Kusal Perera silenced the crowd and his critics to help Sri Lanka to a much-needed win against South Africa on the fourth day of the first test match.
The captain of the Proteas, Francois du Plessis was lost for words at the press conference after the incredible tenth wicket partnership of 78 completed the chase of 304 to bring a close to one of the most thrilling test matches ever.
Perera’s 153 was extraordinary not just because of the grit he displayed against the formidable South African bowlers, but the way he got his team home despite losing partners at every turn.
Sri Lanka were not the favourites to win this match at the start and they weren’t any closer when Keshav Maharaj got their tenth batsman out, taking the Proteas to the brink of victory. But, Perera did the impossible as he engineered the innings marvellously to farm the strike and protect the tenth wicket.
Earlier in the match, Dale Steyn turned back the clock to dismiss the Lankan batsmen at 191 and gave the hosts a healthy lead of 44 runs on a hostile pitch at Durban. Though his efforts looked and proved endangering to the Lankan cause, Perera’s brilliance shone through in an innings of a lifetime.
The upset has left the Proteas and their supporters stunned. Whether they recover from the shock to level the series at Port Elizabeth will be crucial for du Plessis and his position as captain.
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