Sri Lanka v South Africa, 2014
Wisden's review of the third ODI, Sri Lanka v South Africa, 2014
15-Apr-2015
At Hambantota, July 12, 2014. South Africa won by 82 runs. Toss: South Africa.
A dazzling century from de Villiers followed a mature one from de Kock, and left Sri Lanka panting in pursuit of 340. Their top three maintained an eye-watering rate of ten an over through the powerplay, before a clatter of wickets - starting with the chaotic run-out of Dilshan, galloping for the same end as Sangakkara - shut them out of it at 151 for five. The game took place in a howling wind strong enough to prevent play in other sports, but it assisted as much as it hindered batting and bowling. Herath and Imran Tahir were doubly hard to counter because of the exaggerated drift, while de Villiers improvised in order to strike downwind. Jayawardene illustrated the perils, however, when his top-edged sweep carried almost 60 metres into Steyn's hands at deep fine leg. De Kock's fifth century in 19 one-day internationals put him well ahead of other fast starters; it was his tempo rather than strokeplay which stood out. De Villiers required just 25 balls for his second 50, and de Kock's strike-rate slowed as he pushed singles, wisely declining the temptation to compete.
Man of the Match: A. B. de Villiers. Man of the Series: H. M. Amla.
A dazzling century from de Villiers followed a mature one from de Kock, and left Sri Lanka panting in pursuit of 340. Their top three maintained an eye-watering rate of ten an over through the powerplay, before a clatter of wickets - starting with the chaotic run-out of Dilshan, galloping for the same end as Sangakkara - shut them out of it at 151 for five. The game took place in a howling wind strong enough to prevent play in other sports, but it assisted as much as it hindered batting and bowling. Herath and Imran Tahir were doubly hard to counter because of the exaggerated drift, while de Villiers improvised in order to strike downwind. Jayawardene illustrated the perils, however, when his top-edged sweep carried almost 60 metres into Steyn's hands at deep fine leg. De Kock's fifth century in 19 one-day internationals put him well ahead of other fast starters; it was his tempo rather than strokeplay which stood out. De Villiers required just 25 balls for his second 50, and de Kock's strike-rate slowed as he pushed singles, wisely declining the temptation to compete.
Man of the Match: A. B. de Villiers. Man of the Series: H. M. Amla.