SA vs SL: Proteas humble the visitors, winning the 2nd Test by 10 wickets
South Africa avenged their Test series loss to Sri Lanka two years ago after they defeated the visitors by ten wickets in the second test to win the series 2-0. Starting the day three on the backfoot, Sri Lanka lost quick wickets, and were bowled out for just 211 runs, setting a target of just 67 runs. The hosts raced to the target without losing a single wicket.
Dean Elgar was awarded the man of the match for his century and was also handed the player of the series award after scoring 95 runs in the first innings of the first Test.
Sri Lanka won the toss and opted to bat first and were forced to make numerous changes owing to injuries. The South African side went in with the same combination in the second Test.
Anrich Nortje decimates SL batting order
Sri Lanka began the Test match in the worst possible fashion, getting bowled out for just 157 runs in the first innings. The visitors could play out just 40 overs on Day one, after Anrich Nortje ran through their batting order, claiming six wickets. Kusal Perera top scored for the Lankans, registering 60 runs. Late cameos from Hasaranga and Chameera saved the day for Sri Lanka as at one point they found themselves six wickets down for just 93 runs.
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Vishwa Fernando brings the visitors back in the game
In response to Sri Lanka’s score of 157 runs in the first innings, the Proteas were cruising at one stage. Dean Elgar registered his century and at one point, they were at a score of 218 runs for the loss of only one wicket, with Rassie van der Dussen and Elgar at the crease. However, it was Vishwa Fernando’s heroics that kept the visitors back in the game. Fernando claimed his maiden Test five wicket haul to restrict the Proteas to a score of 302 runs. The hosts still had a sizeable lead of 145 runs going into the second innings.
Karunaratne, the lone fighter for the visitors in the second innings
Dimuth Karunaratne registered a century in the second innings, scoring 103 runs at a strike rate of 80. However, he did not receive any support from his team mates as the visitors capitulated for a score of just 211 runs, setting the Proteas a target of 67 runs. Lungi Ngidi picked up four wickets, whereas Sipamla chipped in with three breakthroughs. Thirimanne and Dickwella chipped in with 30s but could not convert their starts into a big knock.
South Africa win by 10 wickets, taking the series 2-0
South Africa had a target of just 67 runs to win the match and the series. Aiden Markram and Dean Elgar both remained unbeaten on 36 and 31 runs respectively to hand South Africa the victory. The openers completed the job pretty quickly as they chased down the target in just 13.2 overs.
“I don’t think it was only about revenge. After 2020 we just wanted to get off to good start to the season. The boys turned up well which was good to see. Quite impressed with some of the guys who put up their hands. Keshav was a bit unlucky to not get his turn, but he understands his role. The seamers bowled really well, at times there were soft boundaries but they came back really well. We have a young bowling lineup but they used what they had. When they play a lot more cricket they would have a lot more experience and that would help us. Good to see the boys hungry. I don’t think Keshav is injured. He’ll be all good for Pakistan and get some overs under his belt. Mixed emotions in going to Pakistan. I’m excited to play some cricket but bubble life at times can be frustrating. First time for me, so looking forward to the new experience,” said Quinton de Kock after winning the Test series.