Angelo Mathews receives the trophy after Sri Lanka’s T20 win over South Africa.
Sri Lanka’s spinners bowled out South Africa for its lowest T20I score and then Dinesh Chandimal guided his team to a three-wicket victory in a low-scoring match at the R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo, on Tuesday (August 14) night.
Just as in the Tests, the South African batsmen had no clue against the spinners, with Akila Dananjaya, Lakshan Sandakan and Dananjaya de Silva weaving a magic spell over them. The Proteas slumped to their lowest T20 total of 98.
In a thrilling finish in front of a sell-out crowd, Sri Lanka reached victory in the 16th over with a hard-fought 99 for 7. Dinesh Chandimal made a triumphant return to the team from suspension with an unbeaten 36, and with de Silva (31) put on a valuable 53 runs for the third wicket. Sri Lanka did stutter in the victory chase, losing five wickets for 29 runs, but the target was reached without further incident.
On this tour of Sri Lanka, the South Africans have recorded their lowest totals in Tests (73) and in 20-over internationals (98), since readmission.
Dananjaya de Silva was named player of the match for his all-round performance.
Scores:
Sri Lanka 99 for 7 v (Chandimal 36 not out, de Silva 31, Dala 2-22, Rabada 2-24, Shamsi 2-26) beat South Africa 98 (de Kock 20, Sandakan 3-19, Akila 2-15, de Silva 2-22).
Dananjaya de Silva is delighted after dismissing SA captain J P Duminy.
