Twitter Reactions: Rabada and Markram steer the Proteas to a 5-0 win over Sri Lanka

As expected, South Africa managed to complete the clean sweep over Sri Lanka. The hosts won the fifth ODI by 41 runs according to the DLS method. Aiden Markram displayed his skill with the bat in the encounter. He played a clinical knock while Kagiso Rabada picked up three wickets. Though, it was a real bummer to see the match being cut down due to the failure of a floodlight.

This is the fourth 0-5 defeat for Sri Lanka in a bilateral series since World Cup 2015 – the most by any team. Their batsmen have never been able to get going. There was never one good partnership throughout the series. The hosts, captained by Faf du Plessis, managed to make a complete mockery out of them and dished out some quality performances to make it 5-0.

Kusal Mendis’ run-out changed the course of the innings

After winning the toss in Cape Town, Sri Lanka opted to bat first. Yet again, their openers failed miserably. While Avishka Fernando scored 9 runs, he partner Upul Tharanga was dismissed for 2. After he crawled his way to 22 runs, Oshada Fernando got out to Imran Tahir.

Kusal Mendis, though, came out with a positive intent. The wicket-keeper played a good inning and mustered 56 runs off 84 balls. But, his run out changed the course of the innings. Angelo Perera and Priyamal Perera got into the thirties but failed to capitalise on the start. Isuru Udana was impressive with the bat in this game as well. His 32 helped Sri Lanka go past 200. The side was bowled out for 225 runs in 49.3 overs.

Aiden Markram plays a top-notch knock

Proteas opener Quinton de Kock suffered a rare failure in this game. Lasith Malinga picked up the wicket of the danger man for just 6 runs. The Proteas innings was all about Aiden Markram. He scored at a good pace and was unbeaten on 67 off 75 balls. The 24-year-old hit 7 fours during the course of his innings. While Faf du Plessis scored 24 runs, Rassie van der Dussen was unbeaten on 28.

When the floodlights went off after the 28th over, the par score was 94. South Africa already had 135 runs by then and thus comfortably won the game. Twitterati was elated after South Africa’s win while they lashed out at Sri Lanka. Fans also criticised the CSA and ground staff after the failure of the floodlights.

Here is how Twitterati reacted:

May be, just may be Upul Tharanga should use a baseball bat to play cricket. Atleast he wouldn't get out to an edge 😂#SLvsSA

— Sheshan Jay (@sheshandj) March 16, 2019

I think it’s the end of the road for Upul Tharanga 😶 #SAvSL

— Nalin K. 🇱🇰 (@CrazyNalin) March 16, 2019

Upul Tharanga is a talented Cricketer. But a player who will never learn from his mistakes. How many times have we seen him get out in the same damn way #SLvSA

— Irosh Jayarathna (@IroshJ) March 16, 2019

I think it’s the end of the road for Upul Tharanga, it’s a career with lots of ups and downs. Sometimes he’s treated unfairly, finally a cricketer who couldn’t achieve the limits that player of his potential should’ve #SilentKiller #WastedTalent #WastedPotential

— Chamin Dennis Livera (@dennislivera) March 16, 2019

A cat has nine lives… How many lives does Upul Tharanga get with the cricket team?

— Kithmina Hewage (@kvh0117) March 16, 2019

Upul Tharanga please you’ve done enough for us pairing with Sanath,Dilshan,Mahela & Dickwella as well. Your retirement has to be announced. #SLvSA

— Nashhath Ahamed (@zenotalks) March 16, 2019

Upul Tharanga's ODI batting since 1st January 2018 👎

ODIs – 17
Runs – 319
Ave – 21.26
SR – 74.35
50s – 1

3 ODIs this series, 3 different edges. Never worked on edging problem. No runs, poor fielder. Should not play for SL again #ThankYouTharanga @OfficialSLC #LKA #Cricket

— Daniel Alexander (@daniel86cricket) March 16, 2019

Has Upul Tharanga @upultharanga44 closed his way to World Cup ?? @RusselArnold69 @AzzamAmeen @daniel86cricket

— Mahie_Bodahandi (@MahieBodahandi) March 16, 2019

How many Pareeras do SriLanka have? 😂 #SLvSA #SAvSL pic.twitter.com/YL72pOroUm

— Muhammad Noman (@Noman2294) March 16, 2019

Oshanda's batting style is very similar to Chamara Silva.#lka #SAvSL #SAvsSL #SLvSA

— ACF (@VishuddikaSri) March 16, 2019

Even I am as clueless to describe the following as their team #SLvSA https://t.co/uto7kCnVXi

— Udit (@udit_buch) March 16, 2019

Isuru udana capable batsman to stick around till 50th over ….#SLvSA

— Jagrit Gomber (@Iamjagritgomber) March 16, 2019

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