What started as a clumsy outing for Temba Bavuma’s South Africa in the Durban Test against Sri Lanka quickly turned into a spectacle of dominance, thanks to the bowling heroics of Marco Jansen. After the Proteas were bowled out for a modest 191 on Day 1, Sri Lanka’s reply saw an unimaginable collapse on Day 2. Their batting line-up crumbled for just 42 runs, marking their lowest Test score since 1994.
Marco Jansen emerged as the wrecker-in-chief, claiming career-best figures of 7/13 in just 6.5 overs. His fiery spell devastated the Sri Lankan batting order, as South Africa bundled out their opponents in a mere 13.5 overs. This feat was achieved in just 83 balls, the second-lowest number of deliveries ever required to dismiss a team in Test cricket. The record remains with England, who bowled out South Africa in just 75 balls back in 1924.
Jansen was ably supported by Gerald Coetzee (2/18) and Kagiso Rabada (1/10), whose precision and pace left Sri Lanka reeling. Kamindu Mendis (13) was the only batter who offered any semblance of resistance, while Lahiru Kumara’s unbeaten 10 off 5 balls was the only other double-digit score. Shockingly, five Sri Lankan batters fell for ducks, breaking their previous lowest Test total of 71, scored against Pakistan in 1994.
South Africa’s bowling brilliance gave them a commanding advantage, and their batters capitalized on the momentum in their second innings. Openers Tony de Zorzi and Aiden Markram took charge, swiftly pushing the Proteas into a lead within 10 overs. De Zorzi contributed 17 before being dismissed, while Markram anchored the innings with a gritty 47. Although Wiaan Mulder’s brief cameo ended at 15, the Proteas had already stretched their lead to a formidable 281 runs.
At stumps on Day 2, South Africa stood firmly at 132/3, with Tristan Stubbs and skipper Temba Bavuma at the crease. Both batters looked poised to extend the hosts’ advantage, leaving Sri Lanka staring at an uphill battle to save the match.
The Durban Test now appears to be South Africa’s game to lose, with their bowlers and batters executing a nearly flawless turnaround after a shaky start.
