Sri Lanka was bowled out for a record-low 42 runs by South African bowler Marc Jansen, who took seven wickets for 13 runs, during the second day of the first Test at Kingsmead. This humiliating total marks Sri Lanka’s lowest in Test history. Prior to this, South Africa scored 191 runs in their innings, led by Temba Bavuma with 70 runs.
In an astounding display of fast bowling, South African pacer Marc Jansen achieved a career-best performance, securing seven wickets for just 13 runs, as Sri Lanka was bowled out for a mere 42 runs on the second day of the first Test at Kingsmead, Durban. This marks Sri Lanka’s lowest total in Test cricket history and the ninth lowest overall, as they struggled to cope with a seam-friendly pitch and exceptional bowling.
Sri Lanka’s innings lasted only 13.5 overs, succumbing quickly to the South African attack, which also featured Gerald Coetzee taking two wickets for 18 runs and Kagiso Rabada claiming one wicket. Notably, five Sri Lankan batsmen were dismissed without scoring, with Kamindu Mendes reaching the highest score of 13 runs amid the collapse. David Bedingham’s exceptional fielding included three catches at slip, contributing to Sri Lanka’s miserable outing.
Earlier in the match, South Africa, having batted first, scored 191 runs in their innings, with captain Temba Bavuma leading the effort with 70 runs. Returning from an injury that sidelined him during the previous series against Bangladesh, Bavuma displayed resilience and aggressive play as he ended the innings near the tail, which included a quick contribution from Keshav Maharaj, who scored 24 runs. The South African batting lineup began on a shaky note, but the tail-enders managed to add crucial runs to bolster their total.
With Sri Lanka trailing by 149 runs, this test match presents significant implications, as both teams are vying for victory to enhance their standings in the World Test Championship, which will culminate in the final match scheduled for June at Lord’s.
The recent Test match between South Africa and Sri Lanka has significant ramifications for both teams in the context of the World Test Championship. The poor performance of Sri Lanka, culminating in their historic low total, underscores the struggles they faced against South African bowlers, particularly on a pitch favorable to seam bowling. The match is part of a two-Test series, critical for both teams to accumulate points towards their goal of qualifying for the championship final.
This Test match has highlighted South Africa’s dominance with both bat and ball, particularly with Marc Jansen’s outstanding bowling performance. Sri Lanka’s collapse has not only resulted in their lowest Test score but also places them in a precarious position in the series. Both teams, striving for points in the World Test Championship, will keenly contest the remaining matches, hoping to secure a place in the final at Lord’s.
Original Source: www.channelnewsasia.com
