South Africa defeated Sri Lanka by 78 runs in the 3rd One day international played at Pallekele International Stadium, Kandy just a few moments ago. Sri Lankan captain decided to field first but a great batting performance by the South African batsmen helped them to post a massive total. Chasing the target, Sri Lanka lost wickets at regular intervals and were bowled out.
This time around Sri Lankan captain Angelo Mathews won the toss and decided to field first. Hashim Amla looked in superb touch with attacking strokes off Sri Lankan new ball bowlers. Quinton de Kock was dismissed for 2 runs after just facing only 8 balls by Kumara. South Africa first wicket fell at the score of 42 runs.
Hashim Amla looked in sublime touch with superb stroke play off the spinners and pacers. At the end of 10 overs, South Africa scored 64 for 1. After the power play, Reeza Hendricks and Amla played with positive intent putting pressure on Sri Lankan bowlers. Amla reached his half century off 39 balls. Both Amla and Reeza Hendricks added 59 runs for the 2nd wicket. Thisara Perera got the big wicket of Hashim Amla for 59.
Reeza Hendricks making his ODI debut for South Africa impressed with his strokeplay reaching his half-century off 49 balls. Thisara Perera dismissed Faf du Plessis for 10 runs. JP Duminy and Reeza Hendricks made the batting look easy. Hendricks completed his maiden century off 88 balls. Kumara dismissed Hendricks for 102. Both Hendricks and Duminy added 78 runs for the 4th wicket.
JP Duminy took the charge for the South Africans reaching his half-century off 51 balls. After reaching his half-century, the experienced player smashed the Sri Lankan bowlers to all parts of the ground. JP Duminy and David Miller added 103 runs for the 5th wicket. Duminy was dismissed for 92 off 70 balls.
David Miller also got scored quick runs after struggling in the initial stages and reached his half-century off 46 balls. The hard-hitting left-handed batsman was dismissed for 51. Andile Phehulwakyo came to the crease and smashed a quick fire 24 off 11 balls. South Africa posted a massive total of 363 for 7 in 50 overs. For Sri Lanka, Thisara Perera picked 4 wickets.
Chasing 364 to win, Upul Tharanga and Dickwella started on a positive note adding 20 runs for the first wicket in just 3.4 overs. Lungi Ngidi picked the wickets of both Sri Lankan openers. Kusal Perera was looking good before Phehluwakyo dismissed him for 27. At the end of 10 overs, Sri Lanka scored 73 for 3.
After the power play overs, Thisara Perera was dismissed cheaply for 16 runs. Kusal Mendis and Angelo Mathews tried to steady the innings for the 5th wicket adding 43 runs. Mathews looked positive but was dismissed for 32. Dhanajaya de Silva and Akila Danajaya played with positive intent putting pressure on South African bowlers.
Dhanajaya de Silva reached his half-century off 47 balls. Both Dhanajaya de Silva and Akila Danajaya added 95 runs for the 7th wicket. Akila Danajaya was dismissed for 37. Dhanajaya de Silva played with positive intent and scored 84 off 66 balls. South Africa bowled out Sri Lanka for 285 in 45.2 overs.
South Africa won the match by 78 runs to seal the series. For South Africa, Lungi Ngidi was the pick of bowlers with 4/57, Phehulwakyo took 3 for 74, Shamsi 2/62.
South Africa 363 for 7 in 50 overs (Reeza Hendricks 102, Duminy 92, Hashim Amla 59, Miller 51, Thisara Perera 4/75) beat
Sri Lanka 285 in 45.2 overs (Dhanajaya de Silva 84, Akila Danajaya 37, Lungi Ngidi 4/57, Phehluwakyo 3/74) by 78 runs.
South Africa seal the series with a convincing win over Sri Lanka. The 4th match of ODI series will be played at Pallekele International Stadium on 8th August.
