Reliving Sri Lanka's last 5 Test encounters at the SSC

#4 Rain steals Sri Lanka of a well-deserved win, Sri Lanka vs South Africa, 2nd Test, 2014

Despite an emphatic display of cricket rain prevented Sri Lanka from recording a victory

Unforeseen circumstances are either the cause of much frustration or provide one with an unlikely escape, away from the gloom that lay ahead.

Against South Africa in the 2nd Test match in 2014, it was the rain that proved to be Sri Lanka’s nemesis, robbing them off a well-deserved victory that would have prevented a series loss. Already 0-1 down in the 2-match Test series, the Lankans piled on 421 runs in the first innings, guided brilliantly by Jayawardene’s 165 and debutant Niroshan Dickwella’s 72, along with Angelo Mathews’ 63.

In reply, South Africa fell for 282, despite Hashim Amla’s 139, which was the first century by any South African captain on Sri Lankan soil. Herath picked up 4 wickets, with Dilruwan Perera picking up 5/69.

Sri Lankan strengthened their 139-run strong lead with a score of 229/8 declared, giving South Africa an improbable 368 for victory, with Morne Morkel bagging 4 wickets. In reply, the Proteas could never get going, falling tamely to Herath amidst rain interruptions.

With South Africa stuttering at 159/8 and facing an embarrassing defeat, a plunge of heavy showers ensured no further play was possible, causing a sense of annoyance all over the ground while the South African camp revelled in their miraculous series victory.