Sri Lanka suffered a historic batting collapse, bowled out for 42 runs, their lowest Test total ever, as South Africa leads by 281 runs in the first Test at Kingsmead. Marco Jansen’s exceptional bowling performance, achieving 7-13, highlights the dramatic shift in momentum after a competitive first day.
In a shocking display of batting ineptitude, Sri Lanka was dismissed for a mere 42 runs during the second day of the first Test match against South Africa at Kingsmead, Durban. The South African pace bowler Marco Jansen delivered a career-best performance, capturing seven wickets for just 13 runs. After bowling out South Africa for 191 earlier, Sri Lanka’s batting collapse was unprecedented, marking their lowest Test total, surpassing their previous worst of 71 runs against Pakistan. By the close of the day’s play, South Africa led Sri Lanka by 281 runs in their second innings, scoring 132 for three.
Despite a promising start, Sri Lanka’s batting quickly unraveled. Dimuth Karunaratne fell early to Kagiso Rabada, followed by Pathum Nissanka’s dismissal by Jansen just two balls later. Jansen continued to wreak havoc on the Sri Lankan batting lineup, accounting for crucial wickets, including that of Dinesh Chandimal and Angelo Mathews. The Sri Lankan batsmen struggled to adapt to the pitch, with Kamindu Mendis, the top-scorer, managing only 13 runs. The final five wickets fell in a rapid succession of 15 balls, resulting in the team’s dismal total.
South Africa, having resumed their innings on 80 for four, managed to recover with captain Temba Bavuma scoring a solid 70 runs. His innings included nine boundaries and led the team to a respectable total despite the early loss of wickets. South Africa’s bowling attack, led by Jansen and Gerald Coetzee, restricted Sri Lanka dramatically, highlighting the stark contrast in performance between the two teams. The match continues to unfold with South Africa’s solid position in the Test match, showcasing their dominance over Sri Lanka.
The ongoing Test match between South Africa and Sri Lanka is set against a backdrop of historical significance, particularly concerning Sri Lanka’s struggles in Test cricket. The first Test at Kingsmead has witnessed dramatic swings in fortunes, highlighting the importance of adapting to match conditions. South Africa, buoyed by a stellar bowling performance from Marco Jansen, has capitalized effectively on Sri Lanka’s batting frailties, thereby establishing a substantial lead. This match exemplifies the unpredictability and competitive nature of international cricket, where a team’s fortunes can turn swiftly and significantly.
In summary, the first Test between South Africa and Sri Lanka at Kingsmead has produced an extraordinary display of bowling prowess, particularly from Marco Jansen, whose 7-13 helped dismantle the Sri Lankan batting order. With Sri Lanka’s new low total of 42, they find themselves in a challenging position, trailing by 281 runs after South Africa’s strong performance. This Test match serves as a testament to the resilience and skill required in the sport of cricket, with three days remaining for the teams to influence the outcome.
Original Source: apnews.com
