South Africa Vs Sri Lanka Fourth ODI @ Newlands - South Africa beats Sri Lanka by 40 Runs Tuesday Feb 07,2017

A career-best innings by Faf du Plessis trumped a thrilling century by Upul Tharanga as South Africa beat Sri Lanka by 40 runs in the 4th ODI at Newlands on Tuesday Feb 07,2017

Du Plessis hit 185(141 Balls 4x16 an 6x3) only three short of the South African ODI record, as South Africa piled up 367 for five.

Faf Du Plessis shared century partnerships with Quinton de Kock (55) and De Villiers (64)

Quinton de Kock and Faf Du Plessis put on 100 off 87 balls for the second wicket

Faf Du Plessis and AB De Villiers added 137 off 122 balls for the third wicket

It seemed as though Sri Lanka, who had been outplayed in the first three matches, would be on the end of another crushing defeat.

But Sri Lankan captain Tharanga hit a magnificent 119 off 90 balls and led his team's most spirited showing of the series. They were in with a chance of winning until a late slide in which they lost their last six wickets for 20 runs in 4.3 overs to be bowled out for 327

Tharanga and fellow left-hander Niroshan Dickwella thrashed 100 runs in the first 10 overs on the way to a first-wicket partnership of 139 off 98 balls before Dickwella was caught on the midwicket boundary off Dwaine Pretorius for 58 off 47 deliveries.

Kusal Mendis (29) helped Tharanga add 64 for the second wicket as Sri Lanka stayed comfortably ahead of the required run rate until Wayne Parnell dismissed both batsmen. Tharanga, who was caught at backward point, hit 11 fours and seven sixes and left the field to a standing ovation.

Scorecard
South Africa 367/5  in 50 Overs
Sri Lanka 327/10  in 48.1 Overs
Match Result - South Africa won by 40 Runs
MOM - Faf du Plesis(South Africa)for his 185(141 Balls 4x16 and 6x3)
Series Result - South Africa led the 5-match series 4-0