South Africa secured a commanding victory over Sri Lanka in Durban, making a significant jump in the WTC standings.
The outcome propelled South Africa to second position in the WTC standings, which are determined by the average points gained.
Following commanding centuries from captain Temba Bavuma and Tristan Stubbs on the third day, Marco Jansen spearheaded the Proteas’ bowling attack to seal a comprehensive performance.
Marco Jansen, the left-arm pacer, claimed 11 wickets over both innings, leading South Africa to a 233-run triumph over Sri Lanka in the first of two Tests in Durban.
With this victory, South Africa has overtaken Australia to claim the second spot on the ICC World Test Championship points table, while Sri Lanka has fallen from third to fifth place.
A dominant performance from South Africa in Durban đŸ”¥#WTC25 #SAvSL pic.twitter.com/4X8xjeiwkv
— ICC (@ICC) November 30, 2024
Tasked with a daunting target of 516, Sri Lanka resumed at 103/5 on the fourth day, with Dinesh Chandimal and Dhananjaya de Silva at the crease.
The pair registered half-centuries and shared a 95-run stand for the sixth wicket, stabilizing the innings after the Proteas’ bowlers had decimated half of the Sri Lankan lineup the previous evening.
However, as they approached a hundred-run partnership, Keshav Maharaj broke through, swinging the momentum back towards the hosts just before lunch.
Chandimal led the fightback, scoring 83 from 174 balls, becoming the top scorer in Sri Lanka’s second innings before being caught and bowled by Gerald Coetzee.
Kusal Mendis, batting at number eight, contributed a valuable 48, but it was insufficient as South Africa clinched the victory in the afternoon session.
Earlier, the groundwork for the win was established by Bavuma, who hit 70 and 113 in his two innings, and Stubbs, who also scored a century in the second innings.
With the ball, after being dismissed for 191, the Proteas gained a substantial lead as Jansen took seven wickets, and the visitors were bowled out for a record low of 42.
The South Africa Crush Sri Lanka 2nd Test starts at Gqeberha on Thursday.
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