Coetzee (5/48) runs through Sri Lanka ‘A’ to give SA ‘A’ ODI series 2-1

The South Africa A team that won the three-match unofficial ODI series 2-1

The pace of 22-year-old fast bowler Gerald Coetzee was too much to handle for Sri Lanka ‘A’ as they succumbed to a five-wicket defeat in the third and final unofficial test to hand South Africa the three-match series 2-1 at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium yesterday.

Coetzee picked up the key wickets of Nishan Madushka (1), Lahiru Udara (6), skipper Nipun Dananjaya (0), Janith Liyanage (11) and top scorer Sahan Arachchige (63) to end with figures of 5/48 as Sri Lanka ‘A’ put into bat first were bundled out for 172.

Sri Lanka ‘A’ lost their first four wickets for only seven runs before Ashen Bandara (36 off 49 balls) and Arachchige figured in a recovery stand of 74. But once the stand was broken Sri Lanka ‘A’ could not string together any noteworthy partnerships despite a defiant innings of 63 off 103 balls (4 fours) from Arachchige who was the last man dismissed.

South Africa ‘A’ were once again rattled by the left-arm seam of Dilshan Madushanka who prized out the first three wickets for 48 runs, but Tristan Stubbs joined by Senuran Muthusamy ensured there would be no late reversals. The pair put together an unbroken stand of 74 to see South Africa ‘A’ home in the 36th over.

Stubbs who has represented South Africa in white ball cricket used the experience to carve out a fine half-century (58* off 93 balls, 4 fours) and Muthusamy was equal to the task scoring 45* off 55 balls (3 fours). The Player of the Match awards for the three unofficial ODIs was presented by Match Referee Wendell Labrooy.

The two teams will play in a two-match unofficial 4-day test series starting at Dambulla on 12 June. (ST)

Player of the Match (1st unofficial ODI) Dewal Brevis

Player of the Match (2nd unofficial ODI) Nishan Madushka

Player of the Match (3rd unofficial ODI) Gerald Coetzee