adminGALLE. — Dale Steyn grabbed a match haul of 9-99 as South Africa thrashed Sri Lanka by 153 runs in Galle yesterday on the fifth and final day of the first Test cricket.
Steyn’s figures, the best by a quick at the Galle ground, helped the visitors bowl out Sri Lanka twice in the match despite a wicket which offered little help.
It was only South Africa’s third win on the island and their first since 2000.
Steyn was well-supported by seamer Morne Morkel, who picked up four wickets as Sri Lanka’s second innings ended on 216 shortly into the second session.
Sri Lanka needed to make another 260 runs on the final day with nine wickets in hand to pull off a come-from-behind win. But they lost their remaining wickets for just 106 to go down tamely in the end.
The victory was especially sweet for Hashim Amla, who was leading the side for the first time in test cricket.
Amla celebrated his winning start by hugging his teammates and exchanging high fives.
“It (winning) was not easy, credit to the boys, they put their hands up today,” Amla said.
“We had some challenging overs last night but the bowlers came back and did really well. Dean (Elgar) got a hundred, JP (Duminy) got one as well and they set the game up for us.” South Africa can now reclaim their top world ranking from Australia if they win the second and final test in Colombo from July 24-28.
Part-time spinner JP Duminy picked up two wickets including the crucial scalp of Kumar Sangakkara, who made a fighting 76 to salvage some pride for the hosts.
Sri Lanka, who had resumed on their overnight 110-1, added just 51 off 24 overs in the first session while losing five wickets. — AFP.
Online Reporter