South Africa continued their impressive performance beating Sri Lanka by 4 wickets in the 2nd One day international played at Rangiri International Stadium, Dambulla. Sri Lankan captain Mathews won the toss and the hosts batsmen failed to score a big total. While chasing the target, despite losing wickets South Africa won the match with ease.
Sri Lankan captain Angelo Mathews won the toss again and decided to bat first. South Africa bowlers started well again as Lungi Ngidi picked wickets of Upul Tharanga and Kusal Mendis in successive deliveries to leave hosts at 13 for 2. Niroshan Dickwella and Kusal Perera steadied the Sri Lankan innings with aggressive stroke play. At the end of 10 overs, Sri Lanka scored 52 for 2.
The South African bowlers continued their disciplined bowling as Phehulwakyo picked the wicket of Kusal Perera for 12. Captain Angelo Mathews came to the crease and joined Dickwella. Dickwella played with positive intent reaching his half-century off 58 balls. Both Mathews and Dickwella added 67 runs for the 4th wicket. Dickwella was dismissed 69 off 78 balls. From 165 for 5, Sri Lanka lost wickets at regular intervals and could not post a big total.
Angelo Mathews steadied the inning reaching his half-century off 71 balls. The Sri Lankan captain Mathews remained not out on 79. Sri Lanka posted 244 for 8 in 50 overs. For South Africa, Lungi Ngidi and Phehlukwayo picked 3 wickets each.
Chasing 245 to win, the South African openers Quinton de Kock and Hashim Amla looked in aggressive touch smashing the Sri Lankan bowlers to all parts of the ground. At end of 10 overs, both openers raced away to 67. After the power play overs, de Kock reached his half-century off 43 balls. Akila Danajaya broke the 91 runs stand dismissing Amla for 43.
Akila Danajaya then dismissed Markram for just 3 runs. Quinton de Kock played with positive intent and also South African captain Faf du Plessis showed his aggressive approach. De Kock was dismissed for well made 87 off 78 balls by Lakmal. Both du Plessis and de Kock added 53 runs for the 3rd wicket.
Faf du Plessis steadied the innings with some positive stroke play and was dismissed for 49 off 41 balls. David Miller was dismissed cheaply for just 3. JP Duminy continued his brilliant touch from the last match but could not help South Africa go past the finish line. The left-handed batsman was dismissed for 32 off 29 balls.
Mulder remained not out on 19. South Africa won the match by 4 wickets with 43 balls to spare. For Sri Lanka, Akila Danajaya was the pick of bowlers again with 3 for 60. Lakmal, Rajitha and Thisara Perera took 1 wicket each.
South Africa 246 for 6 in 42.5 overs ( Quinton de Kock 87, Faf du Plessis 49, Duminy 32, Danajaya 3/60) beat
Sri Lanka 244 for 8 in 50 overs (Mathews 79*, Dickwella 69, Lungi Ngidi 3/50, Phehluwakyo 3/45) by 4 wickets.
With this win, South Africa takes a 2-0 lead in the series. The third match will take place at Palleke on 5th August.
