Quinton de Kock: CSA
South Africa’s spin bowling foursome of Tabraiz Shamsi (3/20), Aiden Markram (3/21), Bjorn Fortuin (2/12) and Keshav Maharaj (1/10) took nine wickets between them to help set up a clinical, nine-wicket victory over Sri Lanka and seal the three-match T20 international series 2-0 with a match to spare in Colombo on Sunday.
This is South Africa’s third, consecutive T20 series win – all of which have been away from home – following victories over West Indies and Ireland.
Sri Lanka were outplayed by the visitors’ bowling attack, struggling visibly in their backyard after winning the toss and electing to bat first. They were bundled out for 103 in 18.1 overs, their lowest first innings total.
Anrich Nortje’s (1/8) wicket contribution was the first of the innings, getting rid of the dangerous Dinesh Chandimal for five.
Quinton de Kock (58 off 48, 7x4s) then led the batting charge and finished with an unbeaten half-century. His opening stand of 62 runs with Reeza Hendricks (18 off 19 balls) laid a strong foundation for Markram to accompany De Kock on the way to the team’s victory..
Markram’s 21 off 19 balls (3x4s) tied in beautifully with his career-best bowling figures of 3/21 to end the day as comprehensively as the team could manage.
The third and final match will take place at the same R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium venue on Tuesday where South Africa will hope to get a series sweep.
