SL vs SA: Team effort gives Srilanka win in the 1st ODI.

SL vs SA 1st ODI: Avishka Fernando’s century and Charith Asalanka’s 50 give Srilanka a head start. South Africa was just short of the target to lose the match by 14 runs.

Srilanka 300-9. Avishka Fernando 118.

Srilanka won the toss and decided to bat.

It was an all-around effort of the Srilankan batting lineup. 57 runs opening stand between Avishka and Minod Bhanuka ( 27 runs from 39 balls, 3(4) ) was broken by Aiden Markram just after the powerplay.

Dhananjaya de Silva ( 44 runs from 62 balls, 5(4) ) joined and supported Avishka to build a healthy partnership of 79 runs. This was the partnership that was crucial in racing the 300 runs mark.

While on the other end, Avishka Fernando ( 118 runs from 115 balls, 10(4) 2(6) ) got to his 100 with a healthy strike rate too. A well-deserved century for Avishka against a strong bowling lineup. However, Charith Asalanka’s ( 72 runs from 62 balls, 6(4) 1(6) ) fiery batting gave the last push.

Kagiso Rabada picked up 2 wickets along with Keshav Maharaj’s 2 wickets as well. Keshav bowled brilliant restring the runs as well.

Bowling Figures: Kagiso Rabada: [ 9-0-66-2 ], Keshav Maharaj: [ 10-1-30-2 ], Aiden markram: [ 6-0-33-1 ], Tabraiz Shamsi: [ 10-0-55-1 ].

South Africa’s effort fell just short.

It was Aiden Markram ( 96 runs from 90 balls, 5(4) 4(6) ) leading the chase for Africa. However, he lost his partner, Janneman Malan, at the end of the powerplay.

Temba Bavuma ( 38 runs from 53 balls, 1(4) ) was batting well but had to retire his innings. He was hurt on the thumb from a throw and could not bat comfortably.

Rassie van der Dussen ( 59 runs from 59 balls, 6(4) ) also batted brilliantly but could not stick till the end. Similar story for Heinrich Klaasen ( 36 runs from 31 balls, 2(4) ) too. If one of them had stuck to the end, it would be a different result or the fight would be more intense.

It was also a team effort in the bowling department. Akila Dhanajaya picking up 2 wickets.

Bowling Figures: Chamika Karunaratne: [ 3-0-18-1 ], Wanindu Hasaranga: [ 10-1-52-1 ], Praveen jayawickrama: [ 10-0-47-1 ], Akila Dhananjaya: [ 10-0-65-2 ].

watch SL vs SA 1st ODI 2021 highlights. here.