Cape Town - Reeza Hendricks became only the third South African to score a debut century as the Proteas defeated Sri Lanka in the third ODI in Kandy on Sunday.

SCORECARD: Sri Lanka v Proteas, 3rd ODI

The Proteas won by 78 runs to clinch the ODI series 3-0 - with two games remaining.

After being put into bat first, Hendricks smashed 102 off 89 balls - hitting 8 fours and a six.

He became the third South African to score a debut ton - Colin Ingram and Temba Bavuma are the other two - and hit the fastest international ODI century on a debut (88 balls).

The hosts needed a record-breaking 364 runs to win, but it was too much for Angelo Mathew's side.

Middle-order batsman Dhananjaya de Silva gave the Pallekele Stadium crowd some hope as he stood tall smashing 84 off 66 balls.

However, the Sri Lankans lost wickets at regular intervals and were evidently bowled out for 285 in 45.2 overs.

The pick of the Protea bowlers were Lungi Ngidi, who took 4/47 in 8.2 overs and Andile Phehlukwayo took 3/74 in 9 overs.

Earlier in the innings, Hendricks was involved with a vital 78-run partnership with JP Duminy.

Duminy fell eight runs short of a century as he departed for a quick-fire 92 off 70 balls - hitting 8 fours and 4 sixes.

Meanwhile, Proteas skipper Faf du Plessis left the field during the second innings after hurting his shoulder. Quinton de Kock took over the reigns in Du Plessis' absence. 

The fourth ODI gets under way on Wednesday at 11:00 SA time.