To sweep series Cricket-South Africa overpower Sri Lanka
Keshav Maharaj’s outstanding five-wicket haul led South Africa to a 109-run victory over Sri Lanka in the second Test at St George’s Park, completing a 2-0 series sweep. Maharaj finished with impressive figures of 5-76 as South Africa bowled Sri Lanka out for 238, dismissing the visitors in just 70 minutes on the final day.
The match began with Sri Lanka resuming at 205-5, needing 143 runs for victory. However, their hopes quickly faded as Maharaj and the South African bowlers dismantled their batting lineup. The breakthrough came after just seven overs when KusalMendis, who scored 46, was caught by Aiden Markram off Maharaj’s bowling, ending a crucial 97-run partnership with captain Dhananjaya de Silva.
De Silva managed to score 50 before edging a delivery from KagisoRabada to depart. With the tail exposed, Maharaj capitalized by taking two more wickets, while Marco Jansen sealed the match by dismissing Lahiru Kumara with his first delivery of the day.
This victory not only secured South Africa’s series win but also propelled them to the top of the World Test Championship standings, enhancing their chances of reaching the final in June 2024. They will face Pakistan in their next two fixtures, putting them in a strong position to control their destiny in the championship.