MARCO JANSEN’s seven-wicket haul led South Africa to a commanding position as Sri Lanka were bowled out for their lowest Test total of 42 on the second day of the first Test at Kingsmead on Thursday.
The left-arm pacer took 7 for 13, with Sri Lanka dismissed in just 13.5 overs—the second-shortest completed innings in Test cricket history. South Africa had earlier managed a modest first-innings total of 191, securing a lead of 149 runs.
By stumps, South Africa extended their lead to 281 runs, reaching 132 for 3 in their second innings.
Jansen, standing 2.06 metres tall, admitted he initially struggled to control the ball due to strong winds but eventually found his rhythm. "I struggled to get my wrist behind the ball. It felt like I was battling something, but I just tried to make it work," Jansen said.
Kagiso Rabada started Sri Lanka’s collapse, dismissing Dimuth Karunaratne at first slip. Jansen followed up in his second over, removing Pathum Nissanka, which triggered an inspired spell of fast bowling. His pace, bounce, and ability to swing the ball proved lethal, although he also bowled two no-balls.
Reflecting on his performance, Jansen credited his recent conditioning break, saying, "I feel I can go for longer periods of time, concentrating at a high level."
Sri Lanka’s batting collapse
Sri Lanka’s dismal batting overshadowed a strong bowling performance earlier in the day. Their bowlers had dismissed South Africa in an extended morning session, with captain Temba Bavuma top-scoring with 70.
Asitha Fernando and Vishwa Fernando took three and two wickets respectively, while Lahiru Kumara claimed 3 for 70, though his figures did not fully reflect his aggressive bowling. Kumara also forced Wiaan Mulder to retire hurt with a fractured finger, ruling him out of bowling and fielding for the rest of the match.
Mulder returned to bat at number three in South Africa’s second innings, contributing 15 runs.
Sri Lankan spinner Prabath Jayasuriya achieved a milestone, taking his 100th wicket in his 17th Test, the joint second-fastest to the mark. He dismissed Tony de Zorzi for 17.
Commenting on the team’s struggles, Jayasuriya said, "There's been a lot of support from the team and the coaching staff." Despite the batting collapse, he added that the team was determined to fight back.
(With inputs from AFP)
Nigel Farage
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