Marco Jansen’s remarkable bowling performance enabled South Africa to dismiss Sri Lanka for their lowest-ever Test innings total of 42 runs. Jansen claimed a career-best 7 wickets for 13 runs, leading to a significant 281-run lead for South Africa by the end of the second day. This match also marked Sri Lanka’s poorest performance in over 30 years.
South Africa’s Marco Jansen delivered a stellar performance that led to Sri Lanka’s historic low total, as they were dismissed for a mere 42 runs during their Test match at Kingsmead. Jansen’s remarkable bowling saw him achieve a career-best figure of 7 wickets for 13 runs, contributing significantly to the Sri Lankan collapse in just 14 overs. This unfortunate score marks their lowest innings total in Test history, surpassing their previous low of 71 set against Pakistan three decades ago.
On the second day of play, South Africa, resuming on 4 for 80, managed to score 191 runs in their first innings before establishing a commanding lead of 281 runs by the close of play. Jansen’s exceptional feat was highlighted by his rapid wicket haul, only needing 41 balls to dismantle the Sri Lankan batting lineup. Notably, he became only the second bowler in history to secure seven wickets in under seven overs.
The dismal performance by the Sri Lankan batsmen can be attributed to a combination of outstanding South African bowling and poor shot selection. Kamindu Mendis was the highest scorer for his team with only 13 runs, while five other batsmen failed to score. The match saw 19 wickets fall on a surface that clearly favored fast bowlers. Additionally, South Africa’s captain Temba Bavuma made a notable return to score 70 runs in the first innings, contributing to the host team’s solid position in the match.
This result also set a record, as it represents the lowest Test innings total recorded at the Durban venue, previously held by Bangladesh with a score of 53 in March 2022. As both teams continue into the next phases of the game, South Africa looks poised to capitalize on their significant advantage as they aim for a place in the World Test Championship final.
The recent Test match between South Africa and Sri Lanka has drawn attention due to Sri Lanka’s abysmal batting performance, which culminated in their lowest total in Test cricket history. The match, hosted at Kingsmead, saw South African bowler Marco Jansen rising to the occasion with an outstanding bowling display. This encounter highlights the ongoing challenges facing Sri Lankan cricket, particularly in adapting to foreign conditions and performing against formidable opposition. Jansen’s achievement is noteworthy not only for his individual performance but also as a significant contribution to South African cricket on home soil.
In conclusion, Marco Jansen’s superb performance has placed him in the annals of cricket history, while simultaneously highlighting the vulnerabilities within the Sri Lankan batting lineup. The match serves as a stark reminder of the critical need for improvement in technical proficiency against quality bowling. As the play progresses, South Africa stands at a strong advantage, setting the stage for a notable potential victory in their pursuit of the World Test Championship final.
Original Source: www.cricket.com.au
