A walk in the park for dominant Proteas
South Africa had no chance of making the knockouts after the loss against Pakistan, and the lack of pressure showed today. They took a wicket off the first ball, suffered an assault from Fernando and Kusal Perera, and then had the Sri Lanka by the scruff of their neck. The bowlers did the job in the first innings and Faf and Amla did it in the second.
The chase started well for South Africa, with Amla and de Kock scoring at 7 an over at one point before Malinga dismissed de Kock with a yorker. However, that proved to be the last bit of joy the Lankans had on the field. Du Plessis joined Amla at the crease and frustrated the bowlers no end. The duo took their time to get settled, hit the odd boundaries, put the bad balls away and coasted along to a comfortable victory.
The only bad part was that the SA skipper missed out on a hundred, as he was stranded on 96. It could have been achieved with some better communication with Amla, but he will be more than satisfied with getting the victory. So Sri Lanka have a very slim chance now of making the semis, they have to depend on other results really.
There is a double header tomorrow- Pakistan face Afghanistan, and then there is the trans-Tasman rivalry later as New Zealand and Australia face off in a crucial game for the former. Do join us for both of them. See you tomorrow then!
SA 206/1 (37.2 overs)
Thisara Perera to concede the winning runs?
37.1 T Perera to Amla, 1 run, worked away to square leg
37.2 T Perera to du Plessis, FOUR, he is stranded on 96! This is a full toss down leg, and is glanced away past the keeper. The Proteas finally win!
SA 201/1 (37 overs)
36.1 Udana to Amla, 2 runs, guides it past backward point, and he comes back for the second! Why would you do that Hash, your skipper wants a century!
36.2 Udana to Amla, 2 runs, two more. Faf has accepted his fate maybe
36.3 Udana to Amla, DOT, plays this to point
36.4 Udana to Amla, DOT, full ball, punched to mid off
36.5 Udana to Amla, 1 run, length wide of off, punched to deep cover
36.6 Udana to du Plessis, DOT.
SA 196/1 (36 overs)
35.1 Malinga to Amla, 1 run, yorker tailing in on leg, flicked to deep backward square
35.2 Malinga to du Plessis, DOT, driven to mid on. No prizes for guessing the length
35.3 Malinga to du Plessis, FOUR, yorker on off, Faf drives dead straight down the ground. Moves to 92 with SA needing 8 runs!
35.4 Malinga to du Plessis, DOT, drives straight to extra cover and he lets out a grunt because he did not place it well
35.5 Malinga to du Plessis, DOT, yorker (sigh), dug out with an open face
35.6 Malinga to du Plessis, DOT.
SA 191/1 (35 overs)
Isuru Udana is back.
34.1 Udana to du Plessis, DOT.
34.2 Udana to du Plessis, 1 run, slow yorker outside off, turned away to mid wicket
34.3 Udana to Amla, DOT, length wide of off, cut to backward point
34.4 Udana to Amla, 1 run, back of a length on middle stump, Hash jump up and plays to mid wicket
34.5 Udana to du Plessis, DOT, length ball wide of off, punched to extra cover
34.6 Udana to du Plessis, FOUR, full on off, Faf drives straight down the ground past mid on
SA 185/1 (34 overs)
Malinga is back. Last throw of the dice for Dimuth, do not think there is much to work with anyway
33.1 Malinga to du Plessis, 1 run, full toss on leg, flicked on one leg to deep square leg
33.2 Malinga to Amla, DOT, digs out the yorker well
33.3 Malinga to Amla, 1 run, goes to back of a length now, Hash jumps and pulls along the ground to deep square leg
33.4 Malinga to du Plessis, DOT, pacy yorker on leg stump, driven to mid on
33.5 Malinga to du Plessis, FOUR, low full toss on leg, Faf flicks past leg gully, and gets it between the two fielders in the deep
33.6 Malinga to du Plessis, 1 run.
SA 178/1 (33 overs)
We are back after the drinks break. Jeevan Mendis to continue.
32.1 J Mendis to du Plessis, 1 run, googly bowled short, punched down the ground
32.2 J Mendis to Amla, 1 run, goes back to turn this away to mid wicket
32.3 J Mendis to du Plessis, 1 run, firmly drives this full leg break to long off
32.4 J Mendis to Amla, 1 run, a Kedar/Malinga like action there, driven to long on now
32.5 J Mendis to du Plessis, FOUR, short and wide, Faf cuts in front of point for yet another boundary
32.6 J Mendis to du Plessis, 1 run.
SA 169/1 (32 overs)
Amla walked off in the previous over after being given out for lbw. Faf convinced him to go for the review, he walked again after seeing no inside edge, replays showed that the ball pitched outside leg. Has a sheepish smile on his face as he walks back in, and Faf has a wry smile too, as if to say "I told you so!"
