South Africa vs Sri Lanka: A Comprehensive Review of the 2024–25 Test Series
The 2024–25 Test series between South Africa and Sri Lanka showcased cricketing prowess, with South Africa asserting dominance to clinch the series 2–0. The matches, held in Durban and Gqeberha, were pivotal in shaping the World Test Championship standings.
First Test: Durban – A Commanding Victory for South Africa
The series commenced at Kingsmead, Durban, where South Africa delivered a commanding performance. Opting to bat first, they posted 191 runs in their first innings. Despite the modest total, their bowlers turned the tide dramatically.
Sri Lanka’s first innings were historically poor, as they were dismissed for just 42 runs—their lowest in Test history and the second-shortest completed innings ever. Marco Jansen was instrumental, claiming seven wickets for 13 runs in 6.5 overs, marking the second-best figures by a left-arm fast bowler in Test history.
South Africa declared at 366/5 in their second innings, setting a formidable target. Temba Bavuma led with a resilient 78, supported by Rickelton’s 101.
Sri Lanka showed resistance in their second innings, scoring 282, with Dinesh Chandimal contributing a valiant 83. However, South Africa secured a 233-run victory, with Jansen taking four more wickets, totaling 11 in the match.
Second Test: Gqeberha – South Africa Seals the Series
The second Test at St George’s Park saw South Africa continue their dominance. Batting first, they amassed 358 runs, highlighted by centuries from Kyle Verreynne (105*) and Ryan Rickelton (101).
Sri Lanka responded with 328, with Pathum Nissanka scoring 89. South Africa’s bowlers, including Rabada and Jansen, maintained pressure throughout.
South Africa added 317 runs in their second innings, setting a challenging target. Sri Lanka managed 238 in their final innings, leading to a 109-run victory for South Africa and a 2–0 series win.
Here’s a comprehensive Test match scorecard in tabular format for the South Africa vs Sri Lanka 2024–25 Test series, covering both matches:
1st Test – Kingsmead, Durban
| Innings | Team | Score | Top Scorer | Best Bowler (Opposition) |
| 1st Innings | South Africa | 191 all out | Markram – 66 | Asitha Fernando – 4/56 |
| 1st Innings | Sri Lanka | 42 all out | Asalanka – 12 | Marco Jansen – 7/13 |
| 2nd Innings | South Africa | 366/5 declared | Rickelton – 101* | Rajitha – 2/89 |
| 2nd Innings | Sri Lanka | 282 all out | Dinesh Chandimal – 83 | Jansen – 4/54 |
Result: South Africa won by 233 runs
Player of the Match: Marco Jansen (11 wickets in the match)
2nd Test – St George’s Park, Gqeberha
| Innings | Team | Score | Top Scorer | Best Bowler (Opposition) |
| 1st Innings | South Africa | 358 all out | Kyle Verreynne – 105* | Vishwa Fernando – 3/72 |
| 1st Innings | Sri Lanka | 328 all out | Pathum Nissanka – 89 | Kagiso Rabada – 4/65 |
| 2nd Innings | South Africa | 317 all out | Temba Bavuma – 94 | Asitha Fernando – 4/84 |
| 2nd Innings | Sri Lanka | 238 all out | Angelo Mathews – 56 | Jansen – 3/41 |
Result: South Africa won by 109 runs
Player of the Match: Kyle Verreynne (105*, 36)
Series Summary
| Test | Venue | Winner | Margin | Player of the Match |
| 1st Test | Durban | South Africa | 233 runs | Marco Jansen |
| 2nd Test | Gqeberha | South Africa | 109 runs | Kyle Verreynne |
Series Result: South Africa won the 2-match series 2–0
Top Performers:
- Most Runs (SA): Rickelton – 189
- Most Runs (SL): Dinesh Chandimal – 124
- Most Wickets: Marco Jansen – 18 wickets
South Africa Test Squad
- Temba Bavuma (Captain)
- David Bedingham
- Matthew Breetzke
- Gerald Coetzee
- Tony de Zorzi
- Marco Jansen
- Keshav Maharaj
- Kwena Maphaka
- Aiden Markram
- Wiaan Mulder
- Senuran Muthusamy
- Dane Paterson
- Kagiso Rabada
- Ryan Rickelton (Wicketkeeper)
- Tristan Stubbs (Wicketkeeper)
- Kyle Verreynne (Wicketkeeper)
Note: Wiaan Mulder was ruled out of the second Test due to a fractured finger, with Matthew Breetzke as his replacement. Gerald Coetzee was ruled out of the second Test due to a groin injury, with Kwena Maphaka added to the squad as his replacement.
Sri Lanka Test Squad
- Dhananjaya de Silva (Captain)
- Pathum Nissanka
- Dimuth Karunaratne
- Dinesh Chandimal (Wicketkeeper)
- Angelo Mathews
- Kusal Mendis (Wicketkeeper)
- Kamindu Mendis
- Oshada Fernando
- Sadeera Samarawickrama (Wicketkeeper)
- Prabath Jayasuriya
- Nishan Peiris
- Lasith Embuldeniya
- Milan Rathnayake
- Asitha Fernando
- Vishwa Fernando
- Lahiru Kumara
Note: Sri Lanka recalled seamer Kasun Rajitha and left-arm spinner Lasith Embuldeniya for this series.
These squads featured a blend of seasoned players and emerging talents, reflecting both teams’ strategies in the World Test Championship.
Series Impact and Standings
This series victory propelled South Africa to the top of the World Test Championship standings, enhancing their prospects for the final.
Conclusion
South Africa’s comprehensive performance in both Tests underscored their strength in the longer format. With a blend of experienced players and emerging talent, they have set a high benchmark for future series.