Sri Lanka [338 & 275/5d] beat South Africa [124 & 290] by 199 runs in the 2nd Test

[giri26]

Overview

Sri Lanka v South Africa
Sinhalese Sports Club, Colombo
2nd Test
Friday, 20 July, 04:30 GMT, 10:00 Local

Their batsmen were so deeply troubled by the Sri Lankan spinners in Galle that the final Test in Colombo, beginning on Friday, 20 July, is as much about the South African batsmen restoring their reputations as it is about the visitors saving the series.

In Galle, South Africa collapsed twice in as many days. They were bundled out for 126 in the first innings – itself largely thanks to Faf du Plessis’s 49 – and then succumbed to their lowest total since readmission when Dilruwan Perera’s 6/32 restricted them to just 73.

Afterwards, du Plessis, the South Africa captain, said, “we’ve only ourselves to blame,”. The batting coach, Dale Benkenstein, said it was all down to South Africa’s mental make-up. “Technically, you have to face the spinning ball and there's a few things that you have to adjust to. But 90% of it is being tough mentally, being used to the ball missing the bat or spinning past the bat.”

With the first Test getting over in three days, South Africa had five full days to prepare for round two. They would, surely, have done all they can in the nets. But as important will be their team combination in Colombo.

In Galle, they opted for an extra bowler, with all of Tabraiz Shamsi, Keshav Maharaj, Vernon Philander, Dale Steyn and Kagiso Rabada taking the field. South Africa’s struggles with the bat, however, might prompt a seventh batsman to be included, which could lead to the exclusion of Philander, who bowled just 11 overs in two innings in Galle.

Sri Lanka, of course, have none of these concerns. Rangana Herath and Perera will once again hope to repeat their feats from the first Test. Lakshan Sandakan, the young left-arm wrist-spinner, will be equally optimistic, while Dimuth Karunaratne, who scored 218 runs over two innings in Galle, will look to cash in once again on his excellent form.

Key players

Dimuth Karunaratne (Sri Lanka): The opener scored 158 and 60 in his two innings at Galle, and was a large reason for Sri Lanka’s 278-run victory. His efforts in the first innings – the second-highest score was just 26 from Dhanushka Gunathilaka – put Sri Lanka on the course for victory, and in similar conditions, he will once again hope to play a crucial role in defying the South African bowlers. The visitors will be desperate for his scalp.

Hashim Amla (South Africa): South Africa badly needed an experienced hand to guide them in Galle, when their batsmen were at times guilty of letting the Sri Lankan spinners play on their minds. Amla, however, managed just 15 and 0 in his two outings. With AB de Villiers no longer an option to bail them out, the visitors will need Amla’s experience more than ever in Colombo.

Conditions

Thunderstorms are expected in Colombo, and the match will certainly be interrupted a few times. As far as the pitch is considered, a typical turning track is expected.

Squads

Sri Lanka: Suranga Lakmal, Akila Dananjaya, Dhananjaya de Silva, Niroshan Dickwella (wk), Danushka Gunathilaka, Rangana Herath, Dimuth Karunaratne, Lahiru Kumara, Angelo Mathews, Kusal Mendis, Dilruwan Perera, Kusal Perera, Kasun Rajitha, Lakshan Sandakan, Roshen Silva

South Africa: Faf du Plessis (c), Hashim Amla, Temba Bavuma, Theunis de Bruyn, Quinton de Kock (wk), Dean Elgar, Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Lungi Ngidi, Vernon Philander, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi, Dale Steyn, Shaun von Berg

 

[giri26]

Sri Lanka have won the Toss and have elected to bat first.

Sri Lanka (Playing XI): Danushka Gunathilaka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Dhananjaya de Silva, Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Roshen Silva, Niroshan Dickwella(w), Dilruwan Perera, Akila Dananjaya, Suranga Lakmal(c), Rangana Herath

South Africa (Playing XI): Dean Elgar, Aiden Markram, Hashim Amla, Temba Bavuma, Faf du Plessis(c), Quinton de Kock(w), Theunis de Bruyn, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Dale Steyn, Lungi Ngidi

 

[giri26]

Sri Lanka have 3 spinners in the X1 and South Africa just one. Rough dry pitch with lots of turn, not sure why SA have gone with Pace heavy attack.

 

[Nikhil_cric]

Sri Lanka have 3 spinners in the X1 and South Africa just one. Rough dry pitch with lots of turn, not sure why SA have gone with Pace heavy attack.

