South Africa clinch T20I series against Sri Lanka
Sune Luus took a magnificent five for 14 to restrict an improved Sri Lanka to 105 all out, and despite a lower order collapse, the home side had just enough in the tank to secure a series victory with one ball remaining in the second Twenty20 International played at Johannesburg yesterday.
The Sri Lankan bowlers rallied well, Shashikala Siriwardana returning an impressive two for 12 and Inoka Ranaweera two for 15, but another priceless contribution from Dane van Niekerk made the chase possible, and a mature effort from Jade de Klerk helped shepherd her side to an unassailable 2-0 lead.
Earlier, a 50-run stand between Imalka Mendis (12) and Siriwardana lifted Sri Lanka from a precarious position to a competitive one, having dipped to eight for two courtesy of two early scalps from Marizanne Kapp.
Chamari Atapattu then added 20, before Siriwardana took it to her opponents, notching five boundaries for her impressive 38.
Luus entered the fray with things looking ominous for the home side, but she dislodged both Mendis and Siriwardana in the same over, before tearing through the Sri Lankan lower order.
Atapattu’s team collapsed from 89 for three after 15 overs to 105 all out in the 20th, Luus picking up five for 14 and the final six batters all amassing single figure scores.
Sri Lanka: 105 in 19.4 overs (Chamari Atapattu 20, Shashikala Siriwardana 38, Marizanne Kapp 3/17, Sune Luus 5/14)
South Africa: 107/8 in 19.5 overs ((Dane van Niekerk 33, Chamari Atapattu 2/18, Shashikala Siriwardana 2/12, Inoka Ranaweera 2/15). ICC