Keshav Maharaj Leads Proteas to Series Victory Over Sri Lanka and WTC Top Spot

South Africa clinched a decisive 109-run victory over Sri Lanka on the fifth day of the second Test at St George’s Park, Gqeberha, on Monday. Keshav Maharaj’s stellar performance, claiming 5/76, guided the Proteas to a 2-0 series win and propelled them to the top of the World Test Championship standings.

The victory leaves Temba Bavuma’s team just one win away from securing a spot in the championship final at Lord’s in June 2025, with their next challenge being a two-Test series against Pakistan.

Heading into the last day, Sri Lanka needed 143 runs with five wickets in hand, while South Africa required a strong bowling effort. Kusal Mendis and Dhananjaya de Silva’s resilient partnership from the previous day had set up a tense finish. However, Maharaj led the charge, dismantling Sri Lanka’s lower order in just over an hour.

Mendis, who contributed 46 runs, was caught in the slips by Aiden Markram, ending a 97-run stand with De Silva. Kagiso Rabada soon dismissed De Silva for 50, leaving the visitors in disarray. The final three wickets fell swiftly, with Marco Jansen sealing the victory by dismissing Lahiru Kumara on his first ball of the day.

Kagiso Rabada gets rid of Sri Lanka’s captain 💪💪

• The @ProteasMenCSA need 3 wickets to win 🇿🇦
• Sri Lanka need 116 runs to win 🇱🇰

📺 Stream #SAvSL on DStv: https://t.co/rM90YyQxaw pic.twitter.com/IjKnlOMY9C

— SuperSport 🏆 (@SuperSportTV) December 9, 2024

The series sweep boosts the Proteas’ confidence as they eye the Test Championship final. With consistent performances like Maharaj’s and key contributions across the squad, South Africa looks poised for success in the months ahead.

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