Following a promising display by their bowlers, Sri Lanka faltered with the bat, resulting in their lowest Test total in history. Marco Jansen was the standout performer with the ball, achieving remarkable figures of 7/13 in just under seven overs.
South Africa started the day at 80/4, a position they reached on a rain-affected Day 1. Ultimately, they were bowled out for 191 as Sri Lanka's bowlers consistently made crucial breakthroughs. In response, Sri Lanka's batting crumbled in Durban as they were skittled out for just 42 in the first innings. This was their lowest-ever score in Tests.
Sri Lanka's total of 42 is now tied for the ninth-lowest score in Test cricket history and stands as the third-lowest total of the 21st century, surpassed only by India's 36 against Australia in 2020 and Ireland's 38 against England in 2019.
Kamindu Mendis was the highest scorer for Sri Lanka with just 13 runs, while Marco Jansen delivered a career-best performance with figures of 7 for 13. Coetzee contributed with two wickets, and Rabada added one, as South Africa's pace attack dismantled the Sri Lankan batting order in a mere 13.5 overs.