Marco Jansen shone with 11 wickets as South Africa defeated Sri Lanka by 233 runs in the first Test at Durban. Following a dismal Sri Lankan first innings score of 42, South Africa’s batting responses solidified their commanding stance, with contributions from Bavuma and Stubbs. Sri Lanka’s resistance was ultimately overcome, setting up a potential series win for South Africa in the next match.
In the first Test match held in Durban, Marco Jansen was the standout performer for South Africa, claiming 11 wickets as South Africa recorded a decisive 233-run victory against Sri Lanka. This achievement marks Jansen’s first Test match with double figures for wickets, following a remarkable performance where he secured seven wickets in the first innings, contributing to Sri Lanka’s dismal score of 42 runs, their lowest ever in Test history.
South Africa began the match with a first inning total of 191. In response, Sri Lanka’s efforts fell significantly short. The home team built a commanding position in their second innings, thanks to centuries from captain Temba Bavuma and Tristan Stubbs, setting a daunting target of 516 runs for Sri Lanka. As the match progressed, South Africa’s bowlers demonstrated their dominance, capturing five Sri Lankan wickets before stumps on Friday.
On day four, Sri Lanka displayed a brief resurgence with Dinesh Chandimal and Dhananjaya da Silva managing to score half-centuries, bringing their team to a total of 196 at one point. However, Chandimal’s dismissal for 83 runs prompted a swift decline, as Jansen concluded the match dramatically by uprooting the stumps of Asitha Fernando. This victory allows South Africa the opportunity to claim the series with a draw or win in the upcoming second Test.
The recent Test match between South Africa and Sri Lanka showcased not just the strengths of both teams but also highlighted the prowess of South African bowler Marco Jansen. With a history of competitive cricket between these nations, this match became significant due to Jansen’s incredible performance and Sri Lanka’s struggles, particularly at a challenging venue known for its pitch conditions that favor pace and bounce.
In summary, Marco Jansen’s exceptional bowling, with 11 wickets across the match, was crucial in leading South Africa to a comprehensive victory by 233 runs against Sri Lanka. This match has positioned South Africa favorably in the series, as they look to clinch the trophy in the second Test by maintaining their form and consistency against the visitors.
Original Source: www.skysports.com
