Durban: Sri Lanka suffered a significant defeat against South Africa, losing by 232 runs in a Test match that saw the visitors struggling to overcome a substantial deficit on the fourth day at Kingsmead, Durban. Despite the efforts of Dinesh Chandimal, who scored 83, Captain Dhananjaya de Silva with 59, and Kusal Mendis contributing 48, Sri Lanka was unable to withstand South Africa’s dominance.

According to Sri Lanka Cricket, Chandimal and Dhananjaya initiated a promising partnership, adding 95 runs for the sixth wicket. This partnership included a series of nine boundaries and a six from Dhananjaya, while Chandimal demonstrated resilience with 12 boundary hits. However, the partnership’s momentum was halted when Dhananjaya mistimed a shot, leading to his dismissal by bowler Gerald Coetzee, leaving Sri Lanka at 196.

Kusal Mendis attempted to revive the innings with a vigorous 48 off 77 balls, including nine boundaries. Yet, his dismissal by Marco Jansen marked the beginning of the end for Sri Lanka as Sout
h Africa efficiently wrapped up the tail. Jansen’s impressive second-innings figures of 4 for 73 earned him the Player of the Match accolade, following his 11-wicket haul in the match.

South Africa’s victory saw them scoring 191 in their first innings, led by Bavuma’s 70, while Asitha and Kumara took three wickets each for Sri Lanka. In their second innings, South Africa declared at 366 for 5, with significant contributions from Stubbs, who scored 122, and Bavuma with 113. Sri Lanka, having been bowled out for a mere 42 in their first innings, managed 282 in their second innings but fell short by 233 runs.