Lanka become first Asian nation to win Test-series in SA
Sri Lanka scripted one of their biggest Test series victories away from home in the history of the game. The visitors thrashed South Africa by eight wickets to win the second Test on Saturday, as they became the first Asian nation to win a Test series in South Africa. Notably, the Lankans sealed the series 2-0 when they chased down a target of 197.
How did the second Test match pan out?
South Africa managed 222 in the first innings and gained authority after bowling out Lanka for 154. Kagiso Rabada (4/38) was on top gear. SA suffered a batting failure in the second innings and were bundled for 128. Suranga Lakmal was the pick of the bowlers (4/39). Kusal Mendis and Oshada Fernando then hit match-winning fifties to guide Sri Lanka home.
Lanka first Asian team to win Test series in SA
Sri Lanka wrote history in Port Elizabeth. They became the first Asian team to win a Test series in South Africa. The Lankans also managed to end South Africa's run of seven straight home series wins. Lanka came in South Africa after having lost their last three Test series. This is a massive moment for the Asian side as they overcame the Proteas.
Hashim Amla goes past former SA skipper Graeme Smith
Hashim Amla (9,282 runs) went past Graeme Smith (9,253 runs) to become the second highest run-scorer for South Africa in Tests. Amla is only behind legend Jacques Kallis (13,289) in terms of career Test runs. He is also the 14th highest run-scorer in Test cricket. Amla also registered his 13th career duck in Tests. He scored 0 and 32 in Port Elizabeth.
Individual feats recorded by Proteas players
SA skipper Faf du Plessis notched his 19th career Test fifty. He now has 3,608 runs at an average of 42.95. Quinton de Kock, who scored 86 in the first innings, registered his 14th career Test fifty. Kagiso Rabada ended up with five wickets in this Test. He has 176 career Test scalps. Duanne Olivier is now two shy of 50 Test scalps.
Heroes Mendis, Fernando script new feats
Kusal Mendis (84*) struck his ninth career fifty. Mendis (2,639) also went past former Lankan batsman Roshan Mahanama (2,576 runs) in terms of career Test runs. Oshada Fernando slammed his maiden Test fifty (75*). Dhananjaya de Silva picked up five wickets in this Test.
Records galore for Lanka in Port Elizabeth
Fernando and Mendis shared an unbeaten 163-run partnership for the third wicket. This is the third highest partnership for Lanka in fourth innings of a Test match. Sri Lanka also notched their sixth highest chase in Test cricket. It was also their second highest chase in South Africa. They had earlier scripted their best chase (304) in the first Test match against SA.
Sri Lanka join Australia and England
'It isn't easy coming to South Africa and winning 2-0'
"It is a great feeling for us as a team. It isn't easy coming to South Africa and winning 2-0. The guys played really well, they enjoyed themselves a lot and that's why we have created history," said Sri Lankan captain Dimuth Karunaratne.
