All-rounder Dwaine Pretorius emerged the proud recipient of the Player of the Match award, after South Africa beat Sri Lanka by 45 runs in Sunday’s rain-affected third and final T20I at the Wanderers in Johannesburg.

The result afforded the Proteas a three-nil series triumph, in addition to the five consecutive ODIs won against the same opposition earlier this month.

Promoted to third position in the batting order, Pretorius struck an entertaining 77 not out from just 42 deliveries, which featured seven fours and a trio of sixes.

The hard-hitting right-hander shared an unbroken 71-run alliance alongside captain JP Duminy, whose unbeaten 34 spanned a mere 14 deliveries in a final total of 198 for two.

The Sri Lankans were later restricted to 137 all out in 15.4 overs, as seamer Pretorius welcomed the key dismissal of opener Dhananjaya de Silva. Fellow all-rounder Andile Phehlukwayo, meanwhile, snared four other wickets.

‘I really enjoyed the opportunity to go up the order, so I am grateful for that. At the end of the day, it is important that the team wins,’ said Pretorius.

‘I just look to keep the score ticking. Our top order has been phenomenal. JP cleared the boundary pretty easily. I am just grateful for the opportunity and for getting the chance to bat at three.’

The 29-year-old remains in contention for a berth in South Africa’s squad for the World Cup in the United Kingdom later this year.

Photo: Gallo Images