2nd Test: Sri Lanka finally taste victory

South Africa crash to 208-run loss in the Durban gloom.

DURBAN: Sri Lanka put aside all their off-field troubles to win their first Test in 2011, crushing South Africa by 208 runs in fading light at Durban.

With the country’s cricket board in debt and the players not paid since the World Cup, it was an emphatic effort by the tourists with Rangana Herath picking up nine wickets in the match.

The hosts were reduced to 133 for six, chasing 450, before AB de Villiers and Dale Steyn shard a 99-run partnership. However, four wickets in as many overs sealed the result in Sri Lanka’s favour, much to the delight of the tourists.

Tillakaratne Dilshan, who has been facing criticism since being appointed captain, was ecstatic with the team-effort and his first Test win as captain.

“It’s a great comeback for us and I’m really happy to have my first win as captain coming here in South Africa,” said Dilshan. “I think our intensity was high from the moment we chose to bat. If we put runs in the board, we knew we could put pressure on them, and that happened.”

Graeme Smith rued poor batting in both innings that led to the loss.

“We were outplayed comprehensively in all departments,” said Smith. “The surface probably suited their style of play better. Our bad sessions were really bad, and that was disappointing.”

Published in The Express Tribune, December 30^th, 2011.