Shamsi just returned from SA i think. Maybe not fresh enough. But i agree 2 spinners would have been ideal considering the pitch.

 

[giri26]

SL off to a good start here 25/0 in 5.4. They have looked largely untroubled.

 

[shah_1]

Expecting another easy win for SL

 

[dauntless]

I don't understand the decision of playing only one spinner of south Africa. Very very poor decision.

 

[Abdullah719]

Maharaj with 30 out of 82 overs and 8 out of 9 wickets

 

[Ozymandiasza]

I don't understand the decision of playing only one spinner of south Africa. Very very poor decision.

You and me both. They knew what was coming...

 

[Buffet]

Too many runs already.

 

[Adijazz1706]

Steyn's average is gonna get to 23 if he keeps playing, if he'd played LOI cricket like Wasim McGrath etc. he'd have retired long ago

 

[Arham_PakFan]

Herath,Dhananjaya and Perera are going to wreak havoc here.

 

[Mamoon]

This is embarrassing for South Africa. They are reaching minnow levels outside South Africa.

 

[Sam99]

This is embarrassing for South Africa. They are reaching minnow levels outside South Africa.

They already did few years ago. Please don't say this is because of ab retiring. He was trundler too in this conditions.

 

[Arham_PakFan]

Herath,Dhananjaya and Perera are going to wreak havoc here.

Like I said.

Dhananjaya with 5 wickets,Perera with 4.South Africa all out for 124.

 

[Arham_PakFan]

They already did few years ago. Please don't say this is because of ab retiring. He was trundler too in this conditions.

Trundler?

 

[Sam99]

Trundler?

In this conditions he is no better than amla or faf.

 

[Mamoon]

They already did few years ago. Please don't say this is because of ab retiring. He was trundler too in this conditions.

Both de Villiers and Amla were superb players of spin in their peak, but their decline has coincided with the fact that they are not producing any young top tier batsmen.

The only thing is preventing them from becoming minnows at home too is their pace battery. Morkel is gone and Steyn and Philander will retire soon, but Rabada and Ngidi will win many games for South Africa at home.

 

[Sam99]

Both de Villiers and Amla were superb players of spin in their peak, but their decline has coincided with the fact that they are not producing any young top tier batsmen.

The only thing is preventing them from becoming minnows at home too is their pace battery. Morkel is gone and Steyn and Philander will retire soon, but Rabada and Ngidi will win many games for South Africa at home.

This actually reminds me of Curtly Ambrose and Courtney Walsh period of west indies. (not for their bowling styles tho)

 

[Arham_PakFan]

In this conditions he is no better than amla or faf.

In cricket trundler generally means to bowl slow/at less pace and bowl badly.

 

[Shafi]

What happened to South Africa? They beat India so easily nor lost to Sri Lanka who got beaten by Bangladesh in their backyard

 

[Mamoon]

This actually reminds me of Curtly Ambrose and Courtney Walsh period of west indies. (not for their bowling styles tho)

They are heading down the path of the West Indies team of the late 90’s, but they don’t have a Lara though.

Nonetheless, they have a much better domestic structure and should eventually form a quality team, but the next 3-4 years are going to be tough.

 

[Mamoon]

What happened to South Africa? They beat India so easily nor lost to Sri Lanka who got beaten by Bangladesh in their backyard

They didn’t beat India easily; they were lucky to win two out of three tosses.

The conditions were extremely tough and chasing in the fourth innings was practically impossible.

It wasn’t a coincidence that South Africa got thrashed as soon as they lost a toss.

 

[Sam99]

In cricket trundler generally means to bowl slow/at less pace and bowl badly.

okay but all i meant to say was as his fans claim south africa is loosing cause of ab devilliers But in these conditions he looked clueless too.

 

[Arham_PakFan]

okay but all i meant to say was as his fans claim south africa is loosing cause of ab devilliers But in these conditions he looked clueless too.

Yes I got your point and I agree that SA would have lost even with De Villiers.

 

[BDfanforever]

Test Cricket is a complete joke. No one cares about, it's always empty seats. SA supposedly 2nd best Test Side getting completely destroyed in an away tours, basically same level as Bangladesh.

No wonder majority of the world don't give a hoot about Cricket.

 

[Sam99]

Elgar and Markram needs to take more responsibility with bat. Decock as usual will be hit or miss player in this format.

 

[Sam99]

Rabada bit expensive. Srilanka getting some easy runs as well.

