SPORTS

SA beat SL in third ODI, clinch series

January 18, 2012 06:46 IST

A half-century from Faf du Plessis led South Africa to a series-clinching victory in the third one-dayer against Sri Lanka on Tuesday.

Chasing 267 to win, the home team was 179 for five after 34 overs when rain ended play.

- Scorecard

According to Duckworth-Lewis calculations, South Africa were four runs ahead of Sri Lanka, giving them an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series.

The 27-year-old Du Plessis lifted South Africa from 52 for three with 72 off 74 balls, the highest of his three half-centuries, before he became the second batsman to be run out in the innings as he failed to beat a throw by Angelo Mathews.

Captain AB de Villiers then took over with an aggressive 39 not out off 36 deliveries.

Earlier, fast bowler Lasith Malinga put Sri Lanka on top by clean bowling Graeme Smith for two and Colin Ingram for 13.

Sri Lanka totalled 266 for nine after winning the toss. Their top four all scored more than 30 but only opener Upul Tharanga (58) managed a half-century.

Nuwan Kulasekara provided some impetus in the closing overs with 40 off 38 balls.

The fourth match is in Kimberley on Friday.

Source: REUTERS
© Copyright 2024 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Reuters content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. Reuters shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon.

Recommended by Rediff.com

NEXT ARTICLE

NewsBusinessMoviesSportsCricketGet AheadDiscussionLabsMyPageVideosCompany Email