Jansen's seven-wicket haul hands Sri Lanka lowest-ever Test total

Marco Jansen’s seven-wicket haul put South Africa 281 runs ahead on the second day of their test in Durban as Sri Lanka were dismissed for 42, their lowest Test total.

It was a day Sri Lanka will want to forget as 19 wickets fell, and they had their second-shortest innings, facing just 83 balls.

South Africa started the day on 80-4 and while getting off to a slow start, going 117-7 after 15 overs, Temba Bavuma’s 70-run total helped them to close the first innings with a total of 191.

The South Africa bowling attack then picked up the mantel with Jansen providing the standout performance. He achieved an economy of 1.9 in just under seven overs, taking seven wickets and conceding only 13 runs.

Kagiso Rabada (1-10) and Gerald Coetzee (2-18) also played their part in limiting a tepid Sri Lankan batting line-up, which saw Kamindu Mendis (13) and Lahiru Kumara (10) the only players to reach double figures for Sri Lanka, while five of their batters were out for a duck.

It took just under 14 overs until South Africa were back at the crease for their second innings, where opener Aiden Markram (47) fell just short of reaching a half-century.

They ended the day with Bavuma (24) and Tristan Stubbs (17) back in to bat, with their partnership of 43 so far representing the second-highest of the match. They will start day three on 132-3.

Day 2 | Stumps A phenomenal day of cricket comes to an end. From career bests to new records being set, we had it all! South Africa: 191/10 (1st Innings) Sri Lanka: 42/10 (1st Innings) South Africa: 132/3 (2nd Innings) Proteas lead by 281 runs.#WozaNawe… pic.twitter.com/UdPi68hmEI

— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) November 28, 2024

Data Debrief: Jansen destructive in pace attack

The 41 balls Jansen bowled during the innings is the joint-fewest in history to take seven wickets.

His first wicket took his total to 50 for South Africa in men’s Tests. He’s taken at least one wicket in 12 of his 13 Test bowling innings in South Africa.

He also put South Africa well on their way to back-to-back wins in men’s Tests at Kingsmead for the first time since January 2008, following their 220-run victory against Bangladesh in their last match at the venue (April 2022).