Cape Town: An all-round performance from Dane van Niekerk helped South Africa clinch a convincing seven-wicket victory in the opening T20I of the three-match series against Sri Lanka at Newlands in Cape Town on Friday.
South Africa skipper first impressed with the ball, collecting figures of 3/12 from four overs, before blazing 71 off 55 deliveries to help the hosts chase the target of 91 under 15 overs.
Van Niekerk single-handedly took her side to the win, her innings featured 13 boundaries.
Earlier, Sri Lanka enjoyed a solid start as they kept the South Africa pace duo of Marizanne Kapp and Shabnim Ismail at bay. By the end of the first 10 overs, the visitors were at 44 for the loss of one wicket.
However, the loss of Hasini Perera (27) off van Niekerk, marked the beginning of Sri Lanka collapse and the wickets fell continuously throughout the rest of the innings.Joining the party with South Africa skipper, Masabata Klaas picked up two wickets, while Tumi Sekhukhune got a piece.
South Africa, with a 1-0 lead, will meet Sri Lanka for the second match of the three-match series on February 3 at Johannesburg.
[source_without_link]ANI[/source_without_link]