Pacemaker for South Africa Marco Jansen took a seven-wicket haul to destroy Sri Lanka's batting unit in the first Test of the series in Durban. The hosts had a difficult time with the bat as they were bundled out for just 191 runs, but in return, the Proteas pacers breathed fire and cleaned up Sri Lanka for just 42 runs. Youngster Jansen was ruthless, conceding 13 runs in 6.5 overs, taking the wickets of the top batter, middle and tailenders.
The hosts needed something special with the ball after a terrible spell with the bat and Jansen delivered just that. He was great with the line and length as Sri Lanka didn't seem comfortable with the pace. Pacer Kagiso Rabada started the party by taking the wicket of Dimuth Karunaratne and then Jansen Pathum dismissed Nissanka, Dinesh Chadimal and Angelo Mathews in no time, reducing Sri Lanka to 16/4.
Later, he also cleared Dhananjaya de Silva, Prabath Jayasuriya, Vishwa Fernando and Asitha Fernando. Only Kamindu Mendis and Lahiru Kumara scored in double figures for Sri Lanka as South Africa built a 149-run lead in the first innings. The Lankan Lions, on the other hand, will be completely disappointed with their performance with the bat. The top order failed to cope with the speed and that led to the collapse.
The series against Sri Lanka is crucial for South Africa as they are still fighting for a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final. They are in fifth place with 54.17 and if they manage to take the series win over Sri Lanka, the Temba Bavuma-led side will increase their chances of reaching the summit clash.
Meanwhile, the Proteas have started well with the bat and will be hoping to keep up with the momentum and put pressure on the Lankan players.
Here's how fans reacted to day 2 of the first test of SA vs. SL:
70 runs on this wicket… worth much more 🫡
— Tabraiz Shamsi (@shamsi90)
Sri Lanka bowled out for just 42, the lowest score in the history of Test cricket! 🏏 This felt more like Sri Lanka vs Marco Jansen than Sri Lanka vs South Africa as Jansen delivered the best 7-fer of his career. Deadly, unplayable and unforgettable! 🔥
— Usman Shaikh 🇮🇳 (@shaikhusman_7)
Sri Lanka managed just 42 runs against South Africa.
Pakistan will face South Africa at the same venue next month🥶
— BabarAzam & ViratKohli Fan Club 🇵🇰🇮🇳 (@CallMeSheheryar)
One man can destroy a team and Marco Jansen did the same.
Bowled 7 overs in a row and took 7 wickets.
At just 42 years old, Srilanka has given it her all.— Satya Prakash (@_SatyaPrakash08)
One man can destroy a team and Marco Jansen did the same.
Bowled 7 overs in a row and took 7 wickets.
At just 42 years old, Srilanka has given it her all.— Satya Prakash (@_SatyaPrakash08)
Very strange?? Why South Africa doesn't ask to move on..😒😒😒
Sri Lanka 42 all out 😕
– jitesh Kolhe (@jKolhe14)
Lowest total in South Africa in Test cricket
30 of SA v. ENG, 1896
35 of SA v. ENG, 1899
42 of SL vs. SA, 2024, Today
43 of SA v. ENG, 1889— Vishwesh Gaur (@iumvishwesh)
BAVUMA – 70
SRILANKA – 42 Everything out! (1st innings)🤣
— Gaurang Mestry (@Gaurang321)
42 everything out!
Sri Lanka has the sixth lowest total score in Test history.
— Akhila Raveendran (@akhilaakku93)
Coetzee's energy is in turmoil right now…
He bowled Couple of Thunderbolt today— Rohit Baliyan (@rohit_balyan)
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