31.1 T Perera to du Plessis, 1 run, length outside off, he mistimes the uppish drive to long off
31.2 T Perera to Amla, DOT, length tailing back in a bit, defended towards cover
31.3 T Perera to Amla, 1 run, short and wide, cut to third man
31.4 T Perera to du Plessis, DOT, length just outside off, punched to extra cover
31.5 T Perera to du Plessis, 1 run, punched to extra cover again, he misfields and they take the run
31.6 T Perera to Amla, DOT.
Everyone loves Hash Amla
SA 159/1 (30 overs)
Thisara Perera is back.
29.1 T Perera to Amla, 1 run, length on the stumps, worked with wrists to deep square leg
29.2 T Perera to du Plessis, DOT, length outside off, Faf wants to guide it down, does not do it perfectly
29.3 T Perera to du Plessis, 1 run, short and he pulls off the toe end to deep mid wicket
29.4 T Perera to Amla, 1 run, a mistimed punch to mid on, and Hash calls his skipper through for a quick run
29.5 T Perera to du Plessis, 1 run, length ball on the stumps, punched to long off
29.6 T Perera to Amla, 1 run.
SA 154/1 (29 overs)
Jeevan Mendis is back.
28.1 J Mendis to du Plessis, 1 run, length ball spinning away, cut to deep point
28.2 J Mendis to Amla, 1 run, short and wide now, same result, same spot, same shot
28.3 J Mendis to du Plessis, WIDE, spinning past the tramline
28.3 J Mendis to du Plessis, DOT, looped up wide of off, driven to cover
28.4 J Mendis to du Plessis, 1 run, gets the under edge on the sweep to square leg
28.5 J Mendis to Amla, DOT, defended on the back foot
28.6 J Mendis to Amla, 1 run.
SA 149/1 (28 overs)
Lakmal is back.
27.1 Lakmal to du Plessis, 1 run, length on the stumps, tucked to mid wicket and that will be fifty for Faf. Epitome of patience this innings
27.2 Lakmal to Amla, 1 run, hits this to backward point and goes through for an easy single
27.3 Lakmal to du Plessis, SIX, he has woken up from his slumber! This is seriously big though. Charged down the track, took it on the half volley and powered it way into the long off stands
Umpires have asked for a replacement of the ball, maybe this one is scuffed
27.4 Lakmal to du Plessis, FOUR, yes he does want to finish this off quickly. This is short and Faf pulls powerfully to the deep mid wicket fence
27.5 Lakmal to du Plessis, 1 run, works this length ball to fine leg
27.6 Lakmal to Amla, DOT.
SA 136/1 (27 overs)
26.1 de Silva to Amla, 1 run.
26.2 de Silva to du Plessis, 1 run, to long on
26.3 de Silva to Amla, DOT, cut to backward point
26.4 de Silva to Amla, WIDE, 1 run, down leg
26.4 de Silva to du Plessis, DOT.
26.5 de Silva to du Plessis, DOT.
26.6 de Silva to du Plessis, 1 run.
SA 131/1 (26 overs)
25.1 Malinga to Amla, 1 run, back of a length outside off, half pulled to deep square leg. That's the 100 partnership too!
25.2 Malinga to du Plessis, DOT, yorker on middle, squeezes the drive to mid on
25.3 Malinga to du Plessis, DOT, not yorker length, Faf defends under his eyes
25.4 Malinga to du Plessis, DOT, another yorker, dug out off the inside edge to short fine leg
25.5 Malinga to du Plessis, DOT, full ball this time, no yorker, driven to mid on
25.6 Malinga to du Plessis, DOT.
What a stat this is
SA 126/1 (24 overs)
23.1 Malinga to Amla, DOT, low full toss, driven to cover
23.2 Malinga to Amla, DOT, goes back of a length, Hash jumps and plays it to short fine leg
23.3 Malinga to Amla, DOT, short again, half pulled along thr ground to short fine again
23.4 Malinga to Amla, DOT, first loose shot for a while. This is on a length outside off, Hash pushes at it, and is beaten
23.5 Malinga to Amla, DOT, fast yorker on leg stump, dug out well
23.6 Malinga to Amla, DOT, maiden
SA 126/1 (23 overs)
22.1 Udana to Amla, 1 run, hit wide of mid on for a single
22.2 Udana to du Plessis, DOT, length just outside off, punched to point
22.3 Udana to du Plessis, DOT, short and wide, Faf chops his cut, and it rolls to the keeper. He'll he missed out there
22.4 Udana to du Plessis, FOUR, looks to work this away to cover, gets a thick outside edge which runs away past first slip. South Africa are motoring along with no risks taken
22.5 Udana to du Plessis, 1 run, softly worked to mid on for one
22.6 Udana to Amla, 1 run.
SA 119/1 (22 overs)
Malinga is back.
