Gqeberha: South Africa has ascended to the top of the World Test Championship 2023-25 points table after their triumph over Sri Lanka in the second and final Test match of the series at St. George Park on Monday.
The match concluded in an anticlimactic manner as Sri Lanka's lower order succumbed to the prowess of South Africa's bowling attack during the first session.
Maharaj and Rabada quickly dismissed both established batters. With the lower order now vulnerable and over 100 runs still required, Maharaj swiftly claimed the wickets of Prabath Jayasuriya and Vishwa Fernando, achieving his five-wicket haul. Marco Jansen then concluded the innings by dismissing Lahiru Kumara with his first ball of the day.
This victory propelled South Africa to the top of the ICC World Test Championship Standings, boasting a point percentage of 63.33.
As the final day of the second Test between South Africa and Sri Lanka unfolded, the match was finely poised. Sri Lanka needed 143 runs to level the series, while South Africa was just five wickets away from a clean sweep.
With vital World Test Championship points on the line, both teams were fiercely contesting to maintain their aspirations for next year's ICC World Test Championship Final.
Sri Lanka approached this match with a determination to redeem themselves, particularly after suffering a heavy 233-run defeat in the first Test in Durban, where they were bowled out for a record low of 42 in their first innings. After winning the toss, South Africa chose to bat first but encountered early difficulties before captain Temba Bavuma and Ryan Rickelton forged a crucial 133-run partnership to stabilize the innings.
Ryan Rickelton achieved a well-earned century but was dismissed shortly thereafter, leaving South Africa at 269/7 at the conclusion of Day 1.
As Day 2 commenced, wicketkeeper-batter Kyle Verreynne resumed play unbeaten on 48. With support from the lower order, especially Kagiso Rabada who contributed a crucial 23 runs, Verreynne helped South Africa reach a total of 358, marking his third Test century.
Sri Lanka displayed determination with the bat, finishing Day 2 at 242/3, spearheaded by Pathum Nissanka's resilient 89. On Day 3, Sri Lanka began strongly, but their progress was interrupted when Dane Paterson, with the new ball, achieved his first five-wicket haul, bowling Sri Lanka out for 328.
South Africa extended their lead to 30 runs and ended the day at 191/3, solidifying their position in the match. Tristan Stubbs and Temba Bavuma combined for 104 runs, while significant contributions from David Bedingham and the lower order brought the total to 317. Jayasuriya concluded a remarkable performance by securing his five-wicket haul.
In pursuit of a target of 348, Sri Lanka found themselves at 122/6 before captain Dhananjaya de Silva and Kusal Mendis formed an unbroken 83-run partnership to stabilize their innings.
Regrettably for Sri Lanka, they were dismissed early on the final day of the Test match. Mendis was caught for 46, edging a delivery from Maharaj that was expertly taken by Aiden Markram.
Dhananjaya de Silva, who had just reached his half-century, was dismissed shortly after, nicking a ball from Rabada into the hands of wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne. Maharaj and Jansen quickly concluded the match as South Africa secured a series whitewash with a 109-run victory.
Brief Score: South Africa 358 & 317 (Temba Bavuma 66, Aiden Markram 55, Prabhat Jayasuriya 5/129) vs Sri Lanka 328 & 238 (Dhananjaya de Silva 50, Kusal Mendis 46, Keshav Maharaj 5/76).
