South Africa Dominate as Sri Lanka Crumble in Durban

South Africa took firm control of the first Test against Sri Lanka at Kingsmead after a dramatic second day. Sri Lanka collapsed for just 42 runs, their lowest Test total ever and the lowest recorded at this venue. Marco Jansen starred with an extraordinary spell, claiming 7 wickets for 13 runs in less than 7 overs.

South Africa, already ahead by 149 runs after Sri Lanka’s innings, extended their lead to 177 by reaching 28/0 in their second innings before tea.

Sri Lanka’s Batting Falls Apart

Sri Lanka’s batters had no answers for South Africa’s pace attack. Kagiso Rabada started the collapse by dismissing Dimuth Karunaratne in the third over. Marco Jansen then ran through the top order, removing Pathum Nissanka, Dinesh Chandimal, and Angelo Mathews with precise deliveries that forced mistakes.

Gerald Coetzee joined in, taking two wickets, including a reckless shot from Kamindu Mendis. Jansen returned to clean up the tail, bowling Dhananjaya de Silva and dismissing Asitha Fernando to end the innings. Sri Lanka were all out in just 13.5 overs.

South Africa’s Lower Order Rescues the First Innings

Earlier in the day, South Africa resumed their innings at 117/7 and fought their way to 191, thanks to Temba Bavuma’s 70 runs. Bavuma showed great composure, hitting 9 fours and a six during his knock.

Lahiru Kumara led Sri Lanka’s bowlers with 3 wickets, while Asitha Fernando and Vishwa Fernando shared 5 wickets between them. Despite their strong start, Sri Lanka’s bowlers struggled to dismiss South Africa’s lower order quickly. Keshav Maharaj played a counter-attacking knock, adding 24 valuable runs with aggressive stroke play.

South Africa Build Lead in Second Innings

South Africa’s openers, Tony de Zorzi and Aiden Markram, made a steady start in the second innings. They added 28 runs in just over six overs, playing with confidence and ensuring no early setbacks.

Looking Ahead

With South Africa leading by 177 runs and plenty of time left in the match, they are in a commanding position. Sri Lanka must find a way to fight back with the ball and then bat with more discipline in their second innings to avoid a crushing defeat.