A dominant performance by TM Dilshan ensured that Sri Lanka maintained their number one T20 ranking while avoiding a series whitewash against South Africa.
Sri Lanka went into the final game without both their batsman and their strike bowler. Kumar Sangakkara was rested as per the new rotation policy, while Lasith Malinga was ruled out with an ankle injury. His absence was felt on the field, as the South Africans hit a daunting 163 runs in their allotted 20 overs.
Proteas captain Faf Du Plessis was the chief architect of the South African innings. He survived a blow to the groin, an incorrect lbw decision and a dropped catch en route to a score of 85 of 65 deliveries. The Sri Lankan bowlers took a heavy pounding in the last ten overs, and a lacklustre fielding display did no service to their cause either.
All that was forgotten once the Lankan openers took the field. Mahela Jayawardene paired up with TM Dilshan and the duo blasted the South African bowling to all corners. Mahela was at his brilliant best, and Dilshan at his most daring, playing two dilscoops in the second over as 67 runs were plundered in the first six overs before Mahela fell for 33 off just 16 balls. Kusal Perera and Dinesh Chandimal once again failed to impress, but Dilshan kept the scoreboard ticking until the 19th over, Thisara Perera then blasted 21 runs off JP Duminy before Dilshan sealed the game with a six. Dilshan ended up on an unbeaten 71 off 54, and his innings included a range of audacious shots, including one that can only be described as a “reverse dil scoop”.
The consolation win ensured that Sri Lanka stayed at the top of the ICC T20 rankings despite the series loss. However, Sri Lanka went into this tour searching for answers with regards to their future. They received confirmation about the class of their seniors, but were left with more questions than answers by the young brigade. Perhaps it’s time to give the batting lineup and the captaincy a closer look.
Sri Lanka 164 for 4 (Dilshan 74*, Wiese 2-24) beat South Africa 163 for 3 (du Plessis 85, Duminy 51*) by 6 wickets
