Niroshan Dickwella helps Lanka clinch T20 series against Proteas

Cape Town [South Africa], Jan.26 (ANI): Opener Niroshan Dickwella smashed a quick-fire half century as Sri Lanka defeated South Africa by five wickets in the final T20 to clinch the three-match series 2-1 at Newlands here on Thursday. Dickwella struck 10 boundaries and one six in his 68-run knock besides sharing a valuable 71-run third-wicket stand with Dhananjaya de Silva (19) to chase down the target of 170 runs with a ball to spare. Meanwhile, Seekkuge Prasanna hit three fours and three sixes in an explosive innings, finishing unbeaten on 37 from 16 balls, and Gunaratne reached 11 not out from six deliveries. For South Africa, Imran Tahir was the pick of the bowlers for the hosts as he finished with figures of three for 18. Wayne Parnell also chipped in with a wicket. Earlier, South Africa had won the toss and opted to bat first. Former skipper AB de Villiers made an impressive return from his six-month injury lay-off as he struck a 44-ball 63 runs, including two boundaries and three sixes. He also stitched a 71-run partnership with Reeza Hendricks for second wicket to guide the Proteas post a score of 169-5 in their stipulated 20 overs. Mangaliso Mosehle's unbeaten 32 off 15 balls was another notable contributor for the Proteas. Dickwella was declared `Man of the Match` as well as `Man of the series` for his brilliant match-winning performances throughout the series. The two sides will now head into five-match ODI series beginning at St. George's Oval in Port Elizabeth from January 28. (ANI)