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South Africa have knocked Australia off their perch as the No.1-ranked Test nation with a nail-biting draw in Colombo.
The Proteas batted out the rain-affected final day of the second Test on Monday to seal a 1-0 series triumph after winning the opening match in Galle.
In a thrilling finish, Vernon Philander (27 not out) and Imran Tahir (four not out) survived more than eight overs on a tricky spinning wicket for South Africa to finish on 8-159 after the visitors were set an unlikely 369 for victory.
It was a great result for Hashim Amla in his first series as captain, the right-hander making 139 not out in the first innings and batting for a total of 541 deliveries in the Test to thwart the spin-heavy Sri Lankan attack.
Michael Clarke’s Australian side can reclaim the top ranking if they beat Pakistan in a two-Test series in the United Arab Emirates in October.
It was South Africa’s first series win in Sri Lanka since 1993 when they first toured the country and defeated the hosts 1-0.
“It was a tough battle. Lasting 110 overs on that wicket with quality spinners was credit to the guys,” Amla said.
“When we conceded 400 in the first innings, that was a setback, and then we were 13 for two. But it set it up nicely for the end.”
For Sri Lanka, it was only their second home series defeat since 2006.
“It’s disappointing not to end up on the winning side,” Sri Lankan captain Angelo Mathews said.
“We did everything right (but) they are a very hard team to beat, whether home or away.”
Starting the day at 1-38, South Africa added just 121 runs off 94 overs, opting for defensive batting rather than press for a win.
The Sri Lankan spinners gave it their all but constant rain breaks and sloppy fielding put paid to their efforts.
Left-arm spinner Rangana Herath led the pack with 5-40 from 45 overs while the stocky 36-year-old was well supported by off-spinner Dilruwan Perera who grabbed 3-60.
Amla at one stage faced 57 successive dot balls, frustrating the Sri Lankan bowlers no end.
He was finally dismissed by Perera who had him caught by Mahela Jayawardene in the fourth over of the final session.
The hosts, who posted 421 in their first dig, had bowled out South Africa for 282 in their first innings to gain a 139-run lead.
Sri Lanka declared their second innings on 8-229.
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