21.1 Malinga to du Plessis, 2 runs, starts with a leg stump yorker immediately, Faf flicks to deep square leg for two
21.2 Malinga to du Plessis, 1 run, another yorker at leg stump, flicked to fine leg this time
21.3 Malinga to Amla, DOT, third yorker in a row, driven to mid off this time
21.4 Malinga to Amla, DOT, not going to tell you what delivery this was. Just that no runs were scored
21.5 Malinga to Amla, 1 run, flicked to deep mid wicket off the boots
21.6 Malinga to du Plessis, DOT.
SA 115/1 (21 overs)
20.1 Udana to du Plessis, DOT, kept a little low, played well in the end
20.2 Udana to du Plessis, DOT, misses his steer down to third man
20.3 Udana to du Plessis, 1 run, off cutter outside off, punched to deep cover
20.4 Udana to Amla, 1 run, angled into Hash's body, he tucks to deep mid wicket
20.5 Udana to du Plessis, 1 run, length outside off, softly played to point
20.6 Udana to Amla, WIDE, angled too far across the batsman there
20.6 Udana to Amla, DOT.
SA 111/1 (20 overs)
19.1 J Mendis to Amla, 1 run, pushed to deep cover and that will be fifty for Hash! Good, calm innings
19.2 J Mendis to du Plessis, DOT, kept a bit low, played to short extra cover
19.3 J Mendis to du Plessis, 2runs, well flighted outside off, driven aerially to wide long off
19.4 J Mendis to du Plessis, 1 run.
19.5 J Mendis to Amla, 1 run, turns this leg break to square leg off the back foot
19.6 J Mendis to du Plessis, 1 run.
SA 105/1 (19 overs)
Isuru Udana is into the attack now.
18.1 Udana to du Plessis, 1 run, starts full, angled across Faf, who plays it softly to mid on
18.2 Udana to Amla, 1 run, short and wide, cut away to deep backward point and that will 100 for the Proteas
18.3 Udana to du Plessis, WIDE, comes round the wicket now and bowls it past the tramline
18.3 Udana to du Plessis, 1 run, slower length ball, played with an open face to third man
18.4 Udana to Amla, 1 run, guides this length ball to third man. Deftly done that
18.5 Udana to du Plessis, 1 run, short and wide, cut in front of point for only asingle
18.6 Udana to Amla, 1 run.
So this happened in the first innings!
SA 94/1 (17 overs)
16.1 Lakmal to du Plessis, FOUR WIDES, down leg and the keeper cannot gather it on the dive. Bonus runs
16.1 Lakmal to du Plessis, 1 run, back of a length wide of off, punched to deep cover
16.2 Lakmal to Amla, 1 run, length on middle, flicked wristily to mid wicket
16.3 Lakmal to du Plessis, DOT, half volley outside off, driven straight to cover though
16.4 Lakmal to du Plessis, DOT, length ball angled it, Faf defends right under his eyes
16.5 Lakmal to du Plessis, FOUR, a non-threatening short ball, he pulls powerfully to the deep mid wicket fence. Got to direct it better with that pace
16.6 Lakmal to du Plessis, 2 runs.
SA 81/1 (16 overs)
15.1 J Mendis to Amla, DOT.
15.2 J Mendis to Amla, 1 run, full on leg, and half swept to short fine
15.3 J Mendis to du Plessis, 1 run, digs this full ball towards point
15.4 J Mendis to Amla, DOT, turns it off the back foot
15.5 J Mendis to Amla, DOT, misses an easy shot off the ball on the leg side
15.6 J Mendis to Amla, DOT.
Drinks on the field
SA 79/1 (15 overs)
14.1 Lakmal to Amla, 1 run, length ball coming in off the pitch, punched to backward point
14.2 Lakmal to du Plessis, DOT, comes down the track and that length ballmoves away from him and over the stumps
14.3 Lakmal to du Plessis, DOT, a bit fuller, defended late towards point
14.4 Lakmal to du Plessis, 1 run, goes short, Faf mistimes the pull, it drops just near him
14.5 Lakmal to Amla, FOUR, length wide of off, Hash plays with an angled bat, but he has timed it so beautifully that it beat third man
14.6 Lakmal to Amla, 1 run.
SA 72/1 (14 overs)
Jeevan Mendis is into the attack.
13.1 J Mendisto du Plessis, DOT, loops it up on off, defended back
13.2 J Mendisto du Plessis, 1 run, full, flighted and wide of off, driven to deep cover
13.3 J Mendisto Amla, WIDE, going straight down leg
13.3 J Mendisto Amla, 1 run, worked out to long on after standing on one leg
13.4 J Mendisto du Plessis, DOT, gets an inside edge on the front foot defence
13.5 J Mendisto du Plessis, DOT, full on middle, defended to mid wicket
13.6 J Mendisto du Plessis, DOT.
SA 69/1 (13 overs)
12.1 Lakmal to du Plessis, DOT, fuller length on off, defended solidly into the pitch
12.2 Lakmal to du Plessis, FOUR, good approach this from Faf. Hangs back most times and then does this. Comes down the track and lofts this inside out over extra cover
12.3 Lakmal to du Plessis, 1 run, comes down again and slaps it to sweeper cover
12.4 Lakmal to Amla, 1 leg byes, looks to flick this length ball away, gets it off his pads
12.5 Lakmal to du Plessis, DOT, defends with bat close to pad
12.6 Lakmal to du Plessis, 1 run.
SA 58/1 (11 overs)
Lakmal is back after that solitary over.
