Sri Lanka Beat South Africa By 14 Runs In 1st ODI

Opening batsman Avishka Fernando hit an attacking 118 to arrange Sri Lanka’s 14-run win over South Africa within the first of three one-day internationals on Thursday. The hosts scored 300 for 9 from their 50 overs after electing to bat first in Colombo, with Fernando scoring his third ODI century. South Africa fell quick on 286-6 regardless of opener Aiden Markram’s 96 off 90 balls and a run-a-ball 59 by Rassie van der Dussen. Markram placed on 106 runs for the second wicket with skipper Temba Bavuma, who retired harm on 38, however missed out on a maiden ODI ton.

The Proteas’ chase regarded on observe at 155-1 after 28 overs when Bavuma walked off the sector on account of a hand damage suffered by a throw from a Sri Lankan fielder.

Left-arm spinner Praveen Jayawickrama quickly despatched Markram, who hit 5 fours and 4 sixes, trudging again to the pavilion.

Van der Dussen then put up a combat along with his ninth ODI half-century as he hit six boundaries earlier than being bowled by spinner Akila Dananjaya.

Wicketkeeper-batsman Heinrich Klaasen hit a valiant 36.

Earlier Fernando placed on key partnerships together with a 97-run fourth-wicket stand with Charith Asalanka, who scored 72.

South African spinner Keshav Maharaj returned figures of 2-30 from his 10 overs to verify Sri Lanka’s run price within the center overs.

Fernando, who placed on 79 runs with Dhananjaya de Silva (44) for the third wicket, modified gears after elevating his half-century and took the assault to the opposition with the left-handed Asalanka.

The 23-year-old reached his ton with a single, elevating his bat and punching the air amid a standing ovation from the Sri Lankan dressing room.

Fernando lastly fell to Tabraiz Shamsi’s left-arm wrist-spin, having hit 10 fours and two sixes in his 115-ball knock.

Promoted

Kagiso Rabada acquired Asalanka caught behind after the batsman’s second ODI half-century in his sixth match. Rabada took two wickets.

The second ODI is on Saturday with all of the matches to be performed behind closed doorways on the similar venue.