Sports
Dilshan powers Sri Lanka to victory
Aug 06, 201310:32 PM
Sri Lanka bounced back to win the third Twenty20 international against South Africa by six wickets in Hambantota on Tuesday night to retain their top ranking despite losing the series 2-1.
Chasing an imposing target of 164, the hosts were powered by an unbeaten half century from Tillakaratne Dilshan (74) and a blazing knock of 25 off just 11 balls from Thisara Perera who smashed three boundaries and a six in the 18th over from Parnell.
Sri Lanka got off to a flying start with openers Mahela Jayawardene (33) and Dilshan posting 67 in 5.5 overs before being separated.
Mahela cracked seven boundaries in his 16-ball 33.
South Africa clawed by tightening the screws in the middle over and striking at regular intervals to reduce Sri Lanka to 123-4 in the 16th over.
Dilshan held the innings together in partnership with Thisara and smashed the winning hit a six off Morkel.
Dilshan’s unbeaten knock of 74 off 51 balls was studded with nine boundaries and two sixes.
Wiese claimed two for 24 and leg spinner Imran Tahir one for 20 while Tsotsobe went for 49 in his four overs and was responsible for getting Sri Lanka off the hook with some sloppy fielding.
