Sri Lanka hold nerve to pull off 14-run win in first ODI

Charith Asalanka sweeps on his way to a career best score of 72

Sri Lanka opener Avishka Fernando celebrates his third ODI hundred

By Sa’adi Thawfeeq

Sri Lanka held their nerve to pull off a 14-run win over South Africa in a high-scoring first ODI played under lights at the R. Premadasa Stadium yesterday.

South Africa, chasing a target of 301, finished on 286/6 despite a valiant career best 96 off 90 balls from opening batsman Aidan Markram.

The Proteas had the run chase well under control when Markram and skipper Temba Bavuma were in partnership, putting together a run-a-ball 106. However, when Sri Lanka were desperately looking for a breakthrough, it came to them in the most unexpected manner when Bavuma, who was batting on 38*, was forced to retire hurt after being hit on the thumb by a throw from the outfield, which he tried to avoid. South Africa at that stage were 155/1 off 28 overs and were cruising with Markram producing an outstanding batting display against the Sri Lankan spinners, hitting four sixes and five fours.

With Bavuma’s retirement, South Africa’s batting lost its momentum and despite contributions from Rassie van der Dussen (59 off 59 balls) and Heinrich Klaessen (36 off 31 balls), they were unable to maintain the required run rate against some smart bowling by the Sri Lankans.

Following Bavuma’s retirement, South Africa lost the big wicket of Markram when he fell to a remarkable catch held at deep cover by a diving Wanindu Hasaranga, depriving him of a maiden ODI century.

Sri Lanka’s innings of 300/9 was largely based on Avishka Fernando’s third ODI century. The Sri Lankan opener batted fluently and treated both pace and spin alike as he raced to 118 off 115 balls (two sixes, 10 fours) to take the Man of the Match award.

Fernando held the Lankan innings together, figuring in three half-century partnerships of 57 with Minod Bhanuka (27); 79 with Dhananjaya de Silva (44); and 97 with Charith Asalanka, who hit a career best 72 off 62 balls as Sri Lanka scored 90 runs from their last 10 overs despite losing six wickets.

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

 Aiden Markram celebrates his half century