Keshav Maharaj registered his tenth five-wicket haul, leading South Africa to a commanding 109-run win in the second Test, wrapping up Sri Lanka’s second innings within just 17.1 overs on day five in Gqeberha.
Sri Lanka resumed their chase at 205/5, needing another 143 runs to win, with skipper Dhananjaya de Silva and Kusal Mendis at the crease. However, they managed to add only 16 runs to their overnight score before Mendis was caught at slip off Keshav Maharaj. The ball was close to the ground, but Markram managed to get a couple of fingers under it, dismissing Mendis for 46.
Dhananjaya reached his 19th Test fifty, but he could not hold on as a poor shot resulted in an easy catch to the keeper off Kagiso Rabada. The Sri Lankan tailenders offered little resistance as Maharaj claimed two more scalps to complete his fifer. Marco Jansen wrapped things up by dismissing Lahiru Kumara, bowling out the visitors for 238.
South Africa sealed the series 2-0 and earned crucial 12 points in the World Test Championship cycle, climbing to the top of the table. Dane Paterson was named Player of the Match, while skipper Temba Bavuma, in sublime form throughout the series, was adjudged Player of the Series.
