South Africa surged to second place in the World Test Championship (WTC) standings after a resounding 233-run victory over Sri Lanka in the first Test at Durban on Saturday. Marco Jansen’s spectacular all-round performance, including match figures of 11/86, earned him the Player of the Match award and played a pivotal role in the win.
The Proteas, now with a points percentage of 59.26% from five wins in nine matches, displaced Australia to move closer to securing a spot in the WTC final next year in London. They trail only India, who remain at the top with a points percentage of 61.11% from 15 matches.
Set an imposing target of 516 runs, Sri Lanka started Day 4 at 103/5 with slim hopes of survival. Dhananjaya de Silva and Dinesh Chandimal provided resistance, putting together a fighting 95-run partnership for the sixth wicket. De Silva’s innings ended on 59 when Keshav Maharaj dismissed him with a clever delivery, leaving Chandimal to anchor the innings alongside Kusal Mendis.
Chandimal’s valiant 83 and Mendis’ 48 gave Sri Lanka brief hope, but Gerald Coetzee’s pace broke through, removing Chandimal, while Jansen cleaned up Mendis. The tail offered little resistance, as Sri Lanka were bowled out, handing South Africa a comprehensive victory.
The match began with Sri Lanka winning the toss and electing to bowl. South Africa managed a modest 191 in their first innings, with Temba Bavuma top-scoring with 70. Sri Lanka’s reply, however, was catastrophic; Jansen’s fiery pace dismantled their batting order as they collapsed for just 42 in 13.5 overs.
South Africa capitalized on their advantage in the second innings, declaring at 366/5. Bavuma continued his fine form with a quick 113, while Tristan Stubbs contributed a patient 122 off 221 balls, setting an unreachable target for Sri Lanka.