Sri Lanka braved the rain and a high-flying Hashim Amla to end an 11-match losing streak against South Africa by clinching the fourth ODI at Pallekele by 3 runs.
Suranga Lakmal bowled an inspiring last over, defending only 7 runs after South Africa’s original target of 307 was reduced to 191 from 21 overs due to rain. Lakmal ended South Africa’s chances by getting the wicket of David Miller in the second ball of the last over and gave away only four runs to bring the hosts back to winning ways.
South Africa were always ahead of the chase when Hashim Amla and JP Duminy were in the middle but frequent wickets in the middle overs hurt their chances, putting way too much pressure on the lower order. (CLICK HERE FOR SCORECARD)
The important wicket of Hashim Amla (40 off 23) was picked up by off-spinner Akela Dananjaya when South Africa were scoring more than 11 runs per over. The tide turned further in the 13th over where Sri Lanka picked up two wickets including the important one of in-form batsman JP Duminy (39), thanks to a moment of brilliance in the field by Dasun Shanaka. Shanaka had only one stump to aim when Duminy set for a quick single and the Sri Lankan all-rounder was on target to find Duminy short of his crease.
Shanaka, making a comeback into ODIs after 2 years, had the best game of his short international career, delivering in all three departments.
He struck with the new ball, trapping last match hero Reeza Hendricks plumb in front and ended up with figures of 1 for 20 in his 2 overs.
Earlier, his quickfire 65 off only 35 balls that included five big sixes enabled Sri Lanka to post 306/7 after rain reduced the match to 39 overs. The right-hander put on a 109-run stand for the seventh wicket with Thisara Perera after Sri Lanka were reduced to 195 for six.
Thisara Perera made an unbeaten 51 and Kusal Perera also hit 51 as the home side punished South Africa's bowlers.
The result of the fourth ODI, however, had no bearing on the outcome of the series. South Africa lead five-match series 3-1.