Rabada rips through Sri Lanka line-up as Proteas wrap up series
● Paceman takes six wickets in big win ● Younis defies Aussies in third Test
Four wickets in seven overs from Kagiso Rabada helped South Africa wrap up a series victory over Sri Lanka with one Test to spare yesterday.
Rabada’s opening spell of the day in Cape Town was instrumental in the Proteas completing the win by a massive 282-run margin.
One of his victims in the morning was Angelo Mathews, who top-scored for the tourists with 49 in a second-innings total of 224, chasing 507.
The series concludes with a third match in Johannesburg which starts on 12 January.
Rabada, who took six for 55 in the innings overall, also accounted for Dinesh Chandimal (30), Upul Tharanga (12) and Suranga Lakmal (10) on the final day.
Rangana Herath (35 not out) ran out of partners as Nuwan Pradeep’s dismissal at the hands of Vernon Philander brought the match to a close.
Meanwhile, in Sydney, Younis Khan propped up Pakistan with a landmark century but Australia continued to dominate the third Test.
On day three, Khan achieved the feat of becoming the first player to score a Test hundred in 11 Test match host nations, including Pakistan’s current home base of the United Arab Emirates.
His 136 not out helped Pakistan reach 271 for eight in their first innings but the tourists still trail Australia by 267 runs and risk being forced to follow on.
The 39-year-old found scant support as he progressed from his overnight 64no once play began after rain washed out the morning session.
His first Test ton in Australia came on a day when two home players were laid low – wicketkeeper Matthew Wade was unwell and Peter Handscomb stood in behind the stumps, and Matthew Renshaw had to leave the field after a sweep from Younis struck him when fielding at short leg.
It was the second time in the match that Renshaw had taken such a blow, having suffered the first when opening the batting and making a century for the hosts. Cricket Australia stated on Twitter: “Matt complained of a headache. He came off the ground to rest and is having an ongoing assessment of his condition.”
Nathan Lyon was the chief wicket-taker for Australia, with three for 98. Pakistan opener Azhar Ali added just 13 to his overnight 58 before he and Younis blundered when considering a quick single, resulting in a run-out.
Australia are looking to complete a 3-0 series victory.