S Africa steals draw to reclaim top spot
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SOUTH Africa reclaimed top spot in test rankings after grimly hanging on for a draw in the second and final test against Sri Lanka yesterday to win the series 1-0.
It was South Africa’s first series win under new captain Hashim Amla and only its second series victory in Sri Lanka in 21 years, and sees it overtake Australia as the world’s No. 1 team.
Set 369 for victory South Africa, which started the day at 38-1, finished on 159 for eight with Vernon Philander holding firm with an unbeaten 27 in Colombo.
That was despite a marathon bowling effort from spinners Rangana Herath and Dilruwan Perera who sent down 89 overs between them, including 54 maidens, to claim all eight South African wickets.
Sri Lanka had to fight not only against the strong defense put up by South Africa but also the weather that interrupted play three times during the day, including in the final session with South Africa on 118-6.
However, the sun came out strongly and Sri Lanka grabbed the wicket of JP Duminy in the first over of the final hour when Perera trapped him leg before wicket for three.
Herath picked up his 18th five-wicket haul when he had Dale Steyn caught behind by Niroshan Dickwella for six.
There was no further joy for the host, however, as Philander and Imran Tahir played out the remaining 27 minutes.
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