 

[Sam99]

Test Cricket is a complete joke. No one cares about, it's always empty seats. SA supposedly 2nd best Test Side getting completely destroyed in an away tours, basically same level as Bangladesh.

No wonder majority of the world don't give a hoot about Cricket.

What? Seriously? They won their last series in Aus without key players. Could have won in england as well. Idk how can these people compare such big team with a team which at max are minnow level in test cricket. Please i can't get rid of such comments when you compare one of the worst team in history with one of the best.

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

If South Africa gets whitewashed by Sri Lanka. How many points will Sri Lanka get?

 

[Nikhil_cric]

If South Africa gets whitewashed by Sri Lanka. How many points will Sri Lanka get?

SL gain 6. Saffers lose 6.

 

[Hasan123]

South Africa will have a period of struggle as their main team is made up of a lot of 30 plus players. AB and Morkel gone already, won't be long before Faf,Amla,and Steyn are too. Don't see many young batsmen coming through other than Markham.

This series has been an embarrassing performances by their batsmen. Happy for Sri Lanka, always said at home they will compete and win games. Once their young batsmen have more experience away from home they should be able to compete.

 

[BDfanforever]

What? Seriously? They won their last series in Aus without key players. Could have won in england as well. Idk how can these people compare such big team with a team which at max are minnow level in test cricket. Please i can't get rid of such comments when you compare one of the worst team in history with one of the best.

I am not comparing SA with BD. Where did I say they are same? Yes, Test Cricket is a joke and no one really cares.

As for being best in cricket, there are only like 6 or 7 proper teams that play the game lol. If Brazil, France, Germany, and rest of the world took cricket seriously trust me teams like Sri Lanka, Pakistan, BD their ranking would be pretty similar to how it is in football to give you a reference.

 

[BDfanforever]

What? Seriously? They won their last series in Aus without key players. Could have won in england as well. Idk how can these people compare such big team with a team which at max are minnow level in test cricket. Please i can't get rid of such comments when you compare one of the worst team in history with one of the best.

I am not comparing SA with BD. Where did I say they are same? Yes, Test Cricket is a joke and no one really cares.

BUT on Away tour this series SA is performing like a minnow which is an obvious fact, and most teams do perform like this in Away tours. IND becomes a minnow in SA, SA becomes a minnow in subcontinent, etc. This is precisely why Test Cricket sucks.

As for being best in cricket, there are only like 6 or 7 proper teams that play the game lol. If Brazil, France, Germany, and rest of the world took cricket seriously trust me teams like Sri Lanka, Pakistan, BD their ranking would be pretty similar to how it is in football to give you a reference.

 

[Markhor]

I expect SAF to remain a strong team at home, but away from home, except Australia, they look very vulnerable which has been the trend for nearly all Test teams in the last few years.

 

[hadi123]

THE Standard Bank Proteas were unable to come to terms with Sri Lanka’s spin attack for the third innings in a row as they were bowled cheaply on the second day of the second Test match at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo on Saturday.

The Proteas first innings lasted less than 35 overs as they were bowled out for 124 runs to leave them with a first innings deficit of 214 runs. It meant that they have barely batted 100 overs in their three innings in the series to date and, with Faf du Plessis again making the top score in the first innings of 48 (51 balls, 8 fours and a six), it means they have yet to record a half-century in the series.

The bulk of the damage was done by Akila Dananjaya who took his second five-wicket haul in only his third Test match (5/52) in only 13 overs. He was well supported by Dalruwan Perera (4/40 in 12.5 overs).

The Sri Lankans then rounded off an excellent day by reaching 151/3 in their second innings in 34 overs for an overall lead of 365 with three days still available. Dimuth Karuwaratne continued his excelled form with his fourth successive score of more than 50 to close the day on 59 not out (92 balls, 8 fours).

In the process Sri Lanka posted an opening partnership of 91 to go with their 116 in the first innings.

There were a couple of statistical highlights for the Proteas with Hashim Amla becoming the third South African after Jacques Kallis and Graeme Smith to reach a career aggregate of more than 9 000 Test runs and Keshav Maharaj completing a nine-wicket haul in the first innings and taking his match total to 11 by claiming the first two Sri Lankan wickets in their second innings.

 

[Pete Rose]

Is it really a minefield of a pitch? I am envious of their ability to produce these types of pitches while we have to settle for basically making a cement pitch at home.

