Sri Lanka wrap up the series 4-1 over South Africa

Tillakaratne Dilshan and Kumar Sangakkara starred with the bat as Sri Lanka thumped South Africa by a massive 128-run margin in Colombo to wrap up their five-match series 4-1 as victors.

Tillakaratne Dilshan, who smashed 115 runs at Pallekele the other day, scored 99 runs, but it was Sangakkara’s 75* from just 45 deliveries which took Sri Lanka’s total to 307 for 4.

South Africa made a steady start to their reply, but the loss of opener Hashim Amla for 18 triggered a batting collapse, as the tourist crumbled from 60 for one to 85 for six in the space of 10 overs. Amla was trapped leg before wicket by Sachithra Senanayke, who had also dismissed rookie wicket-keeper batsman De Kock, for 18.

Dilshan nailed Duminy in the same manner for 15 in the following over. Thisara Perera then had Faf du Plessis caught behind for six. Lakmal then got into the act as he dismissed Farhaan Behardien and David Miller.

AB de Villiers was the only man who managed to stop the rot with 51 runs but Sri Lanka managed to bowl out South Africa for mere 179 to complete yet another victory. McLaren who scored 29 and Aaron Phangiso 18* were the other substantial contributors in a paltry total of 179.

Earlier, apart from Dilshan and Sangakkara, Lahiru Thirimanne contributed 68 runs in a 163-run partnership with Dilshan, which propelled Sri Lanka from 13 for one to 176 for two and laid a strong foundation for Sangakkara to launch his attack against South African bowlers.

Arguably the best wicketkeeper batsman in the world currently, Sangakkara struck 12 fours in a blistering knock which took Sri Lanka past the 300 run mark.

Sangakkara was supported by Angelo Matthews (23) and Thisara Perera (17*) towards the end before Sri Lanka’s bowlers ripped apart the Proteas batting.

Brief scores:

Sri Lanka 307 for 4 (Dilshan 99, Sangakkara 75*, Thirimanne 68) and South Africa 179 (De Villiers 51, Lakmal 3-24, Mendis 3-36)