Oracle of Delphi
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Craig HillA test Sri Lanka won't forget
August 1st 2006 09:10
Sri Lanka will be more than celebrating after their win against South Africa yesterday, with some unbelieveable achievements displayed by both batsmen and bowlers to clinch the first match of the series. It began with an incredible bowling performance in the first innings, which saw the visitors demolished and rolled for a measly 169. Unsurprisingly, the magician Murali was up to his old tricks, bamboozling his way to 4/41 off 18.2, along with paceman Fernando who produced 4/48 from his 13 overs. With a clear chance to take an early lead in the test match, Sri Lanka started terribly losing their openers Tharanga and Jayasuriya for 7 and 4 respectively. However, the miracle innings unfolded as batsmen Kumar Sangakarra and Mahela Jaywardene gave the South African bowlers a torturous lesson, as they blasted a record smashing 624 run partnership, with Sangakarra finishing on 287 and hero Jaywardene continuing to a mammoth 374.
Declaring on 5/756, the visitors had no choice but to force a draw, however Murali was in the way as usual, as he weaved his magic around the South African legs on his way to another 10-wicket haul, by finishing on 6/131 after a staggering 64 overs. Despite Sri Lanka's supreme dominance in the match, the South Africa perserved with tenacity as they tried to hold on for a draw. Opening batsmen Jaques Rudolph (90) and Andrew Hall (64) got proceedings underway with a solid 165-run partnership. A gruelling partnership between newly-made skipper Ashwell Prince and Mark Boucher gave the home side a glimmer of hope, as they struggled to 61 and 85 respectively. Despite their efforts, Muralitharan was once again too good for the lower order, and the home side fell just less than half a day short of producing their own miracle.
Kumar Sangakarra and Mahela Jaywardene celebrate as they torture the South African bowlers. Image AFP
Declaring on 5/756, the visitors had no choice but to force a draw, however Murali was in the way as usual, as he weaved his magic around the South African legs on his way to another 10-wicket haul, by finishing on 6/131 after a staggering 64 overs. Despite Sri Lanka's supreme dominance in the match, the South Africa perserved with tenacity as they tried to hold on for a draw. Opening batsmen Jaques Rudolph (90) and Andrew Hall (64) got proceedings underway with a solid 165-run partnership. A gruelling partnership between newly-made skipper Ashwell Prince and Mark Boucher gave the home side a glimmer of hope, as they struggled to 61 and 85 respectively. Despite their efforts, Muralitharan was once again too good for the lower order, and the home side fell just less than half a day short of producing their own miracle.
The master shows us how it's done, finishing the match with 10/173. Image AFP
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