The Proteas started the day under pressure, resuming their innings at 80/4 after a challenging, rain-affected opening day. Despite the odds, the team displayed grit and determination, pushing their total to 191 before being bowled out just before lunch at Kingsmead.

Captain Temba Bavuma marked his return to Test cricket with a resilient 70, holding the innings together in difficult conditions. Spinner Keshav Maharaj provided valuable lower-order runs, contributing 24 to give South Africa a target worth defending.

What followed after lunch was nothing short of remarkable. South Africa’s bowlers dismantled Sri Lanka for their lowest-ever Test total – a paltry 42 runs – in just 13.5 overs.

Left-arm seamer Marco Jansen was the star of the show, delivering a career-best performance with figures of 7/13 in 6.5 overs. His devastating spell single-handedly routed the visitors, leaving them shell-shocked. Gerald Coetzee provided solid support, claiming 2/18 in three overs, while Kagiso Rabada added 1/10 in four overs to complete the rout.

Temba Bavuma. Photo: Cricinfo

In their second innings, South Africa consolidated their lead, reaching 132/3 in 40 overs when stumps were called.

Opener Aiden Markram steadied the innings with a vital knock of 47 off 81 balls, providing the backbone of the innings. Bavuma, continuing his fine form, remained unbeaten on 24. However, there was a setback for the Proteas as all-rounder Wiaan Mulder, who scored 15 in the first innings, sustained a fractured finger while batting.

Unable to field or bowl, his participation in the remainder of the series is in serious doubt, with the second Test at St George’s Park in Gqeberha looming.

Aiden Markram. Photo: Cricinfo

Reflecting on the day’s proceedings, Jansen credited his recent eight-week break from cricket for his outstanding performance and refreshed mindset.

“Yeah, mentally I feel a lot more refreshed, which is nice,” Jansen shared after play. “It feels similar to the physical – it feels like I can go for longer periods of time and concentrate at a higher level, which is what you ultimately want as a cricket player, especially in Test cricket.

“But yeah, mentally, I feel like I’m in a good space, and I’m enjoying it a lot at the moment.”

With South Africa holding a commanding 281-run lead and seven wickets in hand, day three at Kingsmead promises to be pivotal. Play is scheduled to resume at 9:30 on Friday, with the Proteas poised to push for victory and strengthen their grip on the series.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cg/mvh