South Africa humbled by Sri Lanka

30/12/2011

South Africa's hopes of taking England's place at the top of the world Test rankings next summer dimmed after Sri Lanka levelled the current series between the two sides at Durban.

Set a world record 450 to win after the tourists added 279 to their first-innings lead of 170, the home side could only make 241, despite valiant efforts by A.B de Villiers (69) and Hashim Amla (51).

Having reached 88-1 at one stage, the home side lost five for 50 in the middle session and the end was only delayed by a stand of 99 between de Villiers and Dale Steyn, who followed his haul of five wickets in the Sri Lankan second innings with a brave 43.

However, once de Villiers was out, the tail crumbled rapidly, with the last three wickets falling in four balls to give the tourists their first Test win in South Africa.

Fans watching the series next summer may enjoy hospitality packages at the Kia Oval, where England won the last Test between the two sides in England in 2008.

The last series between the pair was in South Africa in 2009-10, which ended in a 1-1 draw.

By Sam Smith