Sri Lanka’s bowlers made the Proteas work hard for their runs but, ultimately, they were no match for batting unit that lived up to their true potential, writes SIMON LEWIS.
Chasing Sri Lanka’s modest score of 225 in the fifth ODI at Newlands, Quinton de Kock wasn’t able to secure a sixth consecutive ODI century for the Proteas, falling for just six runs in the third over. Proteas skipper Faf du Plessis joined Aiden Markram at the crease, and the pair added 70 runs in good time.
Looking to force the pace, Du Plessis edged a delivery from Thisara Perera into the gloves of Kusal Mendis. Du Plessis’ 24 came off a watchful 42 balls as the pair carefully composed their run chase.
READ ALSO: De Kock close to beating his own and Rhodes’ record
Rassie van der Dussen and Markram put together a stand of 57 off 64 balls, with Markram going to a well-deserved half-century off 58 balls, with six fours. Markram moved to 67, his highest score in ODIs, when one of the floodlight pylons malfunctioned, forcing the players from the field.
The Proteas went into the unscheduled stoppage with their score on 135-2, needing just 91 runs for the win off 22 overs. Markram was undefeated on 68 off 75 balls, with Van der Dussen not out on 28 off 37 balls.
READ ALSO: Faf: Not the worst thing that Quinton and I got out
After a lengthy break, the umpires eventually called the match off and awarded it to the Proteas by 41 runs (DLS), and with it the series 5-0.
Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images/Getty Images
