SL Vs SA, 2018: Suranga Lakmal Reckons Sri Lanka Avail Best Spinners in the World

Sri Lanka displayed the same domination over wretched-looking South Africa as was presented in the first Test match at Galle International Stadium. They registered a comprehensive win of 199 runs over Proteas in the second and final Test match of the two-match series.

While batting first at the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) in Colombo, the Lions posted a total of 338. Sri Lanka registered 116 runs as the first wicket partnership with the help of 57 runs from Danushka Gunathilaka and 53 from Dimuth Karunaratne. However, Dhananjaya de Silva was the top scorer from Sri Lanka in the first innings as he managed to score 60 runs.

From the bowling perspective, it was Keshav Maharaj, who got nine wickets. Even the brilliance from him, South Africa could not stem the flow of the runs.

South Africa while replying to this total got bundled on 124 runs. Faf du Plessis was the top scorer from South Africa as he scored 48 runs.

From a Sri Lankan bowling perspective, spinners got all the ten wickets with Dilruwan Perera taking four, Dananjaya clinched five and Rangana Herath walked away with a wicket.

Second innings of the match:

In the second innings, Sri Lanka went through another excellent start. The opening batsmen once again put a partnership of 91 which eventually forced Sri Lanka to declare the innings on 275 for loss of five wickets.

While having a target of 490, South Africa lost opener Aiden Markram early on. Apart from a great ton from Theunis de Bruyn, no other batsman managed to challenge Lankan spin attack.

South African batsman once again seemed helpless before the spin attack of the Lions as they were bamboozled on 290. Rangana Herath achieved a figure of six for 98 in the second essay for Sri Lanka.

Suranga Lakmal on captaincy challenges:

The Sri Lankan Test skipper Lakmal credits spinners for routing the Proteas. He said they worked hard and results are open to everyone.

Lakmal further stated that he is enjoying his captaincy and there is not any pressure whatsoever.

“We worked hard, and the results are due to the hard work of the team. Sri Lanka has some of the best spinners in the world, and that is the reason they have troubled the South African batsmen. I am not thinking too far about the captaincy as it is a team game.”