Twitter Reactions: Herath's six-for hands South Africa another shambolic defeat against Sri Lanka

Theunis de Bruyn's second Test century went in vain.

By Sabyasachi Chowdhury

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Sri Lankan team
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Sri Lankan team. (Photo Source: Twitter)

After a thumping defeat at the Galle International Stadium, skipper Faf du Plessis and the South African team would’ve wished to make a strong statement in the second Test against Sri Lanka at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo. However, that wasn’t the case and yet again they slumped to another humiliating defeat by 199 runs. Moreover, the Proteas also lost the two-match Test series 2-0.

Keshav Maharaj played a major role in the first innings with a nine-wicket-haul and was one of the major reasons why the African nation restricted the home team to 338 runs. Nevertheless, du Plessis’ men couldn’t capitalise on the impressive performance and were bowled out for a paltry 124 runs. Most importantly they handed the Lankans a lead of 214 runs to surrender any advantage they garnered earlier.

The hosts, courtesy of half-centuries from Danushka Gunathilaka and Dimuth Karunaratne, put 275 runs and then declared the innings. Subsequently, they set a daunting target of 490 runs for South Africa to track down. On a strip which assisted the spinners, the task wasn’t expected to be a cakewalk for the visitors by any means. After the early loss of Aiden Markram, Dean Elgar and Theunis de Bruyn buckled down.

Herath wrecks havoc

They put on 57 runs after which Rangana Herath trapped Elgar. Amla’s poor run of form continued as he could only score six runs. Du Plessis and Keshav Maharaj perished in no time and the Proteas were reduced to 113/5 in 35.2 overs. Temba Bavuma joined de Bruyn in the middle and the duo cobbled together a gutsy partnership of 123 runs from 27.5 overs.

Just when it seemed that the stand was giving Sri Lanka a run for their money, Herath nipped out Bavuma. Quinton de Kock couldn’t contribute either with the willow. In the meantime, de Bruyn accomplished his second Test century but was cleaned up by Herath. South Arica eventually folded for 290 runs in 86.5 overs. Herath finished with jaw-dropping figures of 32.5-98-6.

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