Sri Lankan batsman Avishka Fernando celebrates his century during the 1st ODI against South Africa in Colombo on Thursday. Picture: Isuru Sameera Peiris/Gallo Images
South Africa’s finishers were unable to answer the call as the Proteas slipped to a 14-run defeat in the first ODI against Sri Lanka at the Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Thursday night.
The Proteas were chasing a daunting 301 for victory, more than any team has achieved to win a match batting second at Sri Lanka’s biggest stadium.
But following a marvellous 96 off 90 balls by opener Aiden Markram and an excellent run-a-ball 59 by Rassie van der Dussen, South Africa needed 41 to win off the last four overs with six wickets in hand. Exactly the sort of match situation in which the finishers are expected to produce the big hits.
But unfortunately Heinrich Klaasen (36 off 31), who had batted well in support of Van der Dussen, and Andile Phehlukwayo (5 off 8) just could not accelerate enough to win the game.
That it all came down to them was partly due to sheer bad luck for the Proteas.
Captain Temba Bavuma was well set on 38 not out and the Proteas were cruising as he and Markram had added 106 for the second wicket at pretty much a run-a-ball. But Bavuma was then struck on the hand by a wayward throw by a Sri Lankan fielder and two overs later had to retire hurt.
It was a crucial change in momentum as South Africa needed 146 from 22 overs, with nine wickets in hand and Markram flying, when the skipper left the crease.
When Markram was dismissed three overs later, it meant the visitors had to rebuild and, as well as Van der Dussen did, he lacked enough quality at the other end.
Markram had driven over extra cover superbly all innings, but he was splendidly caught by Wanindu Hasaranga running in from the cover boundary when left-arm spinner Praveen Jayawickrama obtained sharper turn than expected.
A brave effort by the South African top-order was also undone by some friendly, ineffective bowing by the Proteas seamers.
Between them, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje and Phehlukwayo conceded 171 runs in 24 overs.
Opener Avishka Fernando punished the wayward bowlers as he anchored the Sri Lankan innings with a brilliantly-paced 118 off 115 balls, adding 79 for the third wicket with Dhananjaya de Silva (44).
The real fireworks came when young Charith Asalanka struck a powerful 71 off 62 balls, adding 97 in 12 overs with Avishka.
The spinners bowled well for South Africa with Keshav Maharaj outstanding with two for 30 in his 10 overs.
Download our app and read this and other great stories on the move. Available for Android and iOS.
