Cricket: Dilshan stars as Sri Lanka thrash South Africa

COLOMBO, July 31, 2013 (AFP) - Tillakaratne Dilshan narrowly missed a second successive century as Sri Lanka whipped South Africa by 128 runs in Colombo on Wednesday to wrap up the one-day series 4-1. The hosts, already holding a decisive 3-1 lead, piled up 307-4 after electing to take first strike and then shot the Proteas out for 179 in 43.5 overs in the day-night match at the Premadasa stadium.

AB de Villiers played a captain's knock of 51, but could not prevent South Africa from being condemned to their 13th defeat in 15 one-dayers on Sri Lankan soil.

The tourists were struggling at 137-8 when Ryan McLaren hit 29 and Aaron Phangiso an unbeaten 18 down the order to boost the total.

Seamer Suranga Lakmal and off-spinner Sachithra Senanayake marked their first appearance in the series by sharing five wickets.

Ajantha Mendis claimed three for 36.

Opener Dilshan, who hit an unbeaten 115 in the fourth game in Pallekele on Sunday, plundered 13 boundaries before he was bowled for 99 by McLaren in the 39th over.

"I am a bit disappointed at missing my century, but these things happen in cricket," said Dilshan.

"But I think McLaren bowled that over very well.

"I am really enjoy