Sri Lanka vs South Africa: 2nd T20I - Dominant Proteas clinch series 2-0 after 22-run win

South African players rejoicing after a 2-0 series win against Sri Lanka

A David Miller inspired South Africa crushed Sri Lanka to register a 22-run victory in the second T20 international at Hambantota on Sunday. With this win, Proteas took an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three match series.

David Miller scored a quick-fire 21 ball 36 runs and JP Duminy contributed 30 runs off 23 balls as the visitors posted a reasonable 145-6 after electing to bat.

Meanwhile, Lonwabo Tsotsobe and Morne Morkel chipped in with two wickets each as Sri Lanka, currently ranked the world’s no.1 T20 team, were held to 123-7 by visitors with an impressive display in the field.

Kumar Sangakkara was the lone Sri Lankan to offer any resistance for the hosts with 39 runs off 35 balls at a wind-struck Hambabtota, as conditions increasingly became difficult for both teams.

Lonwabo Tsotsobe dismissed Mahela Jayawardene and skipper Dinesh Chandimal early in the chase as both batsmen were caught behind with wicket-keeper Quinton de Kock pouncing easy catches.

Morkel played a vital role by claiming the wicket of dangerous Sangakkara, with David Wiese claiming a superb catch in the covers.

Earlier, Duminy and Miller rescued the tourists after they were struggling 48-3 in the ninth over. Opener de Kock scored 19 while AB de Villiers was run out on 15.

Nuwan Kulasekara claimed 2 for 22, while Sachithra Senanayake bagged 2 for 18 in a steady display by Sri Lankan bowlers.

The series win has restored some pride for South Africa who suffered humiliating 4-1 defeat in ODI series prior to this. The tourists will now eye a series whitewash when they play final match of the series at Hambantota on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka will have to win the final match to remain No. 1 team in T20 international cricket. If they lose, Pakistan will climbed to top spot.

Brief scores: South Africa 145 for 6 (Miller 36, Senanayake 2-18) and Sri Lanka 123 for 7 (Sangakkara 39, Tsotsobe 2-17).