10.1 Lakmal to Amla, 2 runs, tucked to deep mid wicket for two
10.2 Lakmal to Amla, DOT, length ball coming in off the pitch, Hash plays with an open face to short third man
10.3 Lakmal to Amla, DOT, length on off, driven to mid off, they hesitate a bit but Hash said no in the end
10.4 Lakmal to Amla, DOT, fuller length wide of off, he made a late decision to leave that one, no harm done
10.5 Lakmal to Amla, 2 runs, short and wide, cut away off the toe end past a diving backward point
10.6 Lakmal to Amla, 1 run.
SA 53/1 (10 overs)
9.1 T Perera to Amla, 2 runs, back of a length outside off, punched well past point for two
9.2 T Perera to Amla, DOT, goes to a length now, outside off, and is left alone
9.3 T Perera to Amla, FOUR, short and wide, Hash has been there long enough, square drives it on the up and past cover point for his fourth boundary
9.4 T Perera to Amla, 1 run, plays this with an angled bat to wide third man
9.5 T Perera to du Plessis, DOT, length on off, defended with an open face
9.6 T Perera to du Plessis, FOUR, dances down the wicket, takes it on the half volley and slaps it past point for his first boundary
SA 42/1 (9 overs)
8.1 Malinga to Amla, 2 runs, slow full ball on the pads, flicked to deep square leg for a couple
8.2 Malinga to Amla, WIDE, wrong line on the slow bumper, down leg
8.2 Malinga to Amla, DOT, length wide of off, that bounced just before the keeper, causing him to fall over after stopping it
8.3 Malinga to Amla, 1 run, length outside off again, punched past backward point for a single
8.4 Malinga to du Plessis, DOT, full slow ball wide of off, chopped towards gully
8.5 Malinga to du Plessis, 2 runs, this time he timed the guide down to third man well, who does equally well to save a couple
8.6 Malinga to du Plessis, DOT.
SA 36/1 (8 overs)
Only one over for Lakmal as on comes Thisara Perera. He has got the Proteas captain out 5 times in his career, maybe that's why he is on
7.1 T Pererato du Plessis, DOT, gets it on a length wide of off, Faf punches straight to extra cover
7.2 T Pererato du Plessis, DOT.
7.3 T Pererato du Plessis, DOT, length again, kept a little low, Faf had to get down to play at this
7.4 T Pererato du Plessis, DOT, slower ball outside off, wants to guide it down but gets it much finer than he wanted
7.5 T Pererato du Plessis, DOT, driven on the up, but short mid wicket stops it with a dive
7.6 T Pererato du Plessis, DOT, maiden to start!
SA 36/1 (7 overs)
6.1 Malinga to Amla, DOT, back of a length just outside off, punched back down the ground
6.2 Malinga to Amla, 1 run, short and Hash pulls along the ground to deep backward square
6.3 Malinga to du Plessis, 1 run, length ball wide of off, guided down to third man for a single
6.4 Malinga to Amla, DOT, yorker outside off, squeezed out to gully
6.5 Malinga to Amla, DOT, goes full outside off, Hash drives and it just misses the edge
6.6 Malinga to Amla, DOT.
SA 34/1 (6 overs)
Faf Du Plessis is in early again. Suranga Lakmal into the attack now.
5.1 Lakmal to Amla, 1 leg byes, starts with a length ball sliding down leg, Hash looks to flick, wears it on the pad
5.2 Lakmal to du Plessis, DOT, bowls it fuller on the stumps, Faf defends with fast hands
5.3 Lakmal to du Plessis, DOT, back of a length and it is punched off the back foot, Avishka at cover leaps up and fields with one hand. Well done
5.4 Lakmal to du Plessis, DOT, fuller ball angled in, punched to mid off this time
5.5 Lakmal to du Plessis, DOT, length just outside off, defended to mid on
5.6 Lakmal to du Plessis, 2 runs.
SA 31/1 (4.5 overs)
4.1 Malinga to Amla, DOT, length very wide of off, Hash chops his attempted cut
4.2 Malinga to Amla, DOT, solid defence on the back foot
Amla is batting way out of his crease to counter the swing and to ensure the edge if found, does not carry behind
4.3 Malinga to Amla, 3 runs, there will be no edges with that sort of a line. On the pads again, and is flicked away past mid on this time, they take three
4.4 Malinga to de Kock, DOT, goes short, and Quinton pulls along the ground, straight to mid wicket though
4.5 Malinga to de Kock, OUT, classic Malinga! Yorker dead accurate on leg stump, too good for de Kock who was not expecting it. Of course, he excels at that Malinga
de Kock b Malinga 15(16)
SA 28/0 (4 overs)
3.1 de Silva to de Kock, DOT, quicker on leg, defended
3.2 de Silva to de Kock, DOT, length this time, punched to short cover
3.3 de Silva to de Kock, FOUR, nice shot that. Went a little wide Quinton, and drives this full ball past cover and extra cover for his second boundary
3.4 de Silva to de Kock, DOT, gets an inside edge this time
3.5 de Silva to de Kock, FOUR, short and coming in with the arm, he cuts very fine, and it runs away past short third man. Was a thickish outside edge
3.6 de Silva to de Kock, DOT.
