South Africa A wins first unofficial ODI at Pallekele

Monday, 5 June 2023 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Nishan Madushka and Janith Liyanage made half-centuries for Sri Lanka A

South Africa A pair Dewald Brevis and Beyers Swanepoel during their match-winning partnership

Twenty-year-old Dewald Brevis made his highest score in limited-over cricket – a powerfully struck 98* off 71 balls (6 fours, 7 sixes) and put together a match winning partnership of 113* with Beyers Swanepoel (43* off 28 balls, 5 fours, 1 six) to steer South Africa A to a comprehensive four wickets win over Sri Lanka A in the first unofficial ODI played at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium yesterday.

Chasing a target of 265, South Africa A were not too happily placed at 155-6 after 30 overs, but Brevis joined by Swanepoel swung the game around to see their team home with 8.5 overs to spare.

Earlier, Sri Lanka A won the toss and batting first scored 264-8 with splendid half-centuries from Nishan Madushka and Janith Liyanage.

Madushka who is being tried out as a white ball cricketer impressed with a workmanlike knock of 68 off 82 balls (8 fours). After Sri Lanka A had lost their way in the middle overs losing five for 119 to fast bowler Lutho Sipamla (3/33), Ashen Bandara (41 off 51 balls, 3 fours) and Liyanage got the innings up and running again with a partnership of 73. Liyanage kept the innings going to finish unbeaten on a stroke-filled 76* off 79 balls (7 fours, 1 six).

The second unofficial ODI will be played at the same venue on Tuesday.

Scores:

Sri Lanka A - 264-8 (50) (Nishan Madushka 68, Sahan Arachchige 22, Ashen Bandara 41, Janith Liyanage 76*, Lutho Sipamla 3/33)
South Africa A - 268-6 (41.1) (Tony de Zorzi 35, Keegan Petersen 42, Sinethemba Qeshile 22, Dewald Brevis 98*, Beyers Swanepoel 43*, Dilshan Madushanka 2/44, Lakshan Sandakan 2/69)