Sri Lanka cruise to ODI series victory over SA

On Sep 7, 2021

Sri Lanka produced a clinical performance to outplay South Africa by 78 runs in the third and deciding One Day International (ODI) at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo yesterday.

The Lankans also went on to clinch the ODI series 2-1 and collected some valuable points in the ICC World Cup Super League Tournament.

Sri Lanka’s modest total of 203 for nine was more than enough for them to turn the game in their favour as their spinners played havoc with the South African batting.

Debutant Mahesh Theekshana took a wicket in his very first ball after Dushmantha Chameera and Praveen Jayawickrama had struck early as the Proteas were skittle out for 125 in 30 overs.

Sri Lanka’s total of 203 for nine was built around a fighting innings from Charith Asalanka who missed his third successive half-century in the series by three runs.

The 24-year-old left-hander struck 47 from 71 balls with two boundaries before he fell in the 42nd over after Skipper Dasun Shanaka had won the toss and elected to bat first.

Keshav Maharaj, George Linde and Tabraiz Shamsi delivered some crucial blows and at one stage Sri Lanka were in danger of being bowled out for under 200 runs.

However, all-rounder Dushmantha Chameera provided some momentum to the Sri Lanka innings during the latter stages with a useful 29 with the help of three boundaries. (C.D)