Sri Lanka succumbed within just over an hour on day five as South Africa completed a dominant 206-run win in the first Test at St. George’s Park, Port Elizabeth on Friday.
Resuming the final day on 240 for 5, Sri Lankan captain Angelo Mathews was struck plumb in front by Kyle Abbott in only the third over of the day. Mathews added only one run to his overnight score of 58 and even the DRS appeal could not save the highest run-getter for Sri Lanka.
Cricketry – Uphill task for Sri Lanka to save the First Test
Dhananjaya De Silva fell in the same manner as Abbott removed both the overnight batsmen to tarnish any hopes for Sri Lanka. Rangana Herath was hit on his bowling fingers in the first ball of his brief stay and eventually lobbed to Vernon Philander as the big fast-bowler dived to his left off his bowling to get his first wicket for the innings.
Kagiso Rabada was asked to clean up the tail and struck in the 3rd ball with a delivery which took off steeply to take the outside edge of Dushmantha Chameera for a duck. Left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj who was impressive throughout the match finished off the game taking the final wicket, Nuwan Pradeep bowled for 4 as the visitors were bowled out for 281.
Day 4 – Mathews remains but Sri Lanka falter
Rabada finished with three for 77 and Maharaj took three for 86, while Abbott’s spell of two for seven in five overs on Friday enabled him to finish with two for 38.
Stephen Cook was named the Man of the Match for his 59 and 117 with the bat at the top of the order for the hosts.
With this professional display, South Africa took the early lead, 1-0 in the three-match series.
The 2nd Test match will commence on 2nd January at Cape Town.
