On this day in 2021: South Africa register a clean sweep against Sri Lanka
Dominating the proceedings and blowing the trumpet of one’s dominance in the longest format of the game is more often than not a special moment. Last year on this very day, South Africa won the second Test against Sri Lanka to clinch the series and sweep the opposition.
South Africa seal a comfortable victory in the 2nd Test
The Proteas pacers starred in the match with their performances. After having won the toss, Sri Lanka opted to bat first at the New Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg. Anrich Nortje ran through the opposition’s batting unit as the visitors were wrapped up at 157 runs in their first innings.
South Africa won the 2nd Test by 10 wickets and seal the series 2-0!
🇱🇰 Sri Lanka – 157 & 211
🇿🇦 South Africa 302 & 67/0 #SAvSL pic.twitter.com/vUmFHUC9wO— Sri Lanka Cricket 🇱🇰 (@OfficialSLC) January 5, 2021
The powerful knocks from Dean Elgar, who hit a belligerent century, and Rassie van der Dussen, who added 67 runs to the team’s account, put South Africa in the driver’s seat. Vishwa Fernando was the pick of the bowlers for Sri Lanka as he registered a five-wicket haul.
The hosts had a lead of 145 runs, and a clinical bowling display from them helped them to bundle up the visitors at 211. Skipper Dimuth Karunaratne scored his first century in South Africa but did not receive much help from other batters to put a strong lead for the hosts. Lungi Ngidi clinched four wickets and was excellent in the third session on day two. Whereas Lutho Sipamla struck with three wickets.
Heading into their second innings, South Africa only had 67 runs to chase and secure victory. Aiden Markram (36) and Dean Elgar (31) sailed the team past the total. South Africa had previously won by an innings and 45 runs in the first Test and with yet another victory, the hosts completely outplayed Sri Lanka.
However, a slight positive for the visitors was that they made South Africa bat twice for the first time in three matches at the Wanderers. Also, their second innings score of 211 was their highest total at this venue.
