SA van der Dussen

Hendricks, van der Dussen half-centuries give SA series win

SA van der Dussen

The South Africa pair flayed Sri Lanka’s bowlers to all parts, but the evening’s highlight remained Udana, who frightened South Africa with an innings of some bravado.

Udana arrived at the crease with his side 62/6, requiring 119 runs for victory with 10.2 overs left to play. He then turned on the blasters with a blistering show of hitting, depositing eight sixes and six fours in his 48-ball stay. In the end, Udana was left with too much to do and not enough time, as South Africa breathed a collective sigh of relief when victory was eventually secured.

That Udana was thrust into a hopeless cause was down to South Africa’s bowlers tearing through the batting line-up. Dale Steyn beat the defence of Kusal Mendis with a delivery that moved beautifully late; Chris Morris was potent as he took two wickets in two deliveries to derail the chase, and Dwayne Pretorius went about his business effectively to finish with figures of 1/22.

Tabraiz Shamsi, in for Imran Tahir, wheeled away brilliantly – a googly to Angelo Perera deceived the batsman all ends up, as an edge was offered to the hands of JP Duminy at first slip. Beyond Udana’s antics, Niroshan Dickwella (20) was a joy to watch during his brief cameo – a lapped sweep off Steyn was audaciously spectacular. Nonetheless, a tame chip to mid-off ended his day.

The difficult chase was set up by an impressive batting performance, led by Hendricks and van der Dussen. After Aiden Markram (3) fell cheaply on his T20I debut, Hendricks and van der Dussen combined for a 116-run partnership. Van der Dussen peppered the leg-side while Hendricks’ timing proved easy on the eye.

The previous match had seen Lasith Malinga display his class with some mastery at the death, and he continued his good form here – the removal of Hendricks came from a slower ball, one that the batsman could not control as he offered a catch to Kamindu Mendis, diving forward brilliantly at mid-off.

JP Duminy ensured that South Africa finished strong, a 17-ball 33 seeing the stand-in skipper play a significant role in taking the Proteas to 180. Despite Udana’s entertainment, it ended up being enough for South Africa to seal victory and take the series.