South Africa dominate Sri Lanka to clinch series sweep

Photo : Reuters

South Africa claimed a convincing 109-run win over Sri Lanka on the final day of the second Test at St George’s Park on Monday, completing a 2-0 series sweep. Spinner Keshav Maharaj was the star of the day, finishing with outstanding bowling figures of 5-76. South Africa dismissed Sri Lanka for 238 in just 70 minutes on Day 5, securing their spot at the top of the ICC World Test Championship standings.

The game had been set up for an exciting finish, with both teams needing a win to stay in contention for the World Test Championship final next June. Sri Lanka began the day at 205-5, needing 143 more runs to chase down the target of 348, while South Africa required just five wickets to seal victory. However, the final day turned into an anticlimax as the Proteas tore through the Sri Lankan batting order with clinical precision.

South Africa got their first breakthrough after seven overs on Monday, breaking a 97-run sixth-wicket partnership between Kusal Mendis and captain Dhananjaya de Silva. Maharaj bowled Mendis, who scored 46 runs, and Aiden Markram took a sharp catch at slip to dismiss him. The dismissal was confirmed after the television umpire checked to ensure the catch was clean.

Soon after, Kagiso Rabada sent Sri Lankan skipper Dhananjaya de Silva back to the pavilion for 50 runs. A quick delivery from Rabada forced de Silva to edge the ball, and he was caught behind. With the top order gone, the Sri Lankan tailenders struggled against the South African bowlers.

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Maharaj continued his brilliant spell, taking two more wickets in quick succession. He dismissed Prabath Jayasuriya, who was caught by Temba Bavuma at extra cover, and Vishwa Fernando, who mistimed a shot that went high into the air and was caught by Marco Jansen.

The final wicket fell when Marco Jansen himself claimed the scalp of Lahiru Kumara, wrapping up the Sri Lankan innings and securing a memorable win for the hosts. With this victory, South Africa added to their dominant 233-run win in the first Test in Durban, completing a 2-0 series whitewash.

South African captain Temba Bavuma, who played a key role in the series with his batting performances, was named Player of the Series. Reflecting on the win, Bavuma said, "This is what Test cricket is all about." The team’s strong performance has now placed them at the top of the World Test Championship standings, setting them up as strong contenders for the final next year.

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