It has been a tale of contrasting performances for the Proteas in the Tests and the ODI format. After being on the receiving end of the thrashings in the longer version, South Africa have turned the tables on Sri Lanka in the 50-over format.

On Wednesday, the men led by Faf du Plessis registered their second win in two ODIs against Sri Lanka. They are now leading the five-match series by 2-0.

Batting first, Sri Lanka totaled 244 for eight in 50 overs. Only Niroshan Dickwella and Angelo Mathews put up knocks of substance for the islanders while the rest of the batters failed to make their mark.

Both Dickwella and Mathews belted half-centuries and shared a 77-run partnership to give their team a break from losing wickets at regular intervals. Dickwella made 69 and Mathews remained not out on 79 to help their team reach a respectable total.

Lungi Ngidi and Andile Phehlukwayo topped the wicket-taking charts for South Africa by bagging three wickets each. Wilem Mulder and Kagis Rabada also took one wicket apiece as the South African bowling line-up never allowed the opponents tighten their grip on the match.

In reply, a 91-run opening stand between Hashim Amla and Quinton de Kock put the South Africans in control. Following Amla’s departure for 43, de Kock kept the score ticking and added 87 runs to the total before returning to the pavilion.

Du Plessis and Jean-Paul Duminy made the task easier for the Proteas by scoring 49 and 32 runs, respectively. Their dismissals were part of a mini collapse after South Africa posted enough runs on the board.

Akila Dananjaya took three scalps but his efforts weren’t enough to prevent Sri Lanka from suffering a four-wicket defeat.

The third ODI between the two sides will be held on August 5, at Pallekele. Sri Lanka cannot afford to lose any of the remaining matches at this point as the Proteas need only one more victory to seal the series.