• Marco Jansen’s breathtaking bowling helped South Africa dominate Sri Lanka on Day 2 of the first Test.

  • Jansen went on to take 7 wickets while conceding only 13 runs in the first innings.

Twitter reactions: Marco Jansen wreaks havoc as South Africa dominate Sri Lanka on Day 2 of Durban Test
Marco Jansen shines in SA vs SL Durban Test (Image Source: X)

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Day 2 at Kingsmead in Durban turned into a nightmare for Sri Lanka as they crumbled to their lowest-ever Test total of 42, thanks to Marco Jansen’s breathtaking 7/13. South Africa capitalized on the big first-innings lead of 149 and finished the day at 132/3, stretching their overall advantage to 281 runs.

Marco Jansen’s spell decimates Sri Lanka

In a span of just 83 balls, Sri Lanka’s batting order collapsed under relentless pressure from South Africa’s seamers. Kagiso Rabada set the tone by dismissing Dimuth Karunaratne early, and Jansen took over with an unplayable spell that exposed the visitors’ fragility against pace and movement.

Jansen removed Pathum Nissanka and Dinesh Chandimal with deliveries that seamed sharply, while Angelo Mathews and Dhananjaya de Silva fell trying to counterattack. Gerald Coetzee chipped in with two wickets as Sri Lanka folded without offering resistance.

The 42-run total highlighted Sri Lanka’s struggles on a challenging pitch, with Jansen’s spell becoming one of the best ever by a South African pacer at home.

Temba Bavuma steers South Africa to a respectable total

Earlier, South Africa resumed their innings at 85/6, having struggled against Sri Lanka’s disciplined bowling. Temba Bavuma led the recovery with a determined knock of 70, holding the innings together while wickets continued to fall at the other end.

Jansen and Keshav Maharaj offered brief partnerships, but Sri Lanka’s bowlers, particularly Prabath Jayasuriya, remained relentless. Jayasuriya’s accurate spin accounted for crucial breakthroughs, while Lahiru Kumara and Vishwa Fernando exploited the conditions effectively to share six wickets between them.

Despite losing their last four wickets for just 32 runs, South Africa’s 191 proved to be a substantial score given the pitch’s challenges.

Also READ: SA vs SL 2024: Fans in shock as Marco Jansen demolishes Sri Lanka for their lowest-ever total on Day 2 of Durban Test

Strong second innings start for the hosts

With a healthy lead, South Africa began their second innings confidently. Aiden Markram played fluently for his 47, and his partnership with Tony de Zorzi provided stability upfront. However, Sri Lanka struck back, with Jayasuriya and Fernando picking up quick wickets to keep the hosts in check.

By the close of play, Bavuma (24*) and Tristan Stubbs (14*) had steadied the ship, ensuring South Africa maintained control heading into Day 3.

Here is how fans reacted:

Also WATCH: Temba Bavuma’s flying six off Lahiru Kumara on Day 2 of the Durban Test

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AKSHAT GAUR
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