South Africa take series lead with comprehensive 28 run win

by Rex Clementine

Sri Lanka may have won the three match ODI series against South Africa, but with the return of Quinton de Kock and David Miller, the tourists proved to be too strong in T-20 cricket wining the opening contest by 28 runs at RPS yesterday.

Set a target of 164 to win, Sri Lanka could only manage 135 for six in their 20 overs.

Dinesh Chandimal opening the batting brought up his career best score in T-20 cricket. The former captain had made a half-century in his last T-20 International in the Caribbean as well but was overlooked for the tours of Bangladesh, England and the home series against India.

He made his return count posting 66 off 54 balls with five fours and two sixes. However, that was not enough to match South Africa’s target.

Chandimal had added 34 runs for the first wicket with Avishka Fernando (11). Fernando was Sri Lanka’s biggest hope in a daunting run chase with his ability to clear the boundary with ease. But he chanced Antrich Nortje’s arm attempting a quick single to mid-on and was run out by a direct hit. Sri Lanka never recovered after that. That was the turning point in the game.

There were no substantial partnerships in the Sri Lankan innings as wickets fell at regular intervals.

South Africa’s quicks complemented their spin bowlers and seamers well keeping things under control and Sri Lanka were not able to break the shackles and put the pressure back on the opposition.

South Africa opted to bat first after winning the toss. Reeza Hendricks smashed three consecutive fours in debutant Maheesh Theekshana’s opening over after he was brought in during the Power Plays.

De Kock and Hendricks had set the stage for the middle order with a 73 run opening wicket stand and then Aiden Markram and David Miller added 65 runs off 41 balls for the fourth wicket to set up a total of 163.

Markram made 48 off 33 balls with one four and two sixes while Miller’s 15 ball cameo produced 26 runs with two fours and one six. Markram was named Man of the Match.

Wanindu Hasaranga was the pick of the bowlers claiming two wickets for 23 runs. .

The second T-20 International will be played on Sunday followed by the final game on Tuesday.

The three match series is a good preparation for Sri Lanka ahead of next month’s ICC T-20 World Cup in UAE.