Twitter Reactions: Spirited Sri Lanka clinch the series

After what transpired in the Test series who would have believed the touring Sri Lanka team will beat South Africa not just in a game but enough to win the series. But this young unit led by Dinesh Chandimal today created history. They not only chased down their highest total in T20Is and the highest at the Newlands, Cape Town but also won their first T20I series in South Africa. It is a huge moment for the team since not many have trusted or backed them in recent past.

Having won the toss Farhaan Behardien decided to bat first. The Proteas were bolstered by the comeback of their star batsman AB de Villiers. They played without him for the last six months but it was a huge occasion for the fans around the world watching in anticipation Seekkuge Prasanna sent back JJ Smuts for 19 and that brought AB to the crease pretty early in the game. That gave him all the time to pace, time and plan his innings.

The other opener Reeza Hendricks played a good partner to de Villiers and the duo took the team over the 100-run mark. He was dismissed by Sandakan for 41 but at his end, the ODI skipper was still going strong. It never appeared like this man had been out of international cricketing action for over the duration of 6 months. He played his shots so naturally and timed the ball really well. Soon he brought up his half century and looked to accelerate the innings towards the end with M Mosehle.

He was dismissed for 63 from 44 that he scored with the help of two boundaries and three sixes. Mosehle was unbeaten at the end on 32 from 15 and South Africa ended their innings on 169/5 which definitely looked like a par total at the half way mark. For Sri Lanka to even think of chasing that, they needed the openers to fire ad it was Niroshan Dickwella who once again rose to the occasion.

After a 36-run first wicket stand his partner Upul Tharanga was dismissed by Wayne Parnell and soon skipper Dinesh Chandimal departed as well but Dickwella was determined to give the team a dashing start. He quality runs for the Lankans and kept them in fray for the chase. His brilliant 68 from 51 balls with 10 fours and a six was the only reason Sri Lanka managed to stay on track of the target.

Also read- South Africa v Sri Lanka, 3rd T20I – 5 Talking Points

Imran Tahir bowled a superb spell to strike thrice and tickle a mini collapse of sorts but this young Lankan team has that kind of firepower to strike through chases even if a set batsman is dismissed at a crucial juncture. Prasanna and Asela Gunaratne played sensational cameos with a slice of luck on their side as well and took the team home with 5 wickets in hand.

Here is how Twitter reacted to Sri Lanka’s series win:

https://twitter.com/shenalifernando/status/824336072058540033

https://twitter.com/iPakistaniLad/status/824338185501179905