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Kusal Perera century inspires Sri Lanka to incredible one-wicket win over South Africa after record final-wicket partnership in first Test in Durban
- Sri Lanka won the first Test against South Africa by one wicket on Saturday
- Kusal Perera finished 153 not out as tourists chased 304 to win in Durban
- He shared an astonishing 78-run stand with Vishwa Fernando for the last wicket
- Record 10th-wicket partnership in the fourth innings of any first-class match
Kusal Perera’s swashbuckling 153 not out lifted Sri Lanka to a famous one-wicket victory over South Africa in a thrilling conclusion to the first Test in Durban.
The tourists looked to be heading for defeat when they slipped to 226 for nine in pursuit of a 304-run victory target but Kusal’s phenomenal innings got them over the line.
The left-hander hit 12 fours and five sixes, and an unbroken stand of 78 with Vishwa Fernando set a new Test record for a last wicket partnership in a successful chase.
South Africa appeared odds-on for victory but Perera launched a brilliant counter-attack with a mix of powerful hitting and intelligent farming of the strike.
The win, Sri Lanka’s first in any format since October, ends South Africa’s run of seven home series victories in a row with the second and final test in Port Elizabeth from February 21-25.
Kusal Perera celebrates after hitting the four that sealed Sri Lanka’s one-wicket win
Kusal hit a swashbuckling 153 to put Sri Lanka 1-0 up in the two-match Test series
Kusal is embraced by Vishwa Fernando after their incredible 78-run last-wicket partnership
Victory had looked certain for South Africa when they reduced Sri Lanka to 226 for nine
But Kusal launched a brave counter-attack to lead Sri Lanka to their first win since October
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