Wolvaardt's record ton in vain as Sri Lanka completes highest-ever run chase to draw ODI series

Chamari Athapaththu won the captain's century battle as she carried her bat to guide Sri Lanka to a historic victory against the Proteas women in Wednesday's third and final ODI in Potchefstroom.

Despite chasing a mammoth 302 thanks to captain Laura Wolvaardt's career-best ton, Sri Lanka clinched a remarkably easy six-wicket victory and, in turn, completed the highest-ever run chase in women's ODI cricket.

This also ends Sri Lanka's most successful tour of South Africa, where they won the T20I series 2-1 and drew the three-match ODI series 1-1.

The JB Marks Oval crowd were treated to a run-fest as Wolvaardt made history by achieving the highest-ever ODI score by an SA woman, but then witnessed Athapaththu carrying her bat to eclipse the Proteas captain and score the third-highest ODI score of all-time.

Chasing a record 302 to win, Sri Lanka were not daunted by the target as they took advantage of a flat and quick wicket.

A 90-run opening stand formed between the in-form Athapaththu and opener Vishmi Gunaratne to get them off to the perfect start before the latter was trapped LBW for 26 off Delmi Tucker.

Three quick wickets fell in succession as Nadine de Klerk dismissed Prasadani Weerakkody (4), and then Ayabonga Khaka, playing in her 100th ODI, saw the back of Hansima Karunaratne (3) and Kavisha Dilhari (0).

The momentum had quickly shifted back to the hosts as Sri Lanka struggled at 126-4, but it didn't last too long as Athapaththu had other ideas.

Athapaththu, who scored a fifty in the second ODI, continued her sublime form and attacked the powerless Proteas bowling attack.

She soon found her ideal partner in Nilakshika Silva (50 not out for 71) as the duo put on a record unbeaten 179-run stand to get the visitors over the