SA 20/0 (3 overs)
2.1 Malinga to de Kock, FOUR, good shot. Full outside off, Quinton merely pushes this past the bowler and stumps dead straight for four
2.2 Malinga to de Kock, 1 run, a wide yorker this time, squeezed out to third man
2.3 Malinga to Amla, DOT, ohh Hash has a waft at this length ball outside off, and luckily does not get the edge
2.4 Malinga to Amla, WIDE, kept a bit low this and is past the tramline too
2.4 Malinga to Amla, DOT, corrects himself with this fuller ball outside off, and Hash shoulders arms
2.5 Malinga to Amla, FOUR, he called for an extra slip and that is not the line to bowl after it. Length on leg, and he is flicked past mid wicket for another boundary
2.6 Malinga to Amla, DOT.
SA 9/0 (1 over)
Amla and de Kock need to play well because it is a slow wicket and a new batsman will find it tough to get going. These two will have the advantage of a hard new ball and should look to capitalise on that. Of course, they'll be up against a red-hot Lasith Malinga, so you never know what Sri Lanka can do. Let's find out.
0.1 Malinga to de Kock, 1 run, off the mark straight away. Length ball coming in a bit, played with an open face to third man
0.2 Malinga to Amla, DOT, length ball wide of off, left alone. That kept a bit low
0.3 Malinga to Amla, DOT, length just outside off, defended on the back foot
0.4 Malinga to Amla, FOUR, top shot! Length with some width, Hash leans forward and drives on the up past cover and extra cover for his first runs and SA's first boundary
0.5 Malinga to Amla, FOUR, and another one! Straying on the pads, he flicks it away past mid wicket this time for the second consecutive boundary
0.6 Malinga to Amla, DOT.
SL 203 (49.3 overs)
49.1 Morris to Lakmal, 1 run, plays this full ball to deep mid wicket
49.2 Morris to Malinga, FOUR, he gets them to 200! Wow, that is some shot. Full and outside off, Lasith backed away and slashed that to the point fence
49.3 Morris to Malinga, OUT, and he is gone next ball. Backed away and lofted this in the air, Faf takes it this time at mid off
Malinga c Du Plessis b Morris 4(3)
SL 198/9 (49 overs)
48.1 Rabada to Udana, 1 run, short and played aerially between extra cover and mid off, the latter stops it well
48.2 Rabada to Lakmal, 1 run, pulls this off the toe end down the ground
48.3 Rabada to Udana, OUT, backed away and looked to pull the short ball, got it off the top edge, goes up in the air, KG called and took it easily
Udana c & b Rabada 17(32)
Lasith Malinga is the last batsman in
48.4 Rabada to Lakmal, DOT, pulled to mid on and Faf drops it. Would you believe that? Maybe too casual
48.5 Rabada to Lakmal, DOT, wildly swings at this slow ball, of course misses it
48.6 Rabada to Lakmal, 1 run.
SL 195/8 (48 overs)
Morris is back.
47.1 Morris to Udana, DOT, off cutter outside off, Isuru misses his big drive, lets out a big grunt in disgust
47.2 Morris to Udana, DOT, backs away and slashes at this full ball, it falls short of gully
47.3 Morris to Udana, DOT, looks for another slog, misses it
47.4 Morris to Udana, 1 run, brilliant yorker on the stumps, somehow jammed out to mid off
47.5 Morris to Lakmal, 1 run, turns this slow ball to square leg
Everyone is flat on the ground, looks like there are some bees flying around. The crowd is having a big laugh, finally I must say. Bemusing scenes
47.6 Morris to Udana, 1 run.
SL 192/8 (47 overs)
Suranga Lakmal comes in at no.10. KG is back.
46.1 Rabada to Lakmal, 1 run, length ball rises up a bit and surprises Suranga, he fends off with the glove and Isuru calls him through
46.2 Rabada to Udana, DOT, length ball outside, the bat is hung out to dry, lcukily the edge is not found
46.3 Rabada to Udana, 2 runs, wants to slog this length ball, just about gets it over mid off, takes a couple
46.4 Rabada to Udana, DOT, backs away to cut this length ball, and it falls just short of backward point
46.5 Rabada to Udana, DOT, another back away, this leg cutter just goes over the stumps
46.6 Rabada to Udana, 1 run.
SL 184/8 (45.3 overs)
45.1 Phehlukwayo to T Perera, 1 run, length on leg, turned to deep mid wicket
45.2 Phehlukwayo to Udana, 1 run, chips this slower ball towards cover for one
45.3 Phehlukwayo to T Perera, OUT, oh good catch in the deep! Andile bowled it short, Thisara obliges with a pull, of course it is mistimed, as it has been for most of the day, KG set off very late from the ropes and had to dive forward in the end to take it. Umpires go upstairs for a clean catch, and third umpire confirms it
T Perera c Rabada bPhehlukwayo 21(25)
SL 182/7 (45 overs)
