Sri Lanka bowed out to South Africa with 42 points, their lowest Test score

Sri Lanka were eliminated by South Africa in Durban with 42 points – the lowest Test score in their men’s team history.

In response to South Africa’s first innings 191, Sri Lanka were completely bowled out after 13.5 overs on the second day of the first Test.

Marco Jansen posted career-best Test figures of 7-13 from 6.5 overs, with Gerald Coetzee (2-18) and Kagiso Rabada (1-10) claiming the other wickets.

Sri Lanka’s previous lowest men’s Test innings score was 71 against Pakistan in Kandy in 1994.

Only eight times in men’s Test cricket has a team been bowled out for fewer than 42 runs.

Kamindu Mendis (13) and Lahiru Kumara (10) were the only batters to reach double figures.

Their innings lasted 83 balls, the second shortest in men’s Test history when a team was bowled out.

The lowest score was recorded by South Africa, who were bowled out by England for 30 from 75 balls at Edgbaston in 1924.

South Africa improved to 132-3 at stumps and led by 281 runs.

Sri Lanka must beat South Africa in both games of the two-Test series and also defeat Australia in both Tests in the new year to book their place in the final of the World Test Championship.

Three wins and a loss in these final four Tests of the two-year cycle could be enough for a place in the final.

South Africa can also reach the final if they win both Tests against Sri Lanka and get a clean sweep in two Tests against Pakistan in December and January to secure a place.

Three wins and a draw from these four Tests could also be enough for the Proteas.

Sri Lanka is third in the World Test Championship rankings, while South Africa is fifth.