Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews on Monday lavished praise on his ace spinners for nearly winning his team the second Test against South Africa with a lion-hearted effort.
The hosts were agonisingly close to victory, having taken eight wickets in the second innings, but South Africa’s tailenders hung on to snatch a draw in the end.
Left-arm spinner Rangana Herath was almost unplayable on a deceptively turning track at the SSC ground, conceding just 40 runs off 45 overs for five wickets.
Off-spinner Dilruwan Perera was also effective, picking 3-60 off 44 overs.
The duo bowled relentlessly, helping Sri Lanka complete 94 overs on the fifth and final day despite several rain interruptions.