44.1 Tahir to T Perera, 1 run, well flighted delivery, driven to long on
44.2 Tahir to Udana, DOT, digs this one out
44.3 Tahir to Udana, DOT, a real drag down outside off, Isuru misses the cut
44.4 Tahir to Udana, DOT, played back to Imran
44.5 Tahir to Udana, 1 run, somehow plays this full one to cover for one
44.6 Tahir to T Perera, 1 run.
SL 179/7 (44 overs)
43.1 Phehlukwayo to T Perera, 1 run, full on the stumps, punched to mid off, takes the single
43.2 Phehlukwayo to Udana, 2 runs, gets an inside edge on this length ball to deep square leg
43.3 Phehlukwayo to Udana, DOT, driven on the bounce to short cover
43.4 Phehlukwayo to Udana, 1 run, short ball hurries onto him, Isuru mistimes the pull to mid wicket
43.5 Phehlukwayo to T Perera, DOT, wants to pull this length ball away, wears it on the thigh pad instead
43.6 Phehlukwayo to T Perera, 1 run.
SL 174/7 (43 overs)
42.1 Tahir to T Perera, DOT, full on off, played to short third man
42.2 Tahir to T Perera, 2runs, short and Thisara pulls, falls well short of deep mid wicket
42.3 Tahir to T Perera, DOT, quick in turner, punched back
42.4 Tahir to T Perera, DOT, plays this to short mid wicket without feet
42.5 Tahir to T Perera, 1 run, drives this full one down to long off
42.6 Tahir to Udana, DOT.
SL 171/7 (42 overs)
Phehlukwayo is back.
41.1 Phehlukwayo to T Perera, 1 run, hit to deep mid wicket for a single
41.2 Phehlukwayo to Udana, DOT, full on the stumps, defended on the front foot by Isuru
41.3 Phehlukwayo to Udana, 1 run, short and wide, cut to wide third man
41.4 Phehlukwayo to T Perera, 1 run, length on the stumps, punched to mid on
41.5 Phehlukwayo to Udana, DOT, fuller outside off, played with an open face to backward point
41.6 Phehlukwayo to Udana, WIDE, down leg
41.6 Phehlukwayo to Udana, DOT.
SL 167/7 (41 overs)
We are into the final powerplay and Tahir is back. Isuru Udana at no.9
40.1 Tahir to Udana, DOT.
40.2 Tahir to Udana, DOT.
40.3 Tahir to Udana, 1 run, pushed to cover
40.4 Tahir to T Perera, 2 runs, turned away off the back foot to deep square leg
40.5 Tahir to T Perera, 1 run, works this away to deep mid wicket
40.6 Tahir to Udana, DOT.
SL 163/7 (39.5 overs)
39.1 Morris to T Perera, 1run, short and pulled without timing to deep mid wicket
39.2 Morris to J Mendis, DOT, plays this length ball to backward point
39.3 Morris to J Mendis, 2 runs, this is a cutter bowled on a length, Jeevan pulls this time, KG does well at deep mid wicket to save two
39.4 Morris to J Mendis, WIDE, this is a quicker short ball, ducked under it. Harsh to call it wide
39.4 Morris to J Mendis, DOT, a bit fuller on the stumps, played to cover point
39.5 Morris to J Mendis, OUT, it was coming wasn't it? Jeevan wanted to slog everything, was sat on the back foot the whole time, Chris drops it short, it was a bit more pacey, he pulls as expected, it goes very high, and fine leg takes a good catch
J Mendis c Pretorius b Morris 18(46)
SL 159/6 (39 overs)
38.1 Duminy to T Perera, DOT, punches the short one to short cover
38.2 Duminy to T Perera, 1 run, this drifter hurries onto him, gets an inside edge to fine leg
38.3 Duminy to J Mendis, FOUR, comes down the track and hits this just over mid on, and it runs away to the ropes. Jeevan getting a move on
38.4 Duminy to J Mendis, 1 run, he wanted to paddle it up, JP drops it short, and he adjusts to play to deep point
38.5 Duminy to T Perera, FOUR WIDES, down leg and it evades the keeper as well
38.5 Duminy to T Perera, DOT.
38.6 Duminy to T Perera, 3 runs.
SL 145/6 (38 overs)
Thisara Perera walks out to the middle at no.8. Morris is back.
37.1 Morris to T Perera, 1 run, turned away to fine leg for a single
37.2 Morris to J Mendis, DOT, this is short and angled across, Jeevan wanted to pull, mistimes it to mid on
37.3 Morris to J Mendis, 1 run, length ball wide of off, wristily hit past backward point
37.4 Morris to T Perera, 1 run, tucks this to mid on and set off, he would have kept running if that had hit directly
37.5 Morris to J Mendis, SIX, where did that come from? Jeevan shuffles across, gets it on a length, and he picked it up and deposited it over the backward square ropes. It is his first boundary and the first maximum of the innings
37.6 Morris to J Mendis, DOT.
SL 135/6 (36.1 overs)
Change of bowling and it will be JP Duminy to bowl.
