Sri Lanka vs South Africa 2018, 3rd ODI: Reeza Hendricks' Ton Help Proteas Take 3-0 Lead

South Africa took an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match ODI series against Sri Lanka when they defeated the hosts by 78 runs in the 3^rd ODI at the Pallekele International Stadium in Pallekele.

Reeza Hendricks scores a debut century 

The victory was built around a sensational debut century from Reeza Hendricks. Reeza played a brilliant knock and raced his way to 102 off 89 deliveries.

JP Duminy also smashed a 70-ball 92 which eventually propelled South Africa to a huge score of 363 runs in their allotted 50 overs. Dhananjaya de Silva was the top scorer for the hosts with 84. However, the target was always going to be difficult. Eventually, Sri Lanka fell well short of the target.

It was Sri Lanka skipper Angelo Mathews who won the toss and opted to field. Hashim Amla got South Africa off to a great start. However, Quinton de Kock got dismissed for making just two runs. From there on, it was a great knock by Reeza Hendricks which helped the visitors stamp their authority on the Lankans. Amla got dismissed after making 59 off as many deliveries.

Reeza Hendricks struck some excellent shots during his century, as his knock studded with eight fours and a six. The onus was then taken by JP Duminy to get the score over the 350-mark. He smashed the Sri Lanka bowlers all around the park, as his innings of 92 included eight fours and four hits over the fence.

South Africa eventually reached a total of 363 in 50 overs. For the hosts, Thisara Perera was the pick of the bowlers with four wickets. However, he conceded 75 runs.

Lungi Ngidi stars with the ball

The Sri Lanka batters got off to an impressive start. However, none could convert their starts into a big one. They were never in the chase, as they kept losing wickets on a consistent basis. It was Lungi Ngidi who picked the first two wickets in the form of Upul Tharanga and Niroshan Dickwella. Kusal Perera and Kusal Mendis made 27 and 31 each and looked in good touch. However, they were not able to convert it into a big one.

Dhananjaya de Silva came in the batting order after the loss of the 5^th wicket. De Silva struck eight fours and three sixes during his knock of 84 off 66 deliveries. It was an amazing display of batsmanship by the young batsman. The hosts were eventually bowled out for 285 in the 46^th over.

Brief Scores

South Africa 363/5 in 50 overs (Reeza Hendricks 102, JP Duminy 92*, Thisara Perera 4/75)

Sri Lanka 285 all-out in 45.2 overs (Dhananjaya de Silva 84, Lungi Ngidi 4/57, Andile Phehlukwayo 3/74)

South Africa won by 78 runs