South Africa came out on top of a record-breaking day at Hollywoodbets Kingsmead against Sri Lanka in Durban, where a remarkable 19 wickets fell in three remarkable sessions.
In a remarkable display, Marco Jansen claimed career-best Test figures of 7/13 as South Africa bowled Sri Lanka out for a mere 42 runs in just 13.5 overs on the second day of the first Test at Hollywoodbets Kingsmead, Durban. This total marked the lowest Test score against South Africa. Jansen’s spell was the highlight of a Sri Lankan innings characterised not only by excellent bowling but also poor batting technique.
Many Sri Lankan batters flashed outside the off-stump, seemingly ignoring the lessons of their batting consultant, Neil McKenzie. Jansen’s seven-wicket haul came off just 41 balls, matching the fewest number of deliveries required to take seven wickets in Test history. His effort came after a relatively modest first innings from South Africa, who posted 191 runs.
Sri Lanka’s response began poorly with Dimuth Karunaratne edging the third delivery of the innings to first slip, where David Bedingham took a fine low catch. This was just the beginning, as Jansen quickly made his mark, dismissing Pathum Nissanka and Dinesh Chandimal, the latter through a stunning delivery that uprooted his stumps.
As the innings progressed, Sri Lanka’s batting woes continued, with several players edging to Bedingham or failing to handle Jansen and Gerald Coetzee’s pace. Kamindu Mendis, despite hitting three fours, was caught out, and Angelo Mathews was dismissed after flashing outside off-stump. Coetzee then trapped Kusal Mendis leg before, and Jansen wrapped up the tail with three more wickets, including the final one, Asitha Fernando, who holed out to Jansen himself.
Sri Lanka’s total of 42 runs was the second shortest innings in Test history, with South Africa previously having recorded the first and third shortest innings against England in the past century. The entire Sri Lankan innings lasted just 78 minutes, adding to the drama of an unforgettable day.
The Proteas, in their second innings, were 132/3 at stumps, a handy and growing lead of 281 runs. Tony de Zorzi was dismissed for 17 (32 deliveries), Aiden Markram went back to the hut for 47 (81 deliveries), and Wiaan Mulder went out for 15 of 31 balls. Tristan Stubbs (17*) and Temba Bavuma (24*) were still out on the crease when the umpires called play.
