South Africa sweep series 3-0

Clinical South Africa saw off an easy run chase to clinch the three-match T20 series 3-0 with a comprehensive 10- wicket win over Sri Lanka in the third and final T20 played at the R Premadasa Stadium.

Openers Quinton de Kock (59*) and Reeza Hendricks (56*) shared an unbeaten 121-a South African record partnership for any wicket against Sri Lanka to clinch the series in an emphatic manner.

After electing to bat first Sri Lanka got off a decent start even though they lost three wickets scoring 47 runs in the power play overs, but wickets at regular intervals derailed Sri Lanka’s progress. After Kagiso Rabada did the early damage removing Avishka Fernando and Bhanuka Rajapaksa, the South African spinners joined the party bowling economically and picking wickets. Kusal Perera who batted with a hamstring injury hit 39 but it was Chamika Karunaratne’s (24*) little cameo that helped Sri Lanka reach 120 for the loss of eight wickets.

Sri Lankan bowlers did not have the venom to trouble the South African openers who put a show with some exquisite shots on their way to a record stand.

Chief scores: Sri Lanka 120 for 8 in 20 overs (Kusal Perera 39, Chamika Karunaratne 24 not out, Dasun Shanaka 18; Njorn Fortuin 2 for 21, Kagiso Rabada 2 for 23)

South Africa: 121 for no loss in 14.2 overs ( Reeza Hendricks 56 not out, Quinton de Kock 59 not out)