Sri Lanka’s spinners destroyed the Proteas batsmen as they were bowled out for 98, their lowest total in T20Is.
It was another abysmal batting performance from the Proteas. They trusted the sweep shot but it failed them, as they lost five wickets to attempted sweeps.
The Proteas innings got off to a quick start, as Quinton de Kock scored three boundaries off his first three deliveries but, for the second time in the space of two days, he lost his opening partner Hashim Amla for a duck.
Reeza Hendricks shook off the early nerves when he pulled Dhananjaya de Silva for six off a free hit in the fourth over, but De Kock ran himself out two balls later for an 11-ball 20.
Hendricks’ time at the crease was also short-lived when he searched to sweep Akila Dananjaya but was bowled on 19.
The Proteas managed to drift past the 50-run mark, but not without losing another wicket, JP Duminy trapped lbw by De Silva while searching for the sweep.
Heinrich Klaasen continued his attacking approach but it proved to be his downfall when he sliced a Lakshan Sandakan delivery to cover, also with a failed sweep shot. Three balls later, Sandakan clean bowled Andile Phehlukwayo around his legs as the allrounder attempted a reverse sweep.
Kagiso Rabada added four runs but was on his way back to the pavilion the following delivery, leaving South Africa 73-7 after 11 overs.
David Miller was next to go on 14, his sweep finding a top edge as Dananjaya continued his fine form with the ball from the ODIs.
Tabraiz Shamsi and Lungi Ngidi lost their wickets shortly after as the Proteas were bowled out for their lowest T20I score.
Proteas innings 98 – Quinton de Kock 20; Lakshan Sandakan 3-19.
Photo: Tharaka Basnayaka/NurPhoto via Getty Images
