At R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo, July 14 (day/night). Sri Lanka won by 30 runs. Toss: Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka set South Africa an imposing 295 runs to chase after Jayasuriya and Gunawardene had provided a blazing start with 84 off 12 overs. The tempo was maintained by Sangakkara and Arnold, and only spinner Adams escaped punishment. Jayasuriya made 68 off 86 balls, Gunawardene 49 off 47, Sangakkara 43 off 49, and Arnold 51 off 53. South Africa began promisingly as Kirsten and Hall put on 91 in 18 overs, but Muralitharan dismissed them both. From 175 for six in the 36th over, South Africa were put on track again by Rhodes and Klusener, who added 54. Pollock also threatened, until Muralitharan was brought back to end their challenge and collect his third five-wicket haul in one-day internationals.

Man of the Match: M. Muralitharan. Man of the Series: J. H. Kallis.