A dominant performance by the Lankan top order saw them clinch the series 3 – 1 at the Pallakele Grounds as the beat South Africa by 8 wickets.
Chasing 238 to win, the Lankans achieved the target with 36 balls to spare, thanks largely to the efforts of Kumar Sangakkara and TM Dilshan. After losing the wicket of Mahela Jayawardene –who opened the batting with Dilshan- early, the pair put on a stand of 184 runs, playing at a steady and unhurried rate for the bulk of the overs before unleashing once the result was all but certain.
Dilshan ended up with an unbeaten century, while Sangakkara perished on 91 while trying to get to his hundred before the target was reached. Both played exemplary innings, watchful at first and only accelerating once they had set a good foundation. They were helped at times by some wayward bowling, but the real culprits for the Proteas were their middle order.
From a strong position of 118 for 1 the Proteas only managed to scrape to 238 all out, largely thanks to the efforts of JP Duminy. Duminy and Hashim Amla had set up the Proteas nicely with a century stand, but once Amla was dismissed for 77 the Lankan spinners orchestrated a comeback. 9 wickets were lost for 120 runs as no one hung around long enough to provide support to Duminy who played a heroic knock of 97. He fell short of his century while selflessly trying to accelerate the scoring at the death, but ensured that the Proteas got to what – at the time- they would have considered a competitive total. Ajantha Mendis was once again impressive, taking 4 wickets.
South Africa missed out on one opportunity to get back into the game while fielding. Sangakkara was caught in front by JP Duminy only to be adjudged not out by the umpire. The Proteas still had the use of their review at the time, and had they decided to go upstairs, the decision would have definitely been overturned. Sangakkara also survived a run out opportunity earlier in his innings when Amla failed to make a proper throw.
With the series in the bag, Sri Lanka can now afford to give their younger players a run at the top, and rest one or two of their elder statesmen. For South Africa it is a matter of pride, and they will look to bounce back in the final ODI with a far better performance than today.
Sri Lanka 239 for 2 (Dilshan 115*, Sangakkara 91) beat South Africa 238 (Duminy 97, Mendis 4-51)