36.1 Duminy to de Silva, OUT, strikes first ball! But what the hell was that from Dhananjaya? He holds his stance, goes for the reverse sweep when JP was coming round the wicket, he bowls it on the stumps, not full either, and it has given the Proteas another wicket
de Silva b Duminy 24(41)
SL 135/5 (36 overs)
35.1 Rabada to J Mendis, DOT, fuller ball angled across, Jeevan shoulders arms to it. He wants to see out KG, which is probably sensible
35.2 Rabada to J Mendis, DOT, goes for the surprise short ball, the batsman just about sways away from the line
35.3 Rabada to J Mendis, DOT, length ball outside off, defended on the back foot
35.4 Rabada to J Mendis, DOT, round the wicket now, outside off again, he shoulders arms again
35.5 Rabada to J Mendis, DOT.
35.6 Rabada to J Mendis, DOT, another maiden!
SL 135/5 (35 overs)
Andile Phehlukwayo is back too.
34.1 Phehlukwayo to J Mendis, 1 run, played to fine leg for one
Have heard a couple of "Aiyoos!" from Quinton de Kock. Wonder where he picked up Tamil from
34.2 Phehlukwayo to de Silva, FOUR, short and wide, and he cuts ferociously past cover point to the ropes. Rocked back very quickly there
34.3 Phehlukwayo to de Silva, 1 run, guided down to third man with an angled bat
34.4 Phehlukwayo to J Mendis, DOT, length ball angled across, defended on the back foot
34.5 Phehlukwayo to J Mendis, 1 run, short on the body, Jeevan swivels and pulls to backward square leg, only for a single though
34.6 Phehlukwayo to de Silva, DOT.
SL 128/5 (34 overs)
KG is back.
33.1 Rabada to de Silva, DOT, starts with length outside off, defended on the front foot
33.2 Rabada to de Silva, DOT, goes a bit fuller, is driven on the up to mid off
33.3 Rabada to de Silva, DOT, length just outside off, defended onto the pitch
33.4 Rabada to de Silva, DOT, back of a length now, punched to cover point
33.5 Rabada to de Silva, DOT, length wide of off, Dhananjaya shoulders arms
33.6 Rabada to de Silva, DOT, starts his third spell with a maiden!
SL 128/5 (33 overs)
32.1 Tahir to de Silva, 1 run, a slog sweep to deep mid wicket for one
32.2 Tahir to J Mendis, DOT, driven down and well fielded
32.3 Tahir to J Mendis, DOT, comes down a bit and gets a thin outside edge towards short third man
32.4 Tahir to J Mendis, DOT, shuffles across and cuts to backward point
32.5 Tahir to J Mendis, DOT, tucked to mid wicket
32.6 Tahir to J Mendis, DOT.
They have bounced back incredibly well
SL 127/5 (32 overs)
31.1 Pretorius to J Mendis, DOT, length wide of off, left alone
31.2 Pretorius to J Mendis, 1 leg byes, on the body now, turned off the pad to square leg
31.3 Pretorius to de Silva, 2 runs, full on the pads, flicked away to deep square leg for a couple
31.4 Pretorius to de Silva, DOT, defends this full ball to mid on
31.5 Pretorius to de Silva, 1 run, punches this length ball to mid on, takes the quick single
31.6 Pretorius to J Mendis, DOT.
Pretorius has finished his spell with figures of 10-2-25-3. That will be drinks too
SL 123/5 (31 overs)
30.1 Tahir to de Silva, 2 runs, comes down the track, takes this flighted one on the full and drives it past Imran, almost went to the ropes but long on cleaned up
30.2 Tahir to de Silva, 1 run, just wide of extra cover! Lucky this time
30.3 Tahir to J Mendis, DOT, hurries into him, defended down the wicket
30.4 Tahir to J Mendis, DOT, full one defended on the front foot
30.5 Tahir to J Mendis, 1 run, loopy one wide of off, driven to long off
30.6 Tahir to de Silva, FOUR, this was well flighted outside off, Dhananjaya uses his wrists to get this in the gap between cover and extra cover. Welcome boundary
SL 115/5 (30 overs)
29.1 Pretorius to de Silva, 1 run.
29.2 Pretorius to J Mendis, DOT, length ball outside off, Jeevan defends after covering the line
29.3 Pretorius to J Mendis, DOT, fuller one wide of off, left alone
29.4 Pretorius to J Mendis, DOT, length now, just outside off, good leave
29.5 Pretorius to J Mendis, DOT, length one again, just rose up a bit as it went past the stumps
29.6 Pretorius to J Mendis, DOT.
SL 114/5 (29 overs)
One Mendis gone, another one in. Jeevan it is at no.7
28.1 Tahir to de Silva, DOT, googly full outside off, defended
28.2 Tahir to de Silva, 1 run, well flighted on leg, driven to long on
28.3 Tahir to J Mendis, 1 run, leg break on off, chipped a little, down to long on
28.4 Tahir to de Silva, DOT, played to short mid wicket
28.5 Tahir to de Silva, 1 run, full outside off, driven to deep cover
28.6 Tahir to J Mendis, DOT.
SL 111/5 (27.1 overs)
27.1 Pretorius to K Mendis, OUT, third wicket for Dwaine, what a day he is having! This is short and wide, had to be put away really, instead Kusal cuts it to cover point, who does well to get down and catch it with both hands. Oh Sri Lanka, you never cease to amaze
K Mendis c Morris b Pretorius 23(51)
Poor Kusal Perera
SL 106/4 (26 overs)
Pretorius is back.
