MATCH REPORT
Follow UsOpening batsman Avishka Fernando hit a superb century, while spinner Akila Dananjaya claimed two key wickets as Sri Lanka beat South Africa by 14 runs in the first ODI on Thursday at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
Batting first Sri Lanka posted 300/9 after Fernando hit 118 off 115 balls with some useful contibutions from Charith Asalanka (72 off 62 balls) and Dhananjaya de Silva (44 off 62 balls). South Africa fell short on 286-6 despite opener Aiden Markram's 96 off 90 balls and a run-a-ball 59 by Rassie van der Dussen.
Fernando put on key partnerships including a 97-run fourth-wicket stand with Asalanka, 79-run stand for the third wicket with De Silva and an opening partnership of 57 alongside Minod Bhanuka (27 off 39 balls).
Spinner Keshav Maharaj was the pick of the South African bowlers with figures of 2-30 from his 10 overs while Kagiso Rabada claimed 2-66 which included the key wicket of Asalanka.
Markram and Janneman Malan began the chase with a 49-run opening partnership captain Temba Bavuma (38 from 53 balls) retired hurt after being hit on the arm by a throw at the striker's end.
South Africa's chase steepened after Markram was dismissed by Praveen Jayawickrama and ran out of steam after Dananjaya sent back Van der Dussen and Kyle Verreynne.
