South Africa and Sri Lanka head into the second Test at the St George’s Park, with South Africa taking a 1-0 lead in the series, after an overwhelming 233-run win in Durban.
South Africa’s total domination of the game with the ball was the reason Sri Lanka was skittled for just 42 runs in their first innings.
Marco Jansen’s match figures of 11-86, the second-best bowling figures ever recorded at Kingsmead, were instrumental in South Africa’s victory. He was a thorn in the flesh of Sri Lankan batsmen throughout the match, exploiting the helpful conditions.
Half-centuries from Dinesh Chandimal and Dhananjaya de Silva in the second innings did not help Sri Lanka’s batting lineup to fully recover from their first-innings collapse.
Also read: Harbhajan Singh hails Gautam Gambhir for preferring Washington Sundar over Ravichandran Ashwin
Let us explore the head-to-head between SA vs SL and other key metrics as we head into 2nd test
SA vs SL Head to Head Records- 2nd Test, Sri Lanka tour of South Africa 2024
Stats |
Matches |
SA Won |
SL Won |
Draw |
NR |
Overall |
32 |
17 |
09 |
06 |
00 |
In the last 5 matches |
5 |
3 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
In ongoing series |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
In South Africa |
18 |
15 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
SA vs SL Head-to-Head Records: Key Statistics
The head-to-head record between South Africa and Sri Lanka in test cricket has been competitive, with South Africa holding a better overall record. South Africa has won 7 out of the 12 series which have been played between them, while Sri Lanka has gone on to win 4 series on their own.
The two teams drew 1-1 in the 2000 series in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka’s most important successes were in 2004, 2006, and more recently in 2018 and 2019, when they defeated South Africa 2-0 in their home conditions.
South Africa’s successes are those of 3-0 whitewashes in the last season of 2016/17 and consistent victories, mostly in their home series. Thus, the rivalry still holds interest as the 2024/25 series is still in the balance.
SA vs SL Head-to-Head Records: The last 5 matches
South Africa has done pretty well against Sri Lanka in the last five matches with South Africa leading Sri Lanka 3-2.
SA vs SL Head-to-Head Records: Best performers:
In the Test rivalry between South Africa and Sri Lanka, Mahela Jayawardene leads the run charts with 1,782 runs in 32 innings at an average of 57.48, which includes a high score of 374 and six centuries. Kumar Sangakkara follows with 1,534 runs at an average of 47.93.
Among South African players, Daryll Cullinan is at the top position with 917 runs an average of 53.94, and five centuries. Jacques Kallis stands second for South Africa with 894 runs at an average of 38.86.
Conclusion
The SA vs SL head-to-head record in Tests reflects that South Africa is well ahead in this competition. South Africa has the advantage not only of the overall record but also dominated Sri Lanka in their home.