Dale Steyn have finally equalized Shaun Pollock’s record for the most number of wickets for South Africa in Tests. It took him only 87 matches to scalp 421 wickets whereas Pollock needed 108 Tests to take as many wickets. However, the Proteas failed to mark the occasion as they suffered a heavy defeat against Sri Lanka in the first Test, in Galle.

Steyn took one wicket in each innings as Sri Lanka made 287 and 190 respectively. In reply, South Africa were all out for 126 runs in the first innings and registered their lowest innings total since readmission, in the second. Sri Lanka’s sublime bowling attack bundled out the visitors for 73 to clinch a 278-run victory over the Proteas.

Herath took five wickets while Dilruwan Perera bagged his second ten-wicket haul in Tests. Dimuth Karunratne, however, played the most important part and accounted for nearly half the runs Sri Lanka accumulated. After a match-defining 158-run knock in the first innings, Karunaratne scored 60 runs in the second.

Meanwhile, Steyn has also entered the top ten highest wicket-takers’ list in Tests alongside Rangana Herath who now has a total of 423 wickets to his name.