Marc Jansen’s extraordinary bowling performance, claiming 7-13, spearheaded South Africa’s dominance as Sri Lanka were bowled out for a record-low 42 on the second day of the first Test at Kingsmead, Durban. The Sri Lankan side, chasing 191 in response to South Africa’s first innings score, collapsed in just 13.5 overs. Jansen’s stunning spell was backed by Gerald Coetzee (2-18) and Kagiso Rabada (1-10), with the home side benefitting from a seam-friendly pitch. Sri Lanka’s batting collapse, which saw five players dismissed without scoring, was marked by poor shot selection and a lack of resilience, with Kamindu Mendes top-scoring with just 13 runs.
This total of 42 is the tied-ninth lowest innings score in Test history and the lowest ever at Durban, surpassing Bangladesh’s 53 in March 2022. In contrast, South Africa’s first innings had seen captain Temba Bavuma top-scoring with 70 runs, overcoming early struggles and contributing crucial runs in a resilient knock. Despite a challenging pitch and persistent bowling from Sri Lanka, Bavuma’s efforts helped guide the hosts to 191, although South Africa lost quick wickets on the second day.
South Africa’s bowlers, particularly Jansen, capitalized on the favorable conditions, and with Sri Lanka trailing by 149 runs, the Test is firmly in the home side’s control. The two teams are also eyeing a spot in next year’s World Test Championship final at Lord’s, making the series even more significant.
