Sri Lanka will be hosting South Africa for a series that includes 2 Tests, 5 ODIs and a T20, beginning from the longest format on the 12 July 2018 at Galle. Let’s take a closer look at the Test numbers between these two sides.
Since 1993
Alongside the infamous Rebel Tour tales between the two sides, the first ever official Test match was played during South Africa’s tour of Sri Lanka in 1993. The inaugural encounter at Moratuwa ended in an agonizing draw for the home team while they were nearing a historical win against South Africa. Batting first, Sri Lanka posted 331 runs, spearheaded by Hashan Tillakaratne’s 92. South Africa piled up 104 for the opening wicket through captain Kepler Wessels and Andrew Hudson, and despite being 203/3 at one stage, they were eventually bowled out for 267. Muttiah Muralitharan took 5 for 104. Skipper Arjuna Ranatunga mastered 131 in the second essay where the home team declared on 300/6 setting a target of 365 runs. The visitors were reeling throughout the pursuit at 92/4 and then 199/7 but an outstanding unbeaten 101 by Jonty Rhodes saved the day as they survived on 251/7 at close. South Africa later emerged victorious in the series, winning one of the two remaining games, sealing the 3 match series 1-0.
The first win for Sri Lanka against South Africa came in 2000 at Galle, where they won by an innings and 15 runs.
South Africa vs Sri Lanka Head to Head Test Record –
- Played – 25
- Sri Lanka – 5
- South Africa – 14
- Draw – 6
Recap of the last decade
In 2006, the South African’s tour to Sri Lanka consisted of 2 Tests. The hosts won both Tests played at SSC and P.Sara Oval. The first Test at the SSC, which yielded a victory of innings and 153 runs for the hosts, is well remembered for Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara’s record breaking 624 run-stand. Mahela’s astounding 374 was backed by Sanga’s masterclass of 287.
The second Test produced a stirring thriller which Sri Lanka won by a mere wicket. In the first innings, South Africa’s 361 was replied with 321 by the hosts. With a 40 run lead, the Proteas managed to amass 311 for the second innings, setting a target of 352 to win for the home side. Mahela’s 123 braced the entire innings but wickets at regular intervals produced a short scare as the Lions were forced to grapple in the end and get home with a wicket to spare.
In 2011/12, the 3 match series played in South Africa was won by the hosts 2-1. The visitors won the second Test at Durban but both games at the Centurion and Cape Town were won by South Africa.
The 2 match series during South Africa’s tour to Sri Lanka in 2014 ended 1-0 in favour of South Africa. Later in 2017/18, South Africa whitewashed Sri Lanka, cruising to a 3-0 win at home.
In the Lion’s Den
Sri Lanka has hosted South Africa in Tests since 1993. The first win for South Africa came during the inaugural series, when they won the Test at SSC by an innings and 208 runs. The first win for Sri Lanka against South Africa at home came in 2000. At Galle, they defeated South Africa by an innings and 15 runs.
Sri Lanka vs South Africa Head to Head Test record in Sri Lanka –
- Played – 12
- Sri Lanka – 4
- South Africa – 3
- Drawn – 5
Galle International Stadium
With the lovely Indian Ocean on two sides, bordering the famous Dutch Fort and town, Galle is one of the most picturesque venues in international cricket. But hidden behind the panoramic views, Galle has been a fortress for the Lions ever since it hosted its first Test in 1998. Out of the 30 matches played at the venue, Sri Lanka has won 17 while losing 7 and drawing 6 games.
The first time the two sides played in Galle was in 2000; the game ended in an innings and 15 run win for the Lions. The two have met in Galle in 3 Tests with Sri Lanka winning 1 to South Africa’s solitary success in 2014. The game between the two teams in 2004 yielded a draw.
SSC since 1984
The Sinhalese Sports Club ground at Maitland Place has been a venue for Test cricket since 1984. Sri Lanka’s record at the SSC stands at 19 wins to 8 losses and 14 draws in 41 overall games. Both sides have met each other 5 times at the venue with Sri Lanka winning 2 (2004, 2006) to South Africa’s solitary win (1993). Two games have ended draws.
Team Records
- Highest team total – 756/5 dec. (Sri Lanka at SSC, 2006)
- Highest team total for South Africa – 580/4 dec. (at Cape Town, 2012)
- Lowest team total – 95 all out (Sri Lanka at Cape Town, 2001)
- Lowest team total for South Africa – 168 all out (at Durban, 2011)
Batting Records
- Most runs – Mahela Jayawardene (1782 runs in 32 innings) (Avg. 57.48)
- Most runs for South Africa – Daryll Cullinan (917 runs in 19 innnings) (Avg. 53.94)
- Most runs in Sri Lanka – Mahela Jayawardene (1336 runs in 16 innings) (Avg. 89.06)
- Most runs in Sri Lanka (for SA) – Daryll Cullinan (412 runs in 11 innings) (Avg. 41.20)
- Highest individual score – Mahela Jayawardene (374 at SSC, 2006)
- Highest individual score for South Africa – Jacques Kallis (224 at Cape Town, 2012)
- Highest individual score for South Africa (in SL) – Hashim Amla (139* at SSC, 2014)
Bowling Records
- Most wickets – Muttiah Muralitharan (104 wickets in 27 innings) (Avg. 22.22)
- Most wickets for South Africa – Shaun Pollock (48 wickets in 24 innings) (Avg. 22.33)
- Most wickets in Sri Lanka – Muttiah Muralitharan (69 wickets in 17 innings) (Avg. 20.28)
- Most wickets for South Africa (in SL) – Nicky Boje (25 wickets in 12 innings) (Avg. 43.80)
- Best bowling – Marchant de Lange (7 for 81 at Durban, 2011)
- Best bowling for Sri Lanka – Muttiah Muralitharan (7 for 84 at Galle, 2000)
