Proteas opener Janneman Malan scored his third century in only eight ODI innings to help South Africa level the three-match series against Sri Lanka 1-1 on Saturday.
Losing the first match by 14 runs on Thursday, Malan scored 121 runs in the second clash to help South Africa post 283/6 in 47 overs after stand-in captain Keshav Maharaj won the toss and decided to bat first.
Malan was well supported by Reeza Hendricks (51) – in for regular captain Temba Bavuma, who is ruled out of the series following a finger injury suffered in the first match – as well as Heinrich Klaasen (43).
On the bowling front, Tabraiz Shamsi starred with his 5/49, as SA bowled out Sri Lanka for 197 to win the match by 67 runs via the Duckworth/Lewis method.
It was Man of the Match Malan’s performance that stood out though, as he continues to impress.
Having gotten a first-ball duck on debut against Australia in Paarl last year, he bounced back to score an unbeaten 123 against the same opposition the next game.
Malan has not looked back since, scoring two more centuries – a highest of 177* against Ireland – and two half centuries to take his career tally to 627 runs in eight innings.
Averaging 104.5, the humble 25-year-old says of duidelike start: “It’s a big privilege to play for my country, so every time I play I want to use my chance. You never know how many chances you’re going to get.”
Pushed on his incredible record to date, he adds: “I don’t want to think about it too hard – you have to break it down game by game.
“You do what you’ve got to do in the game.
“I really don’t know what to make of it, I am fortunate to have a good start.”
Malan will be looking to continue his good run when the Proteas set out to win the series in the final ODI clash against their hosts tomorrow at 11am. Malan on third century in eighth innings as Proteas level Sri Lanka series 1-1.