Sri Lanka’s cricketers pulled off an unbelievable one wicket victory over south Africa in the first test in Durban today – thanks to one of the all -time great knocks in test cricket from Kusal Perera .

The Sri Lankans had looked dead and buried at on 226 for 9 and in search of unlikely victory target of 304 on today’s fourth day

But Perera had other ideas as he and last man at bat Vishwa Fernando carved out the 78 runs that was required for victory.

Perera ended unbeaten on 153 while Fernando’s contribution was six runs five of which were overthrows as the pair put on a record-breaking 10th wicket stand to see their team to the win in an atmosphere of almost unbearable tension.

Along the way, both men reached their highest test scores.

Earlier the Sri Lankans had resumed on their overnight 83 for 3 still requiring 221 runs for victory with seven wickets in hand.

Victory for the South Africans seemed to be a mere formality as their bowlers picked up wickets at regular intervals until the heroics of Perera who had resumed on his overnight 12.

Oshada Fernando who was 28 overnight was removed for 37 while Dhananjaya de Silva fought his way to 48 after putting on 94 for the 6th wicket with Perera

For South Africa Keshav Maharaj picked up 3 for 71 while Duane Oliver collected 2 for 35 and dale Steyn 2 for 71.

Final scores 235 and 259, Sri Lanka 191 and 304 for 9.