africa’s lower order. Teaming up with Kagiso Rabada, he orchestrated a crucial 55-run partnership that added significant value to the innings. Rabada provided solid support while Verreynne continued to fight valiantly, eventually reaching his half-century off 95 balls. His distinctive stance and adaptability drew attention, especially as he managed to counter Sri Lanka’s disciplined attack effectively. By the 100th over, the scoreboard read 324/8, reflecting the importance of Verreynne’s defiant effort.
Also WATCH: SA vs SL – Lahiru Kumara picks his 100th Test wicket with an unplayable delivery to Aiden Markram
A century sealed in style by Kyle Verreynne
The defining moment of the innings arrived in the 103rd over when Verreynne achieved his century with a breathtaking stroke. Facing Asitha Fernando, who bowled a short-of-a-length delivery targeting the stumps, Verreynne used his unorthodox stance to perfection. Making room for himself, he unleashed a thunderous pull shot that sent the ball sailing over the deep backward square boundary for six.
This spectacular strike not only brought up his well-deserved ton but also became a highlight reel-worthy moment. Verreynne’s reaction was equally captivating – he sprinted down the pitch with arms outstretched, celebrating his achievement with unrestrained joy. The crowd erupted in applause, acknowledging his grit and flair, which had lifted South Africa to a competitive total despite the team’s earlier struggles. Eventually South Africa were bundled out for 358 with Verreynne remained not out for 105.
Here’s how fans reacted:
3️⃣rd Test hundred for Kyle Verreynne 👏🏏#Cricket #SAvSL #KyleVerrynne pic.twitter.com/0Dk9hhuQRj
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) December 6, 2024
Been a while since I’ve seen so many different batsmen showing such backbone and fight. Incredible effort from Kyle Verreynne for his 100. Hope the bowlers back it up when it’s their turn 🔥🔥🔥
P.S: @ashyp_5 looking like a proud dad in that change room and rightly so.
P.P.S:…
— Kelly R (@KelRo736) December 6, 2024
Kyle Verreynne 👨🦰🙌🏾 @kyle_verreynne
— Aviwe Mgijima (@AviweMgijima) December 6, 2024
Great knock by Kyle Verrynne. Well deserved. Congratulations @kyle_verreynne
— Lindsay Manthey (@LindsayMan35486) December 6, 2024
That’s the best century scored by a South African this year. Incredible knock by Kyle Verreynne!
— Dale (@ncakos316) December 6, 2024
Kyle Verreynne getting to a 100 and reacting like that is refreshing. He’s one of the few cricketers in South Africa who feels like he cares about the Proteas as much as the fans do. Good on you son!
— Mbulelo Khayalethu Thinta (@MKTInspires) December 6, 2024
KYLE VERREYNNE 💯!!!
His 3rd in test match cricket!! It’s been a special knock! Came in at a awkward time yesterday and he just looked in control right from the word go! He played well in Bangladesh but this for me is his best innings 🔥🔥🔥🔥#SAvSL pic.twitter.com/1prYiPyIRn
— Lawrence Bailey ⚪ 🇿🇦 (@LawrenceBailey0) December 6, 2024
No one in SA believes on Kyle Verreynne more than Ashwell Prince. He killed my friend’s (Carlos Koyana) proffesional career at Cobras for Kyle Verreynne. He’s the happiest man in Gqeberha rn bar Scholsey
— Lama The Great 🇨🇩 (@LamaTheCule) December 6, 2024
Kyle Verreynne is why it’s so important to look past basic averages. He may only averafe 30 but every time he’s made runs it’s been when the team was in trouble, never statpadded. Also mostly away from home
— H #Akifian 🇿🇦🍉 (@mr_geniu5) December 6, 2024
Kyle Verreynne!
That was an entertaining 100*🤌🏾🔥
— Kate Nokwe (@This_Kate) December 6, 2024
Kyle Verreynne gets all the criticism for his technique. But he’s a run getter. And this over shows just how his technique can allow him to go on the counter attack. Very entertaining to watch. pic.twitter.com/5kFseLvlab
— Stephen (@SteviePSport) December 6, 2024
Another Centurion!
Verreynne brings up his 3rd Test Match hundred for the Proteas in a swash-buckling innings full of big shots and calculated aggression.🏏😃👏
Terrific batting Kyle!🥳#WozaNawe#BePartOfIt #SAvSL pic.twitter.com/6IEvDYPbOD
— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) December 6, 2024