It has been a profitable month for us: Amla

Although only 7 overs were possible in the morning session on Day 5 of the second Test, the Lankans, who mostly employed spinners, managed to send down 94 overs on the final day. However, that was not enough as South Africa managed to secure a thrilling draw to clinch the series 1-0 and regain the number 1 ranking in Test cricket.

Starting Day 5 at 38/1, South Africa came out with an intent of defending for a draw and they managed to do so, despite Rangana Herath picking up five-wicket haul. The Lankan spinners came hard at them but the Proteas managed to fight them off, to clinch their first Test series win in Sri Lanka since 1993.

Hashim Amla, who started his stint as South Africa Test captain on a winning note, was delighted with the series win while admitting that the weather also had an important role to play.

"It rained in the morning, and took a few overs out of the game. It was a tough battle, lasting 110 overs against quality spinners was a job well done. I thought we had to bat slowly as we lost a few early wickets, and we had to play in a sensible manner. It came out well in the end."

Before the Test series win, the tourists had also clinched the ODI series, their first in Sri Lanka, and Amla was pleased with South Africa's performance during the tour, calling it a "profitable month" for the Proteas.

"We had a profitable month here, and we thank the Sri Lankan team as well. Every match we played was highly competitive. I enjoyed leading this team. We have done some special things last two years, and today was another example. The guys supported me very well and the batting today shows the resilience of our team."

Dale Steyn, who was named the Man of the Series, said it was an excellent performance by the South Africans to come out victors in tough sub-continent conditions.

Speaking after the game, Steyn, who picked up 13 wickets in the two-Test series, including a five-wicket haul, said: "It was very close. This team has done some wonderful things last couple of years, to pull off a draw in these conditions is amazing with a little help from mother nature."

"Mahela, Sanga, I look up to them massively, it is a special feeling (to do well) against a good side. We bowled really well, and our batsmen complemented us. Their strength is their spinners and I thought we did well to counter them," Steyn added.