Spinner Maheesh Theekshana played a vital role in Sri Lanka’s 78-run win in the third and deciding ODI against South Africa in Colombo on Tuesday.
Chasing 204 in 50 overs, the Proteas were bundled out for 125 in 30 overs after Theekshana scalped a four-wicket haul while Wanindu Hasaranga and Dushmantha Chameera picked up a couple of wickets apiece during the course.
Captain Dasun Shanaka has put his weight behind Theekshana and said that he brought him into the XI for this game as the track would have something on offer for the spinners and it would be difficult for the South African batsmen to read Theekshana.
"I actually brought Maheesh Theekshana into the team to play T20s," Shanaka said.
"But I knew that on a track like this where it turns a lot, it's going to be hard for South Africa to read someone like Theekshana out of the hand. I took that risk as a captain and the selectors and coaches supported me. And that became a big advantage for us,” he added.
Batting first, the home side managed to put 203/9 in 50 overs with Asalanka top-scoring with a 71-ball 47. For South Africa, it was stand-in captain Keshav Maharaj who scalped a three-for.
The hosts clinched the ODI series 2-1 and the two teams will now lock horns with each other in a three-match T20I series beginning on September 10.