Sachithra Senanayake struck a six off the penultimate ball to give Sri Lanka a two-wicket triumph over South Africa Sunday in the final match of a five one-day international series won 3-2 by the hosts. De Villiers finished unbeaten after facing 98 deliveries at the Wanderers while Smith received a standing ovation from the sell-out 30,000 crowd after being caught by Dinesh Chandimal off the bowling of Lasith Malinga.
While the Proteas skipper confirmed his position as one of the best stroke players in the world today with 10 fours and four sixes, Smith could not contain his joy as he walked off after a timely ton. There was a media and public outcry against him just a week ago after innings of six, 28 and two in the first three matches of the series before he stopped the rot with a brisk 68 in Kimberley two days ago. Smith embroidered his Wanderers innings with nine fours and four sixes off 143 balls during a 203-minute stand and the sun-drenched crowd revelled in his change of fortune.
