4 Years for the Durban Miracle - Masterclass knock from Kusal Perera
Who can forget this magical inning from Kusal Perera? It's almost 4 years after the historical win against South Africa. The man of that moment, Kusal Perera scored unbeaten 153* runs, and 78 runs partnership for the last wicket with Vishwa Fernando.
Most of the reports and experts named this inning as the best Test inning in 146 years of Test Cricket, considering various factors.
Overview of the match
It was 1st Test, of the Sri Lanka tour of South Africa on February 13-16, 2019. Batting first, South Africa could only score 235 runs in the first innings. For the reply, Sri Lanka was short of runs and ended up with just 191 runs. Then for the second innings, SA scored 259 runs giving a promising target of 303 runs for the 4th innings.
Sri Lanka's top order didn't give much in the match giving up regular wickets. But Dananjya de Silva and Kusal put a 96 partnership for the 6th wicket and after 63 overs we were 206/5 in a strong position in the run chase. But from that wickets rambled quickly to 226/9, behind 78 runs for the victory, finishing the hopes.
Partnership of Kusal and Vishwa
But then Perera changed the approach and attacked the ballers. After reaching 100, he was scoring runs quickly saving the other end as well. From the other end, the 11th man survived 27 balls, giving great support. Perera played sensibly and in the final 63 balls, he played for 50 balls. And he was hit twice on the head and finger, and 2 weeks earlier he was retired-hurt against Australia.
So, his determination and commitment were reflected throughout this inning. Finally, after 16 overs batting together, this pair could pass the mark with a 78 runs partnership, producing a magical victory.
Why this inning was special?
It was an away, against a very strong South African team.
The South African balling attack was deadly, with Dale Steyn, Kagiso Rabada, Duanne Olivier, Keshav Maharaj, and Vernon Philander.
He added 194 runs for the last five wickets, 89 for the last two wickets, and 78 for the last wicket out of 304.
The Duraban pitch was relatively poor pitch, in the last few innings without high scores.
He turned the impossible into possible.
Highlights of the inning
The inning was named as Durban Miracle by the Cricketing world and as one of the greatest Test innings ever. Lately, he was injured badly, and went through a few surgeries, and is out of the field. Hope he will get soon and come back strongly soon!!
Until the next time! Enjoy!
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Historic indeed!
Not to be forgotten!