Seekuge Prasanna and Asela Gunaratne completed Sri Lanka’s fight as the islanders secured their first T20 silverware since the World T20 triumph in 2014 and their first in the rainbow nation.
The Newlands Stadium in Cape Town had all the makings of an epic encounter as Sri Lanka chased down 169 runs to record their highest T20 run chase. Once again, ThePapare’s very own Sameera Pieris was on hand to catch all the action.
Here are 8 of the top moments from the series clinching win.
1 Captain Chandimal’s quick work behind the stumps broke the ominous partnership
Quick to react behind the stumps, skipper Dinesh Chandimal missed his first attempt at dislodging the bails but made no mistake in his second attempt as he caught Reeza Hendricks short of his crease to break the Hendricks-De Villiers partnership.
2 ‘AB’s impressive return to the international arena
The South African batting maestro made his comeback to international cricket after six months and flayed the Lankan bowling all around the park on his way to a 59 ball 63.
3 What would you call this shot?
The man of the moment Niroshan Dickwella brought in some flavour to the game, scooping the South African bowlers impressively on his way to a match winning 68.
4 Hat-trick of catches missed!
They say catches win matches. Wayne Parnell’s over saw three catches off consecutive deliveries go down, with Parnell himself missing the third catch off Dickwella.
5 Imran Tahir tightened the screws on Sri Lanka’s chase.
The 37-year-old’s distinct celebration was on display at Newlands as he dismissed both Dinesh Chandimal and Niroshan Dickwella on his way to figures of 4/18.
6 This one’s for you!
A boundary over the wicket-keeper by Asela Gunaratne to level the scores and a single to win the series in the final over of the match. He scored an important 11 runs partnering with Seekuge Prasanna.
7 Moves like Seeku
Seekuge Prasanna celebrated with a dance move as he successfully took Sri Lanka to a victory scoring quick-fire 16 ball 37 that included 3 sixes and 3 fours.
8 Sri Lanka come from behind to win series 2-1
Sri Lanka broke their losing streak on South African soil by clinching the T20 series with two nail biting wins.
See all the photos from the 3rd T20 >>
