The first Test between South Africa and Sri Lanka at the SuperSport Park in Centurion got finished in just three days! The touring Sri Lankans faltered for a second time with the bat to surrender the Test Match on Day 3 itself and thus losing the contest by an innings and 81 runs.
Well the third day's play started with South Africa having their last wicket at the crease in their first innings. The last pair of Mark Boucher and ImranTahir added 22 more runs this morning to help SA finish with 411 in 122 overs. South Africa settled with a first innings lead of 231 runs. Boucher was the last man out having scored 65 from 101 balls with 10 fours while last man ImranTahir remained unbeaten on a quick 29 from 33 balls.
By Lunch, the writing was on the wall for an innings defeat for the Lankans as they slipped to 38 for 4 with Skipper Dilshan and Sangakkara failing yet again. There was not a single batsman who could weather the storm for the Lankans and the innings got all over in just 39.1 overs! Vernon Philander went onto pick up his 4th consecutive five-wicket haul in Tests! With 10 wickets in the game, Vernon Philander walked away with the Man of the Match award. Sri Lanka were dismissed for 150 in their second innings which was 30 runs lesser than what they had put up in the first innings.
- BV Swagath
