Colombo, May 9 (UNI) After losing their first three encounters in the ongoing tri-nation series in Sri Lanka, South Africa were already out of contention for a place in the final.

However, Laura Wolvaardt’s side put up their best performance to date in the event to secure a comprehensive win over the hosts.

Chloe Tryon played a decisive role in the result with a brilliant knock and a comprehensive bowling performance that included a hat-trick.

This was just the third hat-trick by a South African player in Women’s ODIs, and the 13th hat-trick overall in the format. Dane van Niekerk, and Masabata Klaas are the other South Africa players

with a women’s ODI hat-trick.

The Proteas started steady after being asked to bat, but wobbled in the middle overs losing five batters for just 17 runs, an ICC report said.

Walking in at no. 7, Annerie Dercksen went on the offense early and kept going for her shots. After Nondumiso Shangase fell to Chamari Athapaththu in the 29th over, Dercksen was joined by an equally enthusiastic Chloe Tryon, who lifted the lid with her attacking strokeplay.

Dercksen was dismissed for 104 off 84, hitting nine fours and five sixes during her stay, while Tryon fell for 74 off 51, hitting nine boundaries including five sixes. A late cameo by Nadine de Klerk (32 off 19) helped the Proteas reach 315/9.

A number of Sri Lanka batters got starts in pursuit of South Africa’s target but barring Athapaththu (52 off 57), nobody else took off. After Athapaththu fell to Ayabonga Khaka in the 30th over, the game fell in the favour of the visitors.

Tryon added to her batting exploits with a five-wicket haul, which included a hat-trick that came in the 42nd over.

Sri Lanka will next face against India in the final of the tournament on Sunday.

UNI BM