CAPE TOWN: Thilan Samaraweera's fighting century went in vain as South Africa won the third and final Test by 10 wickets to clinch the series 2-1 at Newlands - their first series win at home since 2008.
Despite Samaraweera's unbeaten 115, Sri Lanka were bowled out for 342, leaving South Africa needing only two runs to win the match, which the hosts knocked off in a minute after the tea interval.
Earlier, Jacques Kallis finished off Sri Lanka's innings to finish with three for 35. He also equalled two South African Test records by taking four catches in the innings and six in the match after making a career-best 224 in South Africa's first-innings.
Captain Graeme Smith was a relieved man, clinching his 41st Test as captain and moving to joint second with Steve Waugh.
"We were very poor in Durban and the guys all came out and played well for Kallis 150th Test," said Smith. "This is a good ground for us and to see the crowd is the most important thing."
Dilshan was disappointed after another series loss. "After good starts, we didn't go on to make big scores," said Dilshan.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 7th, 2012.
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