Four South African spinners ran riot against the helpless Lankans who were bowled out for 103 runs. Quinton de Kock scored an unbeaten half-century to see his side cruise to the target.
Despite losing an early wicket, Sri Lanka were off to a flying start with Kagiso Rabada at the receiving end of some belligerent stroke play. Kusal Perera (30 off 25) and Bhanuka Rajapaksa (20 off 13) scored some valuable runs during the powerplay before perishing to Aiden Markram’s part-time off-spin.
The South African spinners to the game by the scruff of its neck. Tabraiz Shamsi (3 for 20), Bjorn Fortuin (2 for 12), skipper Keshav Maharaj (1 for 10). Markram had a notable bowling performance as he bowled a maiden over and picked up three wickets in his four-over quota.
Nine of the ten wickets were credited to the spinners. Sri Lanka could only manage 103 runs, and the innings was wrapped up with 11 balls to spare. The South African innings was a complete opposite of this.
Quinton de Kock displayed his maturity by pacing his innings brilliantly and ensuring that there would be no hiccups during the run chase. The left-handed opener smashed seven boundaries in a 58-run knock which came in 48 deliveries. Reeza Hendricks and Markram scored around 20-runs each as an act of support for the Mumbai Indians wicket-keeper.
The South African batsmen made a mockery of the target as they got there with almost six overs left. South Africa now hold a 2-0 lead in the 3-match T20I series. Great signs for the Keshav Maharaj-led side ahead of the upcoming T20I World Cup.
As for Sri Lanka, they will have to go back to the drawing board and come back hard in the final match to regain some lost respect.
Brief Scores
Sri Lanka: 103/10 in 18.1 overs (Perera 30, Rajapaksa 20; Shamsi 3/20, Markram 3/21) lost to
South Africa: 105/1 in 14.1 overs (de Kock 58*, Markram 21*; Hasaranga 1/22, Shanuka 0/6)
Man of the Match
Tabraiz Shamsi
