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South Africa’s emphatic performance in the second Test against Sri Lanka at St George’s Park, Gqeberha, has sent waves of excitement through the cricketing community. With an all-around dominant display, highlighted by Keshav Maharaj’s sensational five-wicket haul, the Proteas secured a 109-run victory, 🦩sealing the two-match series 2-0.
Proteas dominate with bat and ball
As Day 5 of the second Test began, Sri Lanka found themselves at 205/5, needing 148 runs to claim an unlikely victory. With🤪 five wickets in hand and plenty of time left, hopes were alive for both teams. However, South Africa’s disciplined bowling unit🍸, especially by spinner Maharaj, ensured that Sri Lanka’s chase crumbled.
The victory in Gqeberha was a culmination of South Africa’s stellar performances across both innings. This triumph catapulted the Proteas to the top of the ICC World Test Championship standings, showcasing the🐭ir intent and form ahead of c꧑rucial fixtures.
SA vs SL 2024, 2nd Test: Key Highlights
- Twin centuries in South Africa’s first innings: The Test started with South Africa’s batsmen setting the tone. Ryan Rickelton’s composed century and Kyle Verreynne’s fluent knock built a solid foundation. Captain Temba Bavuma’s half-century added the finishing touches, helping the Proteas post a formidable 358.
- Sri Lanka’s fightback in their first innings: Sri Lanka responded with a spirited effort, scoring 328. Pathum Nissanka led the charge, but Dane Paterson’s fiery spell, culminating in a remarkable five-wicket haul, ensured South Africa retained a slim 30-run lead.
- South Africa’s second innings masterclass: With a lead in hand, the Proteas piled on 317 runs in their second innings. Bavuma once again showcased his class with a half-century, while Prabhath Jayasuriya’s impressive five-wicket haul for Sri Lanka could not prevent South Africa from setting a daunting 348-run target.
- Sri Lanka’s collapse and Maharaj’s magic: Chasing 348, Sri Lanka faltered under pressure, managing only 238. Maharaj’s exceptional spin bowling tore through their batting lineup, with his five-wicket haul leaving no room for a comeback. The 109-run victory almost crushed Sri Lanka’s World Test Championship dreams.
ALSO WATCH: Kyle Verreynne’s stuꦅnning catch sends Kamindu Mendis packing on Day�� 4 of the second Test | SA vs SL
Key Performers of the Match
- Player of the Match: Paterson’s bowling contribution with seven wickets across both innings was pivotal in South Africa’s victory. His ability to extract movement and consistently trouble batters proved decisive.
- Player of the Series: Bavuma’s exceptional form throughout the series was a major highlight. Scoring 327 runs at an outstanding average of 81.75, he led from the front, cementing his position as a key figure in South African cricket.
Here is how twitter reacted:
South Africa win the Test series 2️⃣-0️⃣ 🙌🏏
— betvisa69.com (@CricketTimesHQ)
THE GREATEST SOUTH AFRICAN SPINNER – KESHAV MAHARAJ 🙇
– Five wicket haul when WTC final on line.
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns)
Hassshhh. Congratulations on series win & getting a🐬 step closer to that WTC Final.
This series was 💙tightly fought one, which wasn’t expected.
But, Proteas pl𒁏eas, reach the WTC Final & please, plea💧se win it now 🙏🏻
— StrangelyAmusing (@Weirdgripping84)
CAPTAIN TEMBA BA🔯VUMA WON PLAYER OF THE SERIES AWARD🏅
• Temba Bavuma A൩gainst Sri Lanka In This Test Series :-
– 66(166) And 78(109) In First Test
– 113(228) And 70(117) In 2nd Test
– Most Runs – 327
– Fiftys – 3
– Average – 81.75
– Hundreds – 1
– Most 4s & 6s – 29/1&md🍌ash; 𝐈 𝐒how 𝐂ricket 🏏��🇳 (@ImG🤡ajananJoshi)
KESHAV MAHARAJ – THE HERO. 🙇♂️
– 2/65 & 5/76 in the Gqeberha Test match for Proteas Vs Sri Lanka. A classical performance by Maharaj. 👌
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra)
11th five-wicket haul for Keshav Maharaj 🥶
He's so underrated 🫡
— ` (@rahulmsd_91)
Most 5-fers for South Africa in the 4th innings
5 – Dale Steyn
4 – Hugh Tayfield
4 – Vernon Philander
4 – Kagiso Rabada
4 – Keshav Maharaj*— Shashikant Singh (@shashi_CB)
South Africa is known to assist pacers, but Keshav Maharaj's 5/76 in the second innings is a reminder of his skill. One of the most underrated cricketers in recent times!
— Hritik Bali (@hritik_bali)
South Africa wins against Sri Lanka and becom🐽es the NUMBER 1 ranked team in the WTC points t﷽able!
— Hritik Bali (@hritik_bali)
1️⃣1️⃣th Test fifer for Keshav Maharaj 🙌
— betvisa69.com (@CricketTimesHQ)
