South Africa registered an emphatic 233-run win against Sri Lanka in the first Test match in Durban on Saturday (30), climbing three spots to second place in the ICC World Test Championship 2023-25 standings.
Resuming their second innings at 103/5, Sri Lanka faced a daunting target of 413 runs with only five wickets in hand. Despite a depleted South African bowling attack due to all-rounder Wiaan Mulder’s injury, Sri Lanka’s batters showed resilience.
Dinesh Chandimal (83) and captain Dhananjaya de Silva (59) shared a crucial 95-run partnership for the sixth wicket. Kusal Mendis contributed 48 runs down the order, but their efforts were insufficient as the team was bowled out for 282 midway through the afternoon session.
South Africa’s dominance was fueled by stellar performances from captain Temba Bavuma and Tristan Stubbs, who scored centuries in the second innings. Marco Jansen was a standout with career-best match figures of 11/86, marking his first 10-wicket haul in first-class cricket.
The second and final Test of the series will begin in Gqeberha on Thursday (Dec. 05), as the Proteas aim to secure a series victory.
