Sri Lanka creates history in South Africa

Sri Lanka became the first team from Asia to win a Test series in South Africa as they chased down 197 to win the second Test in Port Elizabeth.

Oshada Fernando and Kusal Mendis struck unbeaten half-centuries as the tourists completed an eight-wicket victory. Sri Lanka join England and Australia as the only teams to win a Test series in South Africa.

Before the two-Test series the Sri Lankans had not won a game in any format since October 2018. Sri Lanka’s victory in the first Test came in thrilling style after they chased 304 to claim a one-wicket win in Durban, with Kusal Perera hitting an unbeaten 153 to guide the tourists to victory after they had been 229-9.

They outplayed South Africa in the second Test at St George’s Park, bowling the hosts out for 128 in their second innings yesterday.

Sri Lanka resumed on day three at 60/2 and Mendis reached 84 while Fernando contributed 75 in an unbeaten stand of 163 for the third wicket in their successful chase. Sri Lanka have won two of their last six Test series, both against South Africa whose run of seven consecutive home Test series wins came to an end.

Kusal Mendis was awarded the Man-of-the-Match award for his 84 runs in the 2nd Test, while Kusal Perera was awarded the Man-of-the-Series award for his heroics in the 1st Test at Durban.

Courtesy : Newsradio