Most of the hard work was done in the middle of the innings in a partnership of 98 for the fourth wicket between McKenzie and Boeta Dippenaar (36).

When Dippenaar was run out by a direct hit from Marvan Atapattu, Jonty Rhodes came in to contribute a breezy 25 not out and see South Africa home.

McKenzie's knock was timely with places in South Africa's World Cup squad still to be finalised. His 70 was never truly fluent, coming off 101 balls with five fours.

South Africa's run chase was again given a flying start by Herschelle Gibbs, though his quickfire 47 came as wickets fell at the other end with both opener Andrew Hall (18) and Robin Peterson (5) edging behind to wicketkeeper Kumar Sangakkara.

Gibbs fell to Chamila Gamage, bowled when he edged a pull shot onto his stumps.

Earlier, debutant Monde Zondeki struck with his first ball in international cricket as South Africa put on a fine all-round bowling performance to restrict the Sri Lankans.

Fast bowler Zondeki, just 20, removed Atapattu (53), who was caught instinctively at first slip by Hall after wicketkeeper Mark Boucher juggled the ball in the air.

Although he played a poor shot to get out, Atapattu's class shone through another below-par batting display in the series by the Sri Lankans. The right hander faced 63 balls and struck eight boundaries in a fluent and authoritative innings.

Sanath Jayasuriya's decision to bat first on a lively track looked to have backfired as they slumped to seven for two.

Sri Lanka's captain made just two before carving Allan Donald to point and veteran Aravinda de Silva was caught behind off Shaun Pollock for a duck.

Pollock struck again in the same manner to dismiss Mahele Jayawardene (three), but after Zondeki's sensational start, Sangakkara and Russel Arnold (36) rebuilt with a partnership of 61 for the fifth wicket.

Sangakkara also shared 56 runs for the sixth wicket with Thilan Samaraweera (33), but despite a six over point in the final over off Donald he struggled to accelerate as the innings came to a close.