The Proteas bowling unit took 5-41 on day five of the first Test against Sri Lanka to claim a 206-run victory in Port Elizebeth. 

After ending day four on 240-5, Kyle Abbott (2-38) and Vernon Philander (1-65) both struck early on to reduce Sri Lanka to 258-8 in just eight overs on day five.

Kagiso Rabada (3-77) and Keshav Maharaj (3-86) combined well to continue their momentum from day four to take out the tail and help their side bundle out the Sri Lankans for 281, ending an amazing team effort by South Africa.

Vernon Philander was important to the dominant bowling display shown by the Proteas throughout the match. His 11th five-for was a major factor in restricting Sri Lanka to 205 in the first innings.

Kyle Abbott chipped in with 3-65 along with Maharaj and Rabada who both took one a piece to give the Proteas an 81-run lead.

After setting a target of 488 for Sri Lanka, the Proteas were put to the test in tough conditions. Rabada starred on day four ending with figures of 2-72 which included the important wicket of Kaushal Silva (48) early in the 47th over and Kusal Mendis on 58 in the 65th over.

Maharaj also chipped in with 2-84 on a day where the pitch was lacking pace or movement.

It was the quick firing from the Proteas on day five which emphasised the unity among the Proteas bowling attack, enabling them to go 1-0 up in the three-match Test series.

Photo: Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images