Twitter Reactions: Keshav Maharaj wraps up Sri Lankan innings, South Africa top of WTC standings momentarily

The run-chase came to an abrupt close on the final day of the Gqeberha Test.

By Rathnam Nayak

View : 57

3 Min Read

Twitter Reactions: Keshav Maharaj wraps up Sri Lankan innings, South Africa top of WTC standings momentarily
info
Twitter Reactions: Keshav Maharaj wraps up Sri Lankan innings, South Africa top of WTC standings momentarily (Photo Source: Jio Cinema)

South Africa clinched a successful series win against Sri Lanka, winning the second Test by a huge margin of 109 runs. Play on the final day did not last long, as the Lankans lost their last five wickets for just 33 runs.

Resuming Day 5 from the overnight score of 205/5, the match was finely poised with skipper, Dhananjaya de Silva, and wicketkeeper-batter, Kusal Mendis, well-set in the middle. However, it was Keshav Maharaj who brought about the first breakthrough of the day. A sharp take by Aiden Markram at first slip meant Mendis had to walk back. Just a few overs later, de Silva perished, a couple of deliveries after registering his half-century.

An ordinary long hop by Maharaj brought about Prabath Jayasuriya's downfall. All Jayasuriya could manage was clobber the ball straight to the skipper, Temba Bavuma at extra-cover. It was in Maharaj's 25th over of the innings that he secured his 11th five-wicket haul in Tests. Two balls later, Lahiru Kumara's dismissal meant South Africa had climbed onto the first position on the World Test Championship, at least for the time being.

For Sri Lanka to qualify for the final of the 2023-25 cycle of the WTC, they would have to bank on a specific set of results, even if they manage to win both their home Tests against Australia next year.

"This game was tighter than the last one; the boys fought hard, but we weren't good enough. The conditions are obviously different to Sri Lanka; the bowling attack they had, they kept asking questions, even the spinners. I think they played better than us. We're getting better [playing in SENA countries], but need to get better in every department. We don't have plans yet [for the home Tests v Australia] but it'll spin [in Galle]," a disappointed Dhananjaya de Silva told during the post-match party.

Here's how X reacted to Day 5 of the second SA-SL Test and the host's series win:

Get every cricket updates! Follow Us:

googletelegraminstagramwhatsappyoutubethreadstwitter

Download Our App

For a better experience: Download the CricTracker app from the IOS and Google Play Store
South Africa vs Sri Lanka 2024South AfricaSri LankaKeshav MaharajDhananjaya de SilvaTemba Bavuma