South Africa series clinched on a historic day for Sri Lanka

Chamari Athapaththu led from the front as Sri Lanka defeated South Africa to record their first series win over the Proteas.

Sri Lanka women's cricket made history in East London on Wednesday when they recorded their first series triumph over South Africa in any format.

The series win was confirmed when Sri Lanka eked out a narrow four-wicket victory over South Africa in the third and final match of the series, the most successful run chase in T20I cricket.

Sri Lanka's previous highest successful run chase came more than 10 years ago when Chamari Athapaththu scored 21 to help her side overhaul India's total of 147/3 with one delivery to spare in Vizianagaram, and the veteran opener was among the runs again this time in South Africa.

Chamari struck a superb 73 from just 46 deliveries and No 3 Harshitha Samarawickrama made an unbeaten 54 as Sri Lanka chased down South Africa's modest total of 155/6 with five deliveries to spare.

It caps a tremendous run for the Sri Lankan women's side, who have beaten both England and South Africa in bilateral T20I series away from home in the last 12 months. They had never won a T20I series outside of Asia.

Earlier, player of the series Laura Wolvaardt made 56 with the bat and lower-order batsman Nadine de Klerk scored a quickfire 44 as South Africa posted a respectable total in the series decider.

The visitors overcame the early loss of Vishmi Gunaratne for just one to take control of the game with Chamari and Samarawickrama at the crease. Experienced quick Marizanne Kapp removed the Sri Lankan captain in the 13th over to keep the hosts in the game.

But it was Samarawickrama who kept her cool in the final overs to ensure that Sri Lanka sneaked over the line for victory and a historic triumph in the series.

The teams will now meet in a three-match ODI series before Sri Lanka travel to Abu Dhabi later this month as one of 10 teams looking to qualify for this year's ICC Women's T20 World Cup.