SL vs SA | 2nd T20I: Bowlers, Quinton de Kock seal series for South Africa

South Africa took an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka after clinching a thumping 9-wicket win in the second clash in Colombo. 

Chasing a target of 104 runs in 20 overs, the visitors went over the line in the 15th over, courtesy an unbeaten 48-ball 58 from Quinton de Kock. 

The Proteas started off the chase in a brilliant manner after openers De Kock and Reeza Hendricks put 62 on the board for the first wicket before Hendricks departed for 18 off 19. 

De Kock was then joined by Aiden Markram and the two batsmen took the side home. Markram scored 21* off 19 during the course. 

For Sri Lanka, Wanindu Hasaranga was the only bowler to pick up a wicket as he returned with figures of 1/22 in 4 overs. 

Earlier in the day, the South African bowlers, especially Tabraiz Shamsi and Markram ripped through the Sri Lankan batting line up as the visitors bowled them out for 103 in 18.1 overs. 

The home side had a dismal start to the proceedings as they lost Dinesh Chandimal early for 5 off 8. Opener Kusal Perera was then joined by Rajapasaka and the two put 28 runs for the second wicket before Rajapasaka was also dismissed by Markram for 20. 

The Sri Lankan team kept losing wickets at regular intervals and one left tottering at 86/6 to eventually get bundled out. Perera tried to hold the fort from one end but he continuously ran out of partners at the other side. 

Both Markram and Shamsi scalped three wickets apiece while Fortuin had a couple of dismissals to his name. Nortje and Keshav Maharaj were also among wickets as they picked up one wicket each during the course. 

South Africa captain Maharaj later lauded the team for the efforts after the win. “All credit to my team. They made my life easier. We had simple plans and it all paid off. It is important that we keep building on the positives. We could bowl better in the powerplay and with our batting,” he said. 

Sri Lanka skipper Shanaka admitted that there were a few runs short and pointed that the batsmen need to “concentrate more”. 

“We were targeting 140-150. We knew it would turn and wouldn't be easy in the later parts of the game. I think the batsmen need to concentrate more in the game. We had a good start and we weren't able to capitalize,” he said. 

The two sides will now face each other in the third and final T20I on Tuesday at the same venue.