(COLOMBO, LANKAPUVATH) –Sri Lanka finally won a match in this ODI series in Pallekele as they defeated South Africa by 3 runs (D/L Method). A rain-affected game between the two sides saw a nail-biting finish as Suranga Lakmal defended 7 runs in the last over to guide his team to a win. Earlier, Sri Lanka posted a mammoth 306/7 in allotted 39 overs.
South Africa began the chase and the match was interrupted just after two overs due to rain. Sri Lanka got two quick wickets after the break but JP Duminy and Hashim Amla held their nerves and scored 57 runs for the third wicket.
But some good work in the field by the Sri Lankan fielders got them back in the game. Mathews held on to a brilliant catch in the covers to send Klaasen back while Shanaka’s direct throw sent Duminy packing. In the last over, Lakmal got rid off David Miller and eventually won the game for his side. The two teams will now meet on August 12 for the last game.
