||Desk Report||

South Africa clinch the 5-match-ODI series beating Sri Lanka by 71-run (D/L) in Sunday's rain-reduced third ODI held in Durban.

Earlier, the hosts defeated Lankans in the first two matches by 8 wickets and by 113 runs respectively after being hammered in the two Tests by the visitors.

However, with De Kock’s 14^th ton, 121 off 108 balls, Proteas set a massive target of 331-5. In reply, Lankans were struggling at 75-2 after 16 overs when a rainstorm stopped the game for two hours. But after that, the visitors were set a Herculean target of 193 in 24 overs, therefore needing 118 runs from the final eight.

Earlier, after being invited to bat, the home side got an early blow as the opener Reeza Hendricks went back for 7 runs. But Quinton de Kock along with skipper Faf du Plessis added 97 runs in their second wicket-stand. The skipper contributed 36 runs in the partnership before dismissed by Lankans captain Lasith Malinga. Then, De Kock along with Rassie van der Dussen added more 66 runs in the third wicket-stand before his departure. De Kock, who struck 83 in January’s final ODI again Pakistan and 81 and 94 respectively against Sri Lanka earlier this series, knocked his 121 off 108 balls including 16 fours and 2 sixes. Rassie van der Dussen also smashed 50 off 67 balls. The third highest, 41-run came from David Miller, who remained not out with Andile Phehlukwayo (38). Dwaine Pretorius scored 31. South Africa finally posted 331 for 5. Isuru Udana took 2 for 50.

In chasing a massive target of 332, the visitors lost Niroshan Dickwella (2) for a total of 11 runs. Another Lankan opener Avishka Fernando went for 23. After the rain, Lankans lost Oshada Fernando for a total of 76. Oshada was unbeaten for 25 until the interruption by rain. Kusal Mendis who were also unbeaten with Oshada added some more runs before being bowled out by Imran Tahir for 41. Sri Lanka lost another wicket of Thisara Perera for 12. Kamindu Mendis and Isuru Udana were not out at 8 and 0 respectively.

Brief Scores

South Africa: 331/5

De Kock 121, Rassie 50; Udana 2-50

Sri Lanka: 121/5