South Africa ‘A’ avoids ODI series whitewash with win in final match

David Bedingham led South Africa ‘A’s run chase with a career best 188*

South Africa ‘A’ avoided a 3-0 whitewash of the 3-match ODI series when they chased down a target of 309 to beat Sri Lanka ‘A’ by five wickets in the third and final match played at Potchefstroom on Wednesday. Sri Lanka ‘A’ won the series 2-1 with victories in the first two matches.

Winning the toss and batting first Sri Lanka ‘A’ ran up an impressive total of 308-6 with half-centuries from Lahiru Udara (90 off 94 balls, 10 fours, 1 six) and Nuwanidu Fernando (52 off 52 balls, 7 fours, 1 six) from the top order and a whirlwind seventh wicket partnership of 121 off 100 balls from Chamindu Wickramasinghe (70* off 54 balls, 3 fours, 4 sixes) and Sri Lanka Under-19 Captain Dinura Kalupahana (45* off 57 balls, 2 fours, 2 sixes).

South Africa ‘A’s run chase was headed by opener David Bedingham who hit a career best one-day score of 188* off 129 balls (20 fours, 5 sixes) to see his team over the line with 43 balls to spare.

The two teams commence a 4-day unofficial two-test series at Kimberley on 8 September.

Scores: Sri Lanka ‘A’ 308-6 (50) (Lahiru Udara 90, Nuwanidu Fernando 52, Chamindu Wickramasinghe 70*, Dinura Kalupahana 45*, Dewald Brevis 4/46)

South Africa ‘A’ 311-5 (42.5) (David Bedingham 188*, Tony de Zorzi 25, Matthew Breetzke 36, Meeka-eel Prince 31, Dushan Hemantha 2/58)