Abbott hastens South Africa's crushing win
South Africa made full use of the second new ball to rip through Sri Lanka's last five wickets and complete a 206-run win in Port Elizabeth.
26/12Result
1st Test, Sri Lanka tour of South Africa at Gqeberha, Dec 26-30 2016
-
![South Africa]( "South Africa")
286 & 406/6d -
![Sri Lanka]( "Sri Lanka")
205 & 281 (96.3 ov)
Player of the Match
26/12Result
1st Test, Sri Lanka tour of South Africa at Gqeberha, Dec 26-30 2016
-
![South Africa]( "South Africa")
286 & 406/6d -
![Sri Lanka]( "Sri Lanka")
205 & 281 (96.3 ov)
Player of the Match
Day 5
Terrible shots in second innings were our downfall - Mathews
Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews singled out poor shot selection in both innings as the main factor behind their 206-run loss to South Africa in Port Elizabeth.
Du Plessis praises groundsman for quelling Herath's threat
South Africa wanted a pitch to nullify the threat of Rangana Herath, and that is what they got in Port Elizabeth.
Du Plessis' plans come together to highlight Mathews' problems
South Africa were expected to be too strong for Sri Lanka in the opening encounter, but what made the gap between the teams even wider were some of Angelo Mathews' tactics.
Day 4
Loose dismissals harm Sri Lanka in 488 chase
A succession of soft dismissals left Sri Lanka in danger of a big defeat in the first Test despite their batsmen, almost without exception, looking comfortable at the crease in their pursuit of 4
Kusal Perera gamble at No. 3 pays meager dividends
Sri Lanka management rolled the dice in August by slotting Kusal Perera at first drop, but eight innings into his tenure his claim to the position may be in doubt after twin failures.
Karunaratne explains run-out mishap
Sri Lanka's loss of five wickets in what is now an unlikely run chase was sparked by a run out involving two players fropm the same club who would normally trust their understanding.
South Africa win the first patience game
Even though the South Africa bowlers were not creating magic when the Sri Lanka batsmen were scoring, Faf du Plessis maybe knew they would win the patience game. And he was right.
Day 3
Cook century drives South Africa's dominance
Stephen Cook's third Test hundred moved South Africa into a dominant position on a third day of rain delays and rapid scoring in Port Elizabeth
Cook's stellar year, and a dip in average for Amla
Stats highlights from the third day of the first Test between South Africa and Sri Lanka in Port Elizabeth
Cook finally quashes security questions?
Stephen Cook has now struck the most hundreds by a South African this year. It's time to stop asking how Cook scores his runs, and acknowledge that he does
Sri Lanka fielders drag feet during declaration dance
Staring at the prospect of a big fourth innings target, Sri Lanka went through the motions in an uninspiring effort in the field on day three
I've developed a thick skin - Cook
By Stephen Cook's own admission, his century against Sri Lanka was not as intense as some of his recent innings, but it was a crucial knock given the questions over who will be dropped once AB de Villiers returns to the side
Day 2
South Africa surge ahead on seamers' day
Vernon Philander and Kyle Abbott led South Africa's fightback after they were bowled out for 286 early on day two, giving Sri Lanka no respite as they went to stumps seven down for 181
'We gave away some easy wickets' - Chandimal
There was no specific plan to score fast, says Sri Lanka's wicketkeeper-batsman
South Africa aim for the snake's head
Even though South Africa wasted two reviews on Angelo Mathews, their bowlers made sure targeting the Sri Lanka captain paid rich dividends eventually
A day in the life of SL bowler Suranga Lakmal
Suranga Lakmal took a maiden five-wicket haul, and then settled down to watch Sri Lanka bat. We put ourselves in his shoes
Day 1
Advantage Sri Lanka as Lakmal grabs four
Suranga Lakmal picked up four wickets in an innings for only the second time in a 32-Test career as South Africa ended the first day of their Test series against Sri Lanka at a vulnerable 267 for
Lakmal's unlikely headline act changes the script
It was looking ominous for Sri Lanka when the scoreboard passed 100 without a wicket, but then their senior pace bowler came out of the shadows
A tale of contrasting veterans
Hashim Amla is slowing down after a long and illustrious career; JP Duminy is just threatening to fulfil his potential. But, with AB de Villiers waiting in the wings, both men need a big score
Famous St George's brass band asked to pipe down
Port Elizabeth's famous brass band have been asked to push pause during play between South Africa and Sri Lanka by match referee David Boon
Getting starts, getting out
Stats highlights from the opening day in Port Elizabeth, which witnessed a rare century opening stand, and several batsmen getting out after getting starts
Elgar tames South Africa's monster
South Africa's preferred green pitch almost backfired on them on day one at Newlands. A typically determined Dean Elgar made sure it didn't
Others
The pillars of Sri Lanka's future
As Sri Lanka begin a major overseas assignment, a clutch of young players have been tasked with making the side a force in international cricket again. We profile four of them
Herath's magic show goes on tour again
Sri Lanka's No. 1 spinner won't exactly be a pushover just because he is playing away from home
Du Plessis wants SA to set the pace
"We good when we're in trouble, but we're trying to change that and become a team that dominates and puts the opposition under pressure first," Faf du Plessis said ahead of the Boxing Day Test
Hosts hold edge, but young side gives Sri Lanka hope
There is little doubt that South Africa have an advantage over Sri Lanka, who have been poor travellers on previous tours, but the visitors are hopeful of building on the potential shown by a young side recently
