Dilshan century guides SL to series win

By Sunil

28 July 2013 06:57 pm - 0 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

A A A

Tillakaratne Dilshan scored his 17th one-day international century and shared a second wicket stand of 184 with Kumar Sangakkara to guide Sri Lanka to a series clinching eight wicket win over South Africa in the fourth match at Pallekele on Sunday.

The hosts were outplayed in the third match two days ago at the same venue but came back strongly with a clinical performance with bat and ball to take a 3-1 lead in the five-match series.

Man-of-the-match Dilshan paced his innings expertly, finishing unbeaten on 115 off 130 balls, while Sangakkara made 91 off 101 balls as Sri Lanka successfully chased down South Africa's total of 238 with six overs to spare.

Sangakkara was out going for his century, edging a drive off Morne Morkel to mid-off with his side 10 runs from their target.

He had a life on 33 when South Africa decided not to review a lbw shout off JP Duminy. Replays indicated the ball, which struck the batsman in line with the stumps, would have hit leg stump.

Sangakkara cashed in on his luck but fell short of what would have been his 17th one-day hundred.

South Africa looked headed for a total close to 300 when they were 172 for three at the halfway mark, but lost their way as the Sri Lankan spinners took control.

South Africa lost their remaining seven wicket for 62 runs, with Ajantha Mendis (four for 51) the chief destroyer.

Hashim Amla, who missed the first and third matches through injury and could not bat in the second, hit a fluent 77 off 71 balls, while Duminy was last out for 97.

The pitch had lost pace since the last match, making batting easier, and the Sri Lankan batsmen capitalised on the conditions.

The fifth and final match will be played in Colombo on Wednesday.(Reuters)

Comments - 0

Add comment
Comments will be edited (grammar, spelling and slang) and authorized at the discretion of Daily Mirror online. The website also has the right not to publish selected comments.

Dilshan century guides SL to series win

Comments - 0

Add comment

RECOMMENDED

With IMF boost, Ranil will target 2024 Presidential poll

Wokeism: The Transgender and Drag Queen Conversation

How Lanka’s National anthem was amended due to superstition

Import of South Indian eggs: Sri Lanka walks on Indian eggshells

Wokeism: Is it destructive, or are you afraid of change? A response

Defeat in Ananthapuram Battle denoted the LTTE’s end

Wokeism: A Weapon of Mass Destruction?

Most Viewed in News

SL no longer deemed bankrupt: RW

SL Rupee appreciates further against USD

Rupee will gradually come down to 200 or 185 – President expresses hope

Man cuts off electrician’s hands, flees with it

SL to introduce property tax and gift and inheritance tax

How Lanka’s National anthem was amended due to superstition

TODAY'S HEADLINES

Tour guide arrested for sexual harassment

Will summon EC for a meeting over uncertainty of LG polls: Dinesh

Brother and sister drown in canal

Treasury will have to bear part of SriLankan debt even after restructuring: Minister

MIRROR CRICKET

Revenge on Thomian minds as they face Royal in Mustangs Trophy encounter today

Sangakkara recommended Viyaskanth as net bowler for Rajasthan team

New Zealand demolish Sri Lanka to sweep Test series

Williamson, Nicholls double tons put New Zealand on top in second Test

Dasun confident of claiming series whitewash

Royal do the double on hapless Thomians

Revenge on Thomian minds as they face Royal in Mustangs Trophy encounter today

CR & FC Centenary Rugby 7’s from March 31