Remember AB de Villiers’ off season remark a couple of months back? The former Proteas captain made a comment on how playing against Sri Lanka is like “off season” for teams like South Africa. He said this during an interview joined by Virat Kohli and Yuzvendra Chahal while representing RCB. Although it’s likely AB could have meant this nothing more than a joke. But even if it was, that’s one in poor taste. Particularly for the likes of AB.
Karma is a bitch
Fast forward to 14th July 2018, Galle Cricket Stadium. South Africa is bowled out for just 73 runs in their second innings. Sri Lanka won the test match by 278 runs with a little more than 2 days to spare. Oh, the irony. Now, whatever your thoughts on the matter are, one can’t help but almost feel sorry for Proteas. But that didn’t stop the fans from having a go at De Villiers.
@ABdeVilliers17 So your team mates having the #offseason tomorrow and day after tomorrow!
Jungle Beach ! pic.twitter.com/2kFJdSlp47— Dulith Kasun (#DK)🇱🇰 (@DulithK) July 14, 2018
#SouthAfrica came down to enjoy their off-season..so the Lankan spinners helped them by wrapping up the match in less than 3 days.. They can now chill and enjoy the beach in the southern coast of #SriLanka. #cricket @ABdeVilliers17 lol #offseason you will be missing it though;)
— Sajjad Nakshab (@sajjadnakshab) July 14, 2018
@ABdeVilliers17 #offseason #SLvSA
Look here what SL have done in their off season.. pic.twitter.com/Z68Det0OCQ— Anuradha Udaya (@Anuradha_texa) July 14, 2018
Even Azzam Ameen couldn’t help himself.
South Africa bowled out for 73 in Galle, their lowest total in Tests since readmission in 1992, lowest in 71 years, Sri Lanka beat South Africa by 278 runs with 2 1/2 days spare #offseason #SriLanka
— Azzam Ameen (@AzzamAmeen) July 14, 2018
What’s next on the “off season trophy”
Sri Lanka has Dimuth, Dilruwan, and Herath to thank for the crushing victory. Karunaratne top-scored for the team with a first-inning 158 not out, followed by an 80-ball 60 in the second inning. His total score alone conceded South Africa’s 199 from both innings.
But it was Dilruwan and Herath who ripped apart the South African batting lineup. The duo shared a total of 15 wickets between them. Of course, there are still few areas the Lankans need to work on, particularly with their batting. Apart from Karunaratne, none of the SL batsmen managed to reach the 50 mark throughout the match.
A moment of celebration for the Sri Lankans (Image Credits: WION)
Sri Lanka goes into the series without their regular captain and coach, as Chandimal and Hathurusingha await their verdict over the ball tampering incident. But they’re now a draw away from claiming a series victory. The 2nd test match will kick off on the 20th at the SSC, Colombo and will be Lakmal’s third test match as captain.
Feature image credits: Cricbuzz
