Sri Lanka edged out South Africa by 14 runs in the first One Day International (ODI) played at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo yesterday.
After piling up a formidable 300 for nine having elected to bat first, the home side put up a pleasing performance on the field to restrict South Africa to 286 for six in 50 overs.
But at one stage South Africa were well on course towards reaching their target with opener Aiden Markram stroking 96 from 90 balls with the help of four sixes and five boundaries.
The Sri Lankan spinners kept on trying hard and picked up wickets at regular intervals while making run-making even more difficult for the visitors.
South Africa eventually succumbed under pressure and fell short by 15 runs despite a fighting half-century from Rassie van der Dussen
Sri Lanka’s victory was fashioned by some superb batting from their opener Avishka Fernando and middle order batsman Charith Asalanka.
Dashing right-hand opening batsman Fernando played the sheet anchor role and struck 118 from 115 deliveries inclusive of two sixes and 10 boundaries.
The 23-year-old, playing in his 25th ODI reached the nineties with back-to-back boundaries off paceman Andile Phehlukwayo and completed his third ton with a single two overs later.
He first took the side off to a solid start while putting on 57 for the opening wicket along with Minod Bhanuka and thereafter, he decided to play the supporting role as middle order batsman Dhananjaya de Silva took charge stroking five boundaries during his knock of 44.
De Silva, of course, departed at a vital stage of the innings when the pair were just beginning to dominate the bowling having added 79 for the third wicket.
However, Charith Asalanka continued with the same momentum and smashed a splendid 72 from 62 balls with the aid of one six and six boundaries before he was dismissed in the last over.
by Daily News Sri Lanka
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