Tons from Quinton De Kock and Hashim Amla helped South Africa whitewash Sri Lanka in the ODI series and achieve the number one position in the ICC ODI rankings. Sri Lanka lost the contest by 88 runs as they end the tour in a shambolic fashion.
Cricketsoccer looks at the Talking Points from the contest:
Solid opening Stand
Hashim Amla and Quinton De Kock shared an opening stand if 187 for the first wicket thereby pegging Sri Lanka back in the contest right at the very start. It was a high profile batting displayed by both De Kock and Amla as both hit some exquisite strokes to the boundaries.
50th international ton for Amla
Amla played a classy innings as he notched up his 24th ODI ton and 50th international ton in the process. He also has 26 Test tons. He scored 154 off 134 balls hitting 15 fours and 5 sixes.
More 100’s than 50’s for De Kock
Having played 74 ODI’s Quinton de Kock has more 100’s than 50’s in the format. He has scored 12 hundreds and 9 fifties, so far.
Ton in vain
Chasing 385 for victory, Asela Gunaratne scored a defiant 114 of 117 balls. he came in with his team tottering at 5 for 82 and with Sachit Pathirana resurrected the Sri Lankan innings to some respectability. He added 93 for the fifth wicket and once he got out, played a lone hand and scored a brilliant century in a losing cause.
No 1 in ODIs
By virtue of this series victory South Africa have pipped Australia to number one in the ICC ODI rankings. Their reward for winning an 11th ODI on the trot was the unseating of Australia – whom they had also thrashed 5-0 at home last year – and moving one point clear at the top of the table.
To conclude, South Africa’s dominance of Sri Lanka in this series has been completed. They outbatted, outbowled and outfielded the visitors not only in this match, but throughout the series. This 88-run victory is thus a fitting end to the series for South Africa and another sign of their dominance.
