South Africa completed the two-match series with a 109-run win in the second Test between South Africa and Sri Lanka at the St. George Park Stadium yesterday.
Left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj took 5-76 as South Africa were bowled out well short of the Sri Lankan bowlers’ final morning target of 348 runs.
With this whitewash, South Africa have now moved ahead of second-placed Australia in the World Test Championship points table. With two home Tests against Pakistan scheduled, they will have a shot at glory at Lord’s in 2025.
With this defeat, the Sri Lankan team’s hopes of the first two places were disappointed, but they are still in the race to win the title at Lord’s Stadium from June 11 to 15 next year. Their scoring percentage dropped to 45.45, but they remain in fourth place.
The day started with the match well prepared. On the last day, Sri Lanka needed 143 runs and South Africa got 5 wickets. However, hosts Kusal Mendis (46) and skipper Dhananjaya de Silva (50) bounced back to push the tourists back.
Keshav Maharaj took his 5 wickets as Sri Lanka were bowled out for 238 in 69.1 overs as South Africa completed an emphatic 109-run victory. Sri Lanka were bowled out for 42 in their first innings as South Africa won the first match by 233 runs.
South Africa next host Pakistan in a two-match Test series, aiming for another clean sweep. The series starts from December 26 at Centurion. On the other hand, Sri Lanka is scheduled to hold a two-match Test series against Australia in January next year.
