South Africa beat Sri Lanka by 10 wickets to win their first home Test series in over three years.

The series had been level after SA enjoyed a resounding victory in the opening Test in Centurion but lost the second Test in Durban.

Sri Lankan captain Tillakartne Dilshan made the now grave error of opting to bowl first after winning the toss.

Batting on a perfect pitch, the Proteas declared at 580 for four, giving them enough time to bowl out the opposition twice.

South Africa dismissed Sri Lanka for 239 runs midway through the third day and, still facing a deficit of 341, they were forced to follow-on.

Sri Lanka resumed the fourth day's play at 138 for four on Friday morning - Eventually all out for 342, which meant Sri Lanka secured a lead of one run, forcing the South Africans to bat again.

Dhammika Prasad bowled a no ball with the first delivery of the innings, with Petersen making one run to secure the victory.

Image: Getty