Proteas thrash Lankans to move to WTC summit

December 9, 2024 28

Keshav Maharaj of South Africa celebrates wicket with team players during the International Test Series 2024/25 2nd Test Day 5 match between South Africa and Sri Lanka at Dafabets St George’s Park in Gqebherha on 9 December 2024 ©Nokwanda Zondi/BackpagePix

The Proteas sealed a 2-0 whitewash victory against Sri Lanka after a closely contested win in Gqeberha, in the Eastern Cape.

Keshav Maharaj and Kagiso Rabada were the chief destroyers as the hosts powered to a 109-run victory.

🟢🟡Match Result

It’s done, the battle has concluded!👏

🇿🇦South Africa win by 109 runs down in Gqeberha.

The Proteas take the Test Series 2-0, as the win takes us top of the WTC rankings table!🏏🌍😏#WozaNawe #BePartOfIt #SAvSL pic.twitter.com/Le98NywRrj

— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) December 9, 2024

An anticlimactic finish unfolded as Sri Lanka’s lower order crumbled to the dominance of South Africa’s bowling attack in the first session.

South Africa on 🔝

The Proteas displace Australia at the summit of the #WTC25 standings after #SAvSL series sweep 👊

Latest state of play 👉 https://t.co/1TUUJ5ThVs pic.twitter.com/bXizReyaAu

— ICC (@ICC) December 9, 2024

The last two recognisable batters were dismissed early by Maharaj and Rabada. With the lower order now exposed and over 100 runs still to chase, Maharaj quickly added the wickets of Prabath Jayasuriya and Vishwa Fernando to complete his five-wicket haul. Marco Jansen then wrapped up the innings, dismissing Lahiru Kumara with his first delivery of the day

With this victory, South Africa climbed to the top of the ICC World Test Championship Standings with a point percentage of 63.33.

Sri Lanka entered this match with a point to prove, especially after a crushing 233-run defeat in the first Test in Durban, where they were bowled out for a record low of 42 in the first innings. After winning the toss, South Africa opted to bat first but found themselves in early trouble before captain, Temba Bavuma, and Ryan Rickelton steadied the ship with a vital 133-run partnership.

Ryan Rickelton reached a well-deserved century but was dismissed shortly afterwards as South Africa finished Day 1 at 269/7.

Sri Lanka showed resilience with the bat and ended Day 2 at 242/3, led by Pathum Nissanka’s gritty 89.

On Day 3, Sri Lanka started strongly, but their momentum was halted when Dane Paterson struck with the new ball, claiming his maiden five-for to bowl out Sri Lanka for 328.

Unfortunately for Sri Lanka, they were dismissed early on the final day of the Test match. Mendis was caught for 46, edging a delivery from Maharaj that was brilliantly taken by Aiden Markram.

Written by: Ntsako Mukhari

Rate it