South Africa moved to the highest of the World Test Championship (WTC) standings, damaging the Sanath Jayasuriya-coached aspect’s aspirations for qualifying for the WTC closing with a 109-run victory over Sri Lanka at St George’s Park on Monday. The win secured a dominant 2-0 sequence victory for the Proteas, who dethroned WTC desk toppers Australia to say the highest spot. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka are actually fourth within the operating for a spot within the closing and shall be taking part in Australia in a two-sport Test sequence in January. Sri Lanka entered this match with some extent to show, particularly after a crushing 233-run defeat within the first Test in Durban, the place they had been bowled out for a file low of 42 within the first innings. After profitable the toss, South Africa opted to bat first however discovered themselves in early hassle earlier than captain Temba Bavuma and Ryan Rickelton steadied the ship with a significant 133-run partnership.
Rickelton reached a nicely-deserved century however was dismissed shortly afterwards, as South Africa completed Day 1 at 269/7. They resumed Day 2 with wicketkeeper-batsman Kyle Verreynne unbeaten on 48, who guided Proteas to a complete of 358. Verreynne reached a major milestone, securing his third Test century within the course of.
Sri Lanka confirmed resilience with the bat and ended Day 2 at 242/3, led by Pathum Nissanka’s gritty 89. On Day 3, Sri Lanka began strongly, however their momentum was halted when Dane Paterson struck with the brand new ball, claiming his maiden 5. -to bowl out Sri Lanka for 328.
South Africa piled on their 30-run lead and closed day 3 at 191/3, sustaining a robust place within the match. Tristan Stubbs and Temba Bavuma added 104 runs after which useful contributions from David Bedingham and the decrease order took them to a complete of 317. Jayasuriya capped off a wonderful efficiency by finishing his 5-wicket haul.
Heading into the ultimate day of the second Test, the match was completely poised as Sri Lanka wanted 143 runs to degree the sequence, whereas South Africa was simply 5 wickets away from a clear sweep.
Captain Dhananjaya de Silva and Kusal Mendis, each unbeaten on 39 on the shut of Day 4, had been dismissed early on the ultimate day of the Test match. Kusal Mendis was caught for 46, edging a supply from Maharaj that was brilliantly taken by Aiden Markram.
De Silva, having simply reached his half-century, was despatched again shortly after, nicking a ball from Rabada straight into the fingers of wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne.
Keshav Maharaj accomplished his 5-wicket haul with wickets of Prabath Jayasuriya and Vishwa Fernando earlier than Marco Jansen wrapped up the win for the Proteas on closing day.
Topics talked about on this article