 

[The_Odd_One]

The might be the worst performance by SA in their entire test history

 

[Nikhil_cric]

Is it really a minefield of a pitch? I am envious of their ability to produce these types of pitches while we have to settle for basically making a cement pitch at home.

Nothing like the Nagpur pitch that SA got three years ago. It's turning quite a bit but that's to be expected in Lanka. SA batsmen are simply not good enough.

 

[Ab Fan]

SA fast bowlers have struggled big time here. Steyn is done, Philander is exposed, Ngidi is still a newbie and Rabada is lacking support. Batting is worst to say the least.

 

[GLORY OF '92]

Have to say SL look impressive. Fast bowing is improving and in Mendis and Karu are world class.

 

[leatherface58]

Karunaratne is one of those players who are much better than their stats suggest.

 

[Joseph Gomes]

Lol test cricket should be given the axe asap. This is pure cringefest.

 

[MenInG]

Lol test cricket should be given the axe asap. This is pure cringefest.

Just because Sri Lanka are doing well?

 

[Joseph Gomes]

Just because Sri Lanka are doing well?

No, because away teams are getting demolished. We can predict how each series result will go with decent accuracy. Whats the point of teams playing abroad if we know what the result will be?

 

[Arham_PakFan]

Proceedings have resumed after the lunch break.Mathews is on the crease and he has a fifty.Sri Lanka are 455 runs ahead

 

[hadi123]

No, because away teams are getting demolished. We can predict how each series result will go with decent accuracy. Whats the point of teams playing abroad if we know what the result will be?

Yes but Sri Lanka have been struggling in cricket recently and it's good to see them thrashing a team like South Africa.

 

[Cricket_2018]

Amla is overrated.

 

[UN talkz]

15.5 Dilruwan Perera to Elgar, no ball, Elgar's struggles are over. Birthday boy redeems himself after two blips earlier. First a drop and a bowled off a no-ball. No issues whatsoever on this occasion. A below-par series with the bat for the Southpaw and he was scratchy right from the start here. Tossed and spinning away outside off, the batsman gets greedy and throws his bat on the cut. A litte nick and safely caught by the keeper. Oh, wait! A belated enquiry for a no-ball check. Wow, can you believe it? It's again a close call. Is Perera's front foot on the line? Well, comedy of errors. Amla is already made his way to the centre. Now, the signal is out and it's a no-ball. Elgar, who was strolling towards the hut is called back. Jeez! He can book a table at the Casino today after the game. So lucky. I spoke too soon, Perera is having a forgettable birthday. Oh dear!


23.3 Dilruwan Perera to Elgar, out Lbw!! Elgar is pinned in front. But hang on folks. First things first. Let's check for the no-ball says umpire Rod Tucker. Phew, Perera has thankfully got some part of his heel behind the line. So, not a no-ball. Anddd Elgar finally runs out of luck. Third time lucky is Perera. Birthday boy strikes. It was a grubber, just didn't rise after hitting the deck. An under-cutter and it kept going on and on. Creeped under Elgar's bat - he was backing away and is pinned low on the pads. Dead in front of middle and he was a plumbahh. Elgar lbw b Dilruwan Perera 37(80) [4s-4]

Lol he is out finally

Elgar was having some fun there

 

[Abdullah719]

THEUNIS DE BRUYN grabbed the opportunity to fill the key No. 3 batting position on his sub-continent debut to keep the Standard Bank Proteas alive on the fourth day of the second Test match against Sri Lanka at Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo on Sunday.

His unbeaten 45 off 97 balls (7 fours) held the Proteas second innings together as they reached the close on 139/5 in pursuit of an improbable victory target of 490 to square the series. He still has Temba Bavuma for company with Quinton de Kock to follow so hopefully they will follow De Bruyn’s lead in taking some batting pride out of the series.

De Bruyn’s Test figures do not make for brilliant reading, but he has spent most of his short career filling in as a replacement for non-available players or plugging a hole when he was selected to open the batting on his debut Test match in New Zealand.

He does have a record in domestic cricket and for South Africa A in being able to bat long periods which is a prime requirement for batting on the sub-continent. He has also always been temperamentally strong.

The fact that he was given the No. 3 spot with Hashim Amla filling the AB hole at No. 4 must also be seen as significant and suggests that he will finally get an extended run in the home series against Pakistan and Sri Lanka. At the age of 25 he is certainly one of the young South Africans to take the Proteas batting forward.

