Sri Lanka defeated South Africa by 87 runs in their second ODI clash on Wednesday to level the three-match series at 1-1.
Sri Lankan all-rounder Tillakaratne Dilshan starred with both the bat and the ball scoring 86 off 90 balls and claiming three wickets for 40 runs to set the stage for his side's victory in the day-night match at the Pallekele International Stadium.
Paceman Lasith Malinga chipped in for Sri Lanka's victory with a valuable 4-24 as South Africa were bowled out for 180 off 38.1 overs while chasing Sri Lanka's 267 all out, Sport24 reported.
South Africa's opening batsman Hashim Amla tried to set the pace for his side's victory with a 102-ball 101, but failed to find support from the other batsmen, only two of who could manage scores in double figures.
Malinga dismissed opener Quinton de Kock at four runs and star batsman Jacques Kallis at one in his consecutive overs to give Sri Lanka crucial breakthroughs in the match.
For South Africa, Amla held the innings together, stringing a 75-run stand with skipper AB de Villiers (29) and reaching his 14th ODI century in the process.
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However, De Villers' dismissal in the 20th over by Dilshan triggered a collapse that derailed the South African innings and put the hosts in the driver's seat.
De Villiers said that Amla played an amazing innings but there were not enough partnerships around him, adding that he himself got out to a soft dismissal as well.
Meanwhile, Sri Lankan skipper Angelo Mathews said that he was a bit concerned after they collapsed, adding that he thought they were perhaps 30-40 runs short.
But, Mathews added that Dilshan played a great knock and all the spinners contributed as well towards Sri Lanka's victory.
The third and final ODI game would be played in Hambantota on Sunday and would decide the series winner, the report added.
