SA vs SL (1st Test) – Highlights
In this article, we will discuss the thrilling first Test match of Sri Lanka‘s tour of South Africa, held in Durban from November 27-30, 2024. SA delivered a commanding performance, defeating SL by 233 runs to take a 1-0 lead in the series. The match showcased South Africa’s dominance with both bat and ball, highlighted by a sensational bowling effort that dismantled Sri Lanka for just 42 runs in their first innings.
Batting first, South Africa scored 191 in their first innings, with Sri Lanka responding poorly, being bowled out for just 42, courtesy of a devastating bowling display. South Africa seized control in their second innings, declaring at 366/5 and leaving Sri Lanka with a massive 516-run chase. Despite a valiant 282 in their chase, Sri Lanka fell short, with South Africa clinching a dominant win to take a 1-0 lead in the series.
South Africa’s first innings in the Durban Test was a challenging one as they were bowled out for 191 in 49.4 overs. The Sri Lankan bowlers maintained a disciplined and incisive approach, keeping the South African batters under constant pressure.
The innings started poorly for the hosts, with both openers, Aiden Markram (9) and Tony de Zorzi (4), dismissed early by Asitha Fernando and Vishwa Fernando, leaving the team at 14/2. Tristan Stubbs (16) attempted to stabilize the innings but fell to Lahiru Kumara. Captain Temba Bavuma fought valiantly, scoring a composed 70 off 117 balls, which included 9 boundaries and a six. However, he lacked consistent support from the middle order.
David Bedingham (4) and Kyle Verreynne (9) were unable to make significant contributions, while Marco Jansen added a brief 13 runs before being trapped by Prabath Jayasuriya. Lower-order batter Keshav Maharaj played a quick cameo of 24 runs off 35 balls, including 3 fours and a six, but the team failed to build any partnerships of substance. Kagiso Rabada’s 15 runs at the end brought the total to 191 before he was dismissed as the last wicket.
With Lahiru Kumara spearheading the attack and taking 3/70 in his 12 overs, the Sri Lankan bowlers were outstanding. Excellent support was given by Asitha Fernando (3/44) and Vishwa Fernando (2/35) while Prabath Jayasuriya (2/24) made good most of the circumstances. Together, they limited South Africa to a manageable total, paving the way for a thrilling match.
SL was swept out for just 42 runs in 13.5 overs during their disastrous opening innings of the Durban Test. Marco Jansen commanded South Africa’s pace attack, which relentlessly and precisely destroyed Sri Lanka’s batting order.
The innings started poorly, with Pathum Nissanka (3) and Dimuth Karunaratne (2) departing early to Marco Jansen and Kagiso Rabada, respectively. The situation worsened as Dinesh Chandimal departed for a duck and Angelo Mathews managed just a single run before falling. Kamindu Mendis offered brief resistance with 13 runs but found no support from the middle and lower order.
Captain Dhananjaya de Silva (7) and Kusal Mendis (0) could not stabilize the innings, while the tail folded quickly. Lahiru Kumara’s unbeaten 10 off 5 balls was the only glimmer of positivity in an otherwise dismal performance.
Marco Jansen was the standout performer, claiming a stunning 7/13 in 6.5 overs, tearing through the batting lineup. Gerald Coetzee impressed with 2/18, and Kagiso Rabada added to the effort with a tidy 1/10. The Sri Lankan batting unit was unable to handle the pace and swing, giving South Africa a significant first-innings lead.
After losing Tony de Zorzi (17) and Wiaan Mulder (15) early, Aiden Markram contributed a steady 47 runs before being bowled by Vishwa Fernando. Stubbs played a patient yet authoritative knock of 122 off 221 balls, featuring nine boundaries and two sixes, while Bavuma’s composed 113 off 228 balls highlighted his resilience and leadership. The duo added a massive 249-run partnership, firmly placing South Africa in control.
Sri Lankan bowlers struggled, with Prabath Jayasuriya (2/132) and Vishwa Fernando (2/64) managing occasional breakthroughs. However, the Proteas’ strong batting performance left Sri Lanka with a daunting task.
Chasing 516 runs, Sri Lanka fought bravely but succumbed to South Africa’s disciplined bowling attack, getting bowled out for 282. Despite the top order’s struggles, Dinesh Chandimal (83) led a valiant fightback with a patient innings, supported by Captain Dhananjaya de Silva (59) and Kusal Mendis (48).
Sri Lanka’s chase began poorly, with both openers, Pathum Nissanka (23) and Dimuth Karunaratne (4), falling cheaply. Angelo Mathews (25) and Kamindu Mendis (10) offered little resistance, and the team slumped to 101/5. Chandimal and de Silva then stitched together a 95-run partnership, offering a glimmer of hope. However, once de Silva departed, the lower order folded quickly.
Marco Jansen was the star of the bowling attack, taking 4/73 and dominating with his pace and bounce. Kagiso Rabada (2/65), Gerald Coetzee (2/67), and Keshav Maharaj (2/67) provided excellent support, ensuring a comprehensive South African victory.
South Africa vs Sri Lanka Scoreboard
South Africa – 191 & 366/5d
Sri Lanka – 42 & 282
Result – South Africa won by 233 runs
Player of the Match – Marco Jansen
SA vs SL Playing Eleven
South Africa
Aiden Markram, Tony de Zorzi, Tristan Stubbs, Temba Bavuma(C), David Bedingham, Kyle Verreynne(WK), Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Gerald Coetzee, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada
Sri Lanka
Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Dinesh Chandimal, Angelo Mathews, Kamindu Mendis, Dhananjaya de Silva(C), Kusal Mendis(WK), Prabath Jayasuriya, Vishwa Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Asitha Fernando