Sri Lanka only lost 5 wickets in their second innings before making the declaration, but it nevertheless gave Keshav Maharaj the opportunity to take a further wicket and become the seventh South African to take 12 or more wickets in a Test match and the third spinner to do this after Hugh Tayfield and Bert Vogler.

 

[dauntless]

I m really really disappointed with south Africa's effort in this series. Expected more fight from them. Well played srilanka though.Hopefully they win odi series now.

 

[Joseph Gomes]

Yes but Sri Lanka have been struggling in cricket recently and it's good to see them thrashing a team like South Africa.

Sri Lanka hasn't remotely struggled in tests. Only team that demolished them is India. SL has as good as any top side at home and average away in tests since 2010.

Fact is, all teams get demolished outside home conditions in tests. This format has no future.

 

[BDfanforever]

Sri Lanka hasn't remotely struggled in tests. Only team that demolished them is India. SL has as good as any top side at home and average away in tests since 2010.

Fact is, all teams get demolished outside home conditions in tests. This format has no future.

Spot on. Useless ancient format which has no future. Nowadays players can just stick to playing T20 and earn more money which led to retirement of many players early.

ODI is the only real format for Cricket.

 

[giri26]

SA are now 158/5 in 48 overs. Bot the overnight batsmen still at the crease. They still require 332 runs to win the game and the hosts just 5 more wickets.

 

[AssassinatedDevil]

DE BRUYN PUTS DOWN MARKER WITH MAIDEN TEST CENTURY

THEUNIS DE BRUYN put down his marker for an extended run in the Standard Bank Proteas Test team with his maiden Test century on the fourth and final day of the second Test match against Sri Lanka at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo on Monday.

He was unable to prevent Sri Lanka from clinching the inevitable win by 199 runs and a 2-0 series victory but both he and Temba Bavuma will have gone a long way to restore credibility for South Africa’s ability to make runs on the sub-continent.

De Bruyn was eventually bowled, not offering a stroke, by Rangana Herath for 101 (232 balls, 12 fours) to be eighth man out by which time the game was beyond saving but his fourth innings century will go down alongside other notable fourth innings centuries for the Proteas.

These include Jonty Rhodes unbeaten century in the first ever Test match between the Proteas and Sri Lanka at Morutuwa in 1993, Jacques Kallis’ maiden Test century at Melbourne in 1997, Faf du Plessis’ match saving century at Adelaide in 2012, the centuries made by Graeme Smith and AB de Villiers in chasing down 414 for victory at Perth in 2008 and the centuries by De Villiers and Du Plessis that nearly brought about a record runs chase against India at the Bidvest Wanderers Stadium in 2013.

But, taking into account the struggle that foreign batsmen have on the sub-continent, De Bruyn’s innings has a special status.

De Bruyn and Bavuma both displayed excellent technique with their footwork and decisive use of the bat that largely took the bat/pad catch and lbw out of the equation.

This was De Bruyn’s debut Test match on the sub-continent while it was only Bavuma’s fifth, one of which was a virtual wash-out in Bangladesh, and they can both take a lot out of their performances looking ahead to the next visit to India.

Bavuma contributed the majority share (63 off 98 balls, 4 fours) to a partnership of 123 that was only six short of South Africa’s sixth wicket partnership record against Sri Lanka.

Together they were responsible for the Proteas having easily their best batting session of the series with 109 runs being scored for the loss of 2 wickets in the morning session. The result was that the Proteas were able to make their highest fourth innings total ever on the sub-continent of 290.

The Proteas now have a few days to regroup ahead of the start of the five-match ODI Series in Dambulla on Sunday.

Sri Lanka opening batsman Dimuth Karunaratne was the obvious choice as both Man of the Match and Man of the Series as his consistent batting in both matches as his 356 runs at an average of 118 was an essential difference between the two sides.

Only four other batsmen – two on each side – scored more than 100 runs in the series while Dilruwan Perera and Keshav Maharaj finished joint leading wicket takers with 16 each.

 

[hadi123]

Happy for Sri Lanka.

 

[Deewana Mastana]

Saffers have been thumped.

 

[Hasan123]

Happy for Sri Lanka. At home they will be very difficult to beat. If they produce these types of surfaces against the Poms, they should beat them as well.

 

[leatherface58]

Happy for Sri Lanka. At home they will be very difficult to beat. If they produce these types of surfaces against the Poms, they should beat them as well.

The pitch was okay. South Africa are simply incapable of playing spin apart from a couple of the players.