South Africa secured a 109-run victory over Sri Lanka in the second Test to sweep the series 2-0. Keshav Maharaj excelled with 5 wickets for 76 runs, dismissing Sri Lanka for 238. The match concluded dramatically, with South Africa’s effective bowling dismantling Sri Lanka’s batting order, thus propelling them to the top of the World Test Championship standings.
South Africa clinched the Test series against Sri Lanka with a convincing 109-run victory in the second Test match held at St George’s Park, Gqeberha, thereby completing a 2-0 series sweep. The standout performer for South Africa was spinner Keshav Maharaj, who achieved remarkable bowling figures of 5 wickets for 76 runs as the opposition was bowled out for 238 runs after needing 143 to win.
The match culminated dramatically on the final day, with Sri Lanka starting their innings at 205-5. South Africa required only five wickets to secure victory, but the home team swiftly dismantled the Sri Lankan batting line-up, following their previous triumph by 233 runs in the first Test at Durban. The turnaround began when Maharaj dismissed Kusal Mendes, who scored 46 runs, after a crucial partnership with fellow batsman Dhananjaya de Silva.
De Silva added 50 before he was caught by Rabada from a delivery that edged sharply. The South African bowlers capitalized on this momentum, with Maharaj claiming the wickets of Prabath Jayasuriya and Vishwa Fernando shortly after, concluding with Marco Jansen capturing the last wicket of Lahiru Kumara. This victory propelled South Africa to the top of the World Test Championship standings.
The article discusses the final Test match between South Africa and Sri Lanka, which was pivotal for both teams in their pursuit of qualification for the World Test Championship final scheduled for next June. The match showcased the skills of South African players, particularly the exceptional performance of spinner Keshav Maharaj. Additionally, the series outcome affects both teams’ rankings and prospects in international cricket, making it a significant event in the current Test cricket season. Moreover, the match emphasized the competitive nature of the two teams striving to maintain standings in the World Test Championship, where performances in these matches correlate with their global rankings and qualifications for future tournaments.
In conclusion, South Africa’s dominant performance against Sri Lanka in the second Test match at St George’s Park illustrate the effectiveness of their bowling attack, especially the impactful contribution from Keshav Maharaj. The victory not only secured a 2-0 series win but also solidified South Africa’s position at the top of the World Test Championship standings, highlighting their strong form and strategic superiority throughout the series.
Original Source: www.channelnewsasia.com
