Marco Jansen starred for South Africa in the first Test against Sri Lanka, recording match figures of 11-86 as the hosts won by 233 runs in Durban. Jansen took 7 for 13 in Sri Lanka’s first innings and 4 for 73 in their second, leading South Africa to a 1-0 series lead.
In a remarkable display of skill and determination, Marco Jansen achieved match figures of 11-86, leading South Africa to a decisive victory over Sri Lanka by 233 runs in the first Test match held at Kingsmead, Durban. The left-arm fast bowler excelled in both innings, capturing seven wickets for just 13 runs in Sri Lanka’s first innings, which concluded at an astonishingly low total of 42. In the second innings, he added to his tally with four wickets for 73 runs.
South Africa, having declared their innings at 366 for 5, set their visitors a formidable target of 516 runs. Sri Lanka began their second innings on 101 for 5 but ultimately succumbed to 282, with notable contributions from Dinesh Chandimal, who scored 83, as well as Dhananjaya de Silva with 59 runs and Kusal Mendis contributing 48. Despite the resistance, the visiting team lost their last four wickets for a mere 11 runs. Jansen expressed immense pride in his performance, stating that he always dreamed of taking five wickets, never imagining he would take ten. He emphasized the competitive nature of the achievement, remarking, “It is going to be tough to beat.”
With this victory, South Africa leads the two-match Test series 1-0, with the next encounter scheduled to begin on 5 December in Gqeberha.
The match between South Africa and Sri Lanka marked an important series in Test cricket, highlighting players’ performances and the unpredictability of the sport. Test matches, known for their length and strategic complexities, offer bowlers opportunities to shine, and Marco Jansen’s performance exemplified this. Achieving a low total of 42 runs by Sri Lanka underscored their struggles in the match, while South Africa’s dominance with the bat set a challenging target for their opponents.
In conclusion, Marco Jansen’s outstanding performance not only secured a comprehensive victory for South Africa but also set a high benchmark in Test cricket. His figures of 11-86 are a testament to his ability and promise as a fast bowler. With this victory, South Africa now leads the series, positioning them favorably as they head into the second Test.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
