Last update on. From the section Cricket
ICC Men's T20 World Cup Group 1, Sharjah Sri Lanka 142 (20 runs); Shamsi 3-17 and Pretorius 3-17 South Africa 146-6 (19.5overs): Bavuma 26 (46), Miller 23* (13); Hasaranga 3-20 South Africa won with four wickets Scorecard Tables
South Africa won a thrilling four-wicket victory against Sri Lanka in the Men’s T20 World Cup final despite Wanindu Hasaranga’s stunning hat-trick.
The Proteas needed 16 to win the final over. David Miller hit two massive sixes off Lahiru Kumara, before Kagiso Rabada hit the penultimate ball for 4.
Hasaranga, a leg-spinner, had apparently turned the tie in Sri Lanka's favor by scoring a hat trick in two overs to leave South Africa on 112-6 and chase 143 in Sharjah.
Miller's calm and flawless timing allowed the Proteas to win with no problems and increase their chances of reaching the semifinals.
Opener Pathum Nissanka had earlier scored a magnificent 72 from 58 balls to help Sri Lanka reach 142 despite South Africa spinner Tabraiz Hamsi's remarkable 3-17.
While defeat does not necessarily mean Sri Lanka is eliminated, a second defeat in three matches makes it very unlikely that they will progress.
Another thrilling day.
This World Cup delivered a riveting third match in a row after two thrilling matches on Friday.
South Africa was never convincing in their chase but Temba Bavuma, composed, seemed to be steering them towards home with 31 required from 18 balls and six wickets.
However, Hasaranga bowled Aiden Markram for 46 runs with the last ball of the 15th. Dwaine Pretorius was caught at long-on for a golden duck.
Rabada survived an lbw shout that Miller made, as they reduced the target to 25 balls from 12.
Unfortunately, Hasaranga had not bowled his four runs and Rabada hit Dushmantha Chameera for a powerful six in the 19th over. Miller then punished Kumara for two poor deliveries to the slot to effectively seal victory.
Quinton de Kock, South Africa's wicketkeeper, knelt on his return to the side after he had withdrawn from the victory over West Indies. He had apologised for not making the gesture.
Spinners shine once again
South Africa is a small team, but they have an impressive threat in Shamsi left-arm wrist spinner Shamsi who is the number one T20 bowler in the world.
Shamsi is similar to Afghanistan's Rashid Khan. Shamsi can quickly rob teams from strong positions. He did this here by having Bhanukarajapaksa & Avishka Fernando make simple return catches.
Sri Lanka was well-placed on 61-1, but Charith Asalanka (from the deep) was brilliantly run out of the deep by Rabada and Shamsi took control.
Hasaranga took his third wicket, picking out a diving Markram that would leave Sri Lanka 91-5.
The fact that Sri Lanka had a testing total was due to Nissanka. He was the only Sri Lankan who could time the ball through as he hit six fours and three sixes before falling to Pretorius, who ended with 3-17.
Shamsi, Hasaranga, and Rashid have demonstrated why they are the top T20 bowlers. This tournament is a must-see event.
Reaction: "We have the best bowling attack anywhere in the world"
Tabraiz Shamsi, South Africa spinner: "We were all nervous towards the end but I'm happy to be here and smiling." It is, as I have said before, the best bowling attacking anywhere in the world. I stand by this."
Temba Bavuma, South Africa's captain: "It's difficult to put into words what's happened in the last few days. Although there was some of it in the back of our minds, we knew we had a job and had to dig deeper.
Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shaka: "It was sufficient to defend Lahiru - his bowling was excellent and he played practice games. That is why I went along with him." We are really struggling after the game. Next two games, we want to preserve our pride.
