Sri Lanka have finally picked up a consolation win in the fourth ODI against the Proteas. South Africa sealed the five-match series by winning the first three clashes.
Sri Lanka’s innings was trimmed to 39 overs following long spells of rain at Pallekele, on Wednesday (August 8). The islanders registered a total of 306 runs for seven wickets, before rain once again interrupted the game to reduce the visitors’ innings to 21 overs.
South Africa failed to chase down a 191-run target, as Sri Lanka won the match by three runs.
After a 61-run opening partnership from Niroshan Dickwella and Upul Tharanga, the hosting side saw three crucial half-centuries from Kusal Perera, Thisara Perera, and Dasun Shanaka in the first innings.
Jean-Paul Duminy was the only player to have conceded less than six runs an over among the bowlers in the game. Besides taking two wickets, the all-rounder also played an important part with the bat and made 38 runs for the South African side.
However, Duminy’s innings, after a 40-run knock from Hashim Amla, wasn’t enough to help the Proteas close in on a whitewash. Suranga Lakmal allowed only four runs off the last over while also completing his three-wicket haul by taking the vital wicket of David Miller in that over.
The fifth match between the two sides will be held on August 12. They will then face-off each other in the one-off T20I on August 14.
Scores:
SL 306/7 (39 Overs)
RSA 187/9 (21 Overs)
Sri Lanka won by 3 runs (DLS Method)
