South Africa defeated Sri Lanka by 109 runs in the second Test, sweeping the series 2-0. Keshav Maharaj was pivotal with 5-76, leading to a quick dismissal of Sri Lanka for 238. The match solidified South Africa’s top position in the World Test Championship standings, showcasing their impressive performance throughout the series.
In a commanding display, South Africa triumphed over Sri Lanka by 109 runs on the final day of the second Test held at St George’s Park, claiming a clean sweep of the series with a 2-0 victory. Spinner Keshav Maharaj was instrumental in the win, achieving remarkable bowling figures of 5-76 as he played a key role in dismantling the Sri Lankan batting order, which was bowled out for 238 in just 70 minutes.
The match promised an exciting conclusion, with both teams competing for a potential spot in the World Test Championship final scheduled for next June. Resuming play at 205-5, Sri Lanka needed 143 runs for victory, while South Africa aimed to capture five wickets to secure their win. The anticipated climax quickly turned anticlimactic as South Africa swiftly eliminated Sri Lanka’s batsmen, following their earlier victory of 233 runs in the first Test in Durban.
The South African team asserted dominance early, claiming their first wicket after seven overs of play on Monday. Kusal Mendes, who contributed a solid 46 runs, was dismissed after a brilliant catch from Aiden Markram off Maharaj, a decision that was confirmed by the television umpire. The Sri Lankan captain, Dhananjaya de Silva, who scored a notable 50, was the next to fall, edging a quick delivery from Kagiso Rabada.
This collapse left the tail end of the batting order vulnerable, allowing Maharaj to quickly claim the wickets of Prabath Jayasuriya and Vishwa Fernando. Marco Jansen sealed the win by dismissing Lahiru Kumara, thus propelling South Africa to the top position in the World Test Championship standings.
The substantial win emphasizes South Africa’s strength in the format and their ability to perform under pressure, positioning them favorably heading into future competitions.
The recent Test series between South Africa and Sri Lanka garnered significant attention, as both teams strove for critical victories that could influence their chances of competing in the World Test Championship final. This series marked a crucial moment for both nations, particularly with South Africa looking to solidify their position in the standings while Sri Lanka aimed to stay competitive. The outcome of this series not only impacts rankings but also the morale and future prospects of the teams involved as they navigate the prestigious World Test Championship cycle.
In summary, South Africa’s decisive victory over Sri Lanka in the second Test, complemented by Keshav Maharaj’s stellar bowling performance, underscores their superiority in the series and enhances their standing in the World Test Championship. This strong showing demonstrates South Africa’s capabilities in the longest format of the game and sets a promising precedent for their forthcoming challenges.
Original Source: www.channelnewsasia.com
