<p>Dale Steyn grabbed a match haul of 9-99 as South Africa thrashed Sri Lanka by 153 runs on the fifth and final day of the first Test on Sunday.<br /><br /></p>.<p>Steyn’s figures, the best by a quick here, helped the visitors bowl out Sri Lanka twice in the match despite a wicket which offered little help.<br /><br />It was only South Africa’s third win on the island and their first since 2000.<br /><br />Steyn was well-supported by seaming partner Morne Morkel, who picked up four wickets as Sri Lanka were bowled out for 216.<br /><br />Sri Lanka needed to make another 260 runs on the final day with nine wickets in hand to pull off a come-from-behind win. But they lost their remaining wickets for just 106 to go down tamely.<br /><br />The victory was especially sweet for Hashim Amla, who was leading the side for the first time in Tests.<br /><br />South Africa can now reclaim their top ranking from Australia if they win the second and final Test in Colombo from July 24-28. Part-time spinner JP Duminy picked up two wickets including the crucial scalp of Kumar Sangakkara, who made a fighting 76 to salvage some pride for the hosts.<br /><br />Sri Lanka, who had resumed on their overnight score 110-1, added just 51 off 24 overs in the first session while losing five wickets.<br /><br />Steyn, who had taken a five-wicket haul in the first innings, struck in the fourth over of the day to give his side the breakthrough they needed.<br /><br />His victim was opener Kaushal Silva (38) who nicked the seamer behind the wickets, where Quinton de Kock dived to his right to take a stunning catch.<br /><br />Silva’s dismissal ended a 104-run stand with Sangakkara for the second wicket, the highest of the innings.</p>
<p>Dale Steyn grabbed a match haul of 9-99 as South Africa thrashed Sri Lanka by 153 runs on the fifth and final day of the first Test on Sunday.<br /><br /></p>.<p>Steyn’s figures, the best by a quick here, helped the visitors bowl out Sri Lanka twice in the match despite a wicket which offered little help.<br /><br />It was only South Africa’s third win on the island and their first since 2000.<br /><br />Steyn was well-supported by seaming partner Morne Morkel, who picked up four wickets as Sri Lanka were bowled out for 216.<br /><br />Sri Lanka needed to make another 260 runs on the final day with nine wickets in hand to pull off a come-from-behind win. But they lost their remaining wickets for just 106 to go down tamely.<br /><br />The victory was especially sweet for Hashim Amla, who was leading the side for the first time in Tests.<br /><br />South Africa can now reclaim their top ranking from Australia if they win the second and final Test in Colombo from July 24-28. Part-time spinner JP Duminy picked up two wickets including the crucial scalp of Kumar Sangakkara, who made a fighting 76 to salvage some pride for the hosts.<br /><br />Sri Lanka, who had resumed on their overnight score 110-1, added just 51 off 24 overs in the first session while losing five wickets.<br /><br />Steyn, who had taken a five-wicket haul in the first innings, struck in the fourth over of the day to give his side the breakthrough they needed.<br /><br />His victim was opener Kaushal Silva (38) who nicked the seamer behind the wickets, where Quinton de Kock dived to his right to take a stunning catch.<br /><br />Silva’s dismissal ended a 104-run stand with Sangakkara for the second wicket, the highest of the innings.</p>