Du Preez, Loubser hand SA series

Thursday, 7 November 2013 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

ESPNCricinfo: Despite four wickets from Sri Lanka captain Shashikala Siriwardene, South Africa Women were able to wage on and complete their chase of 109 with 10 balls to spare, giving them a 2-1 series win.

Sri Lanka batted first and were in some trouble as the top three batsmen perished with just 13 on the board in the fifth over. Siriwardene and Sripali Weerakkody put on an integral 21-run partnership, before Siriwardene batted on with Eshani Kaushalya to get Sri Lanka past 100. Siriwardene eventually fell for 25, with the score on 104 in the 19th over. Kaushalya’s effort helped Sri Lanka to a modest score, as the team reached 109 for 6. Kaushalya was dismissed for 50 off 34 balls, which included seven fours and one six. The South African chase started harmlessly enough as they pushed on to 28 for 1 in the sixth over. The innings then got tricky as Siriwardene came on to bowl and plucked out four wickets in the space of 24 balls, with the addition of just 18 runs to the board. At a precarious 46 for 5, it was up to captain Mignon du Preez and Sunette Loubser to guide the chase. Both held on to their nerve and finished off the chase, as du Preez finished not out on 43, while Loubser hammered two sixes in her unbeaten 37. Du Preez was named Player of the Series for her 66 runs from three innings at an average of 33.