by Rex Clementine

South Africa clinched the three match T-20 series with a game to spare following their comprehensive nine wicket win in the second game yesterday at RPS. Sri Lanka after electing to bat only managed 103 all out in 18.1 overs and the tourists had no trouble chasing it down and won with 35 balls to spare.

Sri Lanka, who formally announced their World Cup squad yesterday, have been left with too many questions to answer and the foremost of them is their inability to bat 20 overs.

Kusal Perera was making a comeback having missed ten games after suffering a shoulder injury and then testing positive for COVID. His presence did have an impact as he posted 30 runs off 25 balls with two fours and one six but the team needed much more from their leading batsman.

Sri Lanka struggled to get away South Africa’s spin quartet as they lost wickets at regular intervals. After just two overs each from Kagiso Rabada and Antrich Nortje, their two strike bowlers, South Africa struck to spin and Dwaine Pretorius’ seam bowling wasn’t even required.

The hosts were bold in leaving out Avishka Fernando. Although the opening batsman has done well in ODIs, his numbers don’t do justice to his talent in T-20 cricket. However, he is believed to be in Sri Lanka’s World Cup plans and should open batting with KJP later next month.

Bhanuka Rajapaksa with three consecutive ducks to his name was persevered with and his cameo of 20 off 13 balls with three fours and a six was enough proof that he should continue to be in the T-20 side with his ability to clear the boundary. But his fielding is a liability and his social media antics could harm the unity of the team. He did threaten to come up with a big score but after a start succumbed to a soft dismissal offering Aiden Markram a return catch.

Sri Lanka’s innings was falling apart quickly from thereon as Shamsi and  Markram took three wickets apiece.

South Africa’s openers were brutal in the Power Play adding 49 runs in the six overs. Quinton de Kock took the attack onto the spinners using the sweep shot to good effect.

Once the Power Play was over, de Kock consolidated with no need to take risks. He brought up his half-century with an elegant cover drive for four off Wanindu Hasaranga. He was unbeaten on 58 that came in 48 balls having hit seven fours.

The opening wicket stand between de Kock and Reeza Hendrikcs produced 62 runs off 56 balls. Wanindu Hasaranga removed Hendricks but by then too much damage had been done in a run chase of 104.