Dale Steyn produced another magical performance during day two of the first Test against Sri Lanka in Durban to earn Thursday’s Turbo Bowler accolade, writes ANITHA MADIKIZELA.
The Proteas’ veteran fast bowler was too hot to handle for the Sri Lankan batting order in the visitor’s first innings at Kingsmead during the first Test. Steyn ripped through the Islanders with a rampaging 4-48 in a fiery 20 overs to help South Africa bowl out Sri Lanka for 191 – securing a first innings lead of 44 runs for the home team.
READ MORE: Steyn takes four, Sri Lanka out for 191
The paceman began his onslaught by dismissing opener Lahiru Thirimanne for a duck before close of play on day one. He picked up were he left off early on day two by getting rid of Oshada Fernando (19 off 42 balls, 2×4) by trapping him leg before as the Sri Lankans slumped to 51-2 in the 19th over.
Batsmen around the world, watch out!
Dale Steyn feels he's starting all over again https://t.co/3A24qLzp69 #SAvSL pic.twitter.com/Ver762Ov0T
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) February 15, 2019
He continued terrorising the visitors by dismissing Sri Lankan fast bowler Suranga Lakmal (4 off 6 balls) with a brilliant length ball that the tailender could only manage to chip to the reliable Aiden Markram at short extra cover.
Steyn rounded off his assault with the vital wicket of danger man Kusal Perera – who was the only Sri Lankan to reach the half-century mark with a well-played 51 (63 balls, 7×4, 1×6) – just as he was looking to inflict more damage on the Proteas.
Steyn could easily have picked up a fifer, but was unlucky to miss out on the feat after Dean Elgar grassed a simple catch at gully to give Kasun Rajitha (12 off 30 balls) a lifeline during a defiant 32-run stand for the ninth wicket.
READ ALSO: Steyn draws level with Kapil Dev’s 434
South Africa will resume their second innings on Friday with captain Faf du Plessis (25) and in-form wicketkeeper-batsman Quinton de Kock (15) looking to add to their 170-run lead on the third day of the fixture.
Photo: Steve Haag/Getty Images
