coin play RSA Vs SL, 2nd Test: Sri Lanka Coach Sanath Jayasuriya Rues Missed Batting Chances In Defeat
Sri Lanka's Dhananjaya de Silva Sri Lanka's Dhananjaya de Silva 
Sri Lanka head coach Sanath Jayasuriya was left rueing his batters' lack of high scores as they suffered a Test series whitewash defeat against South Africa. (More Cricket News)
The tourists lost by 109 runs on the final day of the second Test in Gqeberha after a lower-order collapse undid the hard work done by Dhananjaya de Silva and Kusal Mendis' 83-run partnership at the end of day four.
In the first innings, only Pathum Nissanka got a half-century, though he could not push onto triple figures, while in the second, when they were set a target of 348, De Silva was their highest scorer with 50.
Jayasuriya was frustrated by the team's struggles to build on the momentum in both Tests in the series, particularly at St George's Oval.
"Batsmen have to convert their scores into hundreds - 30s and 40s aren't enough," Jayasuriya said.
"It's tough on these wickets, but at least two batters have to score hundreds on a tour like this. We didn't get that. All we got were two 80s.
"I think the batters by now know the value of hundreds on the road, having played in a place like England recently as well. We missed that this time.
"Although there was a lot of effort from the senior batters, I think if they assess themselves individually, they will realise it wasn't enough."
The 2-0 series defeat means that Sri Lanka's hopes of reaching the ICC Test Championship final next year are all but over unless they can beat Australia and hope other results go their way.
Match ResultIt’s done, the battle has concluded!South Africa win by 109 runs down in Gqeberha.The Proteas take the Test Series 2-0, as the win takes us top of the WTC rankings table!#WozaNawe #BePartOfIt #SAvSL pic.twitter.com/Le98NywRrj
— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) December 9, 2024South Africa, meanwhile, moved top of the table with the victory and are now just one win away from a top-two finish.
Keshav Maharaj (5-76) was the star on the final day, finishing off his five-for by taking three of the final five wickets, but it was Temba Bavuma who stole the show in the series, finishing with three half-centuries and a century in four innings.
He scored 327 runs in total, with 144 of those coming in Gqeberha, and was delighted with the impact he had upon slotting back into the team.
"Good to be back, firstly," he says. "I'm enjoying the opportunity to be out with them.
"A lot of hunger and desire from my side, when the opportunities come and my body allows me to put in performances for the team. Hopefully, I was able to grab them.
"Durban was trickycoin play, first-day conditions overhead. From my side, I wanted to keep the intent of looking to score and not worry too much about technique and how it looks, and also encourage the other players to do so. I felt fresh mentally and physically and was able to contribute."