25.1 Pretorius to de Silva, DOT, driven to mid off
25.2 Pretorius to de Silva, DOT, length on off, defended on the back foot
25.3 Pretorius to de Silva, DOT, punched to cover
25.4 Pretorius to de Silva, DOT, length now wide of off, defended again
25.5 Pretorius to de Silva, DOT, length ball angled in, defended on the back foot
25.6 Pretorius to de Silva, DOT, maiden over! Excellent stuff from Dwaine
SL 106/4 (25 overs)
24.1 Tahir to K Mendis, DOT, short ball, turned to backward square
24.2 Tahir to K Mendis, 1 run, fuller, Kusal gets a nice stride forward to push to cover
24.3 Tahir to de Silva, 1 run, loopy outside off, pushed to cover again
24.4 Tahir to K Mendis, DOT.
24.5 Tahir to K Mendis, DOT, quicker one on middle, played to square leg
24.6 Tahir to K Mendis, DOT.
SL 104/4 (24 overs)
Dhananjaya de Silva walks out to join Kusal Mendis
23.1 Morris to de Silva, 2 runs, full on the pads, flicked away to square leg for a couple
23.2 Morris to de Silva, DOT, length outside off, played off the inside half down the pitch
23.3 Morris to de Silva, DOT, similar ball, defended on the back foot
23.4 Morris to de Silva, DOT, another one on a nagging length outside off, Dhananjaya shoulders arms
23.5 Morris to de Silva, DOT, back of a length outside off, punched to short cover
23.6 Morris to de Silva, DOT.
SL 100/4 (21.5 overs)
21.1 Morris to Mathews, FOUR, getting a move on I reckon. Angelo charges down and hammers this half volley over mid on for a welcome boundary for him
21.2 Morris to Mathews, DOT, bowls fuller outside off now, chops the drive
21.3 Morris to Mathews, DOT, slightly back of a length outside off, defended down the pitch
21.4 Morris to Mathews, DOT, plays this one to short mid wicket
21.5 Morris to Mathews, OUT, why would you do that Angelo? Already got a boundary in the over, they were holding steady and a brain fade from him at the wrong time. Comes down the pitch again, Chris dropped it short on seeing him, he swings anyway, gets an inside edge which goes on to hit leg stump. Poor stuff
Mathews b Morris 11(29)
SL 96/3 (21 overs)
Imran Tahir into the attack.
20.1 Tahir to Mathews, 1 run, drags it down first ball, is pulled to deep mid wicket
20.2 Tahir to K Mendis, FOUR, googly dropped short now, Kusal went back and pulled it powerfully to the deep square leg fence
20.3 Tahir to K Mendis, DOT, better, leg spinner wide of off, left alone
20.4 Tahir to K Mendis, DOT, full again, on middle now, driven to short mid wicket
20.5 Tahir to K Mendis, DOT, another one played to short mid wicket
20.6 Tahir to K Mendis, DOT.
SL 87/3 (19 overs)
18.1 Rabada to K Mendis, DOT.
18.2 Rabada to K Mendis, DOT, slightly back of a length outside off, played into the pitch
18.3 Rabada to K Mendis, DOT, this time it is on the off stump line, defends on the back foot Kusal
18.4 Rabada to K Mendis, DOT, fuller outside off, nice stride forward to defend this towards cover
18.5 Rabada to K Mendis, DOT, length ball angled in, defended to short mid wicket
18.6 Rabada to K Mendis, 1 run.
SL 86/3 (18 overs)
Morris is back now. Kusal Mendis has some issues with the cream applied on his face. Commentators reckon it is too much and may have burnt the face a little.
17.1 Morris to Mathews, DOT, falls short of slip! Action immediately for Chris. Bowls it on a length and angles it in from wide of the crease, finds the outside edge but it did not carry to Hash
17.2 Morris to Mathews, WIDE, down leg
17.2 Morris to Mathews, DOT, length ball outside off now, standard line and length, defended down the pitch
17.3 Morris to Mathews, DOT, goes a bit fuller outside off, Angelo gets it off the toe end to mid wicket
He calls for a new bat after that playing that one
17.4 Morris to Mathews, DOT, angles this length ball into the body, defended on the back foot
17.5 Morris to Mathews, DOT, length outside off again, played down the pitch
17.6 Morris to Mathews, DOT.
SL 85/3 (17 overs)
KG is back.
16.1 Rabada to K Mendis, DOT, starts full outside off, pushed to mid off
16.2 Rabada to K Mendis, DOT, goes for an off cutter outside off, defended late towards short mid wicket
16.3 Rabada to K Mendis, DOT, length outside off now, defended with an open face towards backward point
16.4 Rabada to K Mendis, 1 run, goes for the short ball, and is helped away to fine leg
16.5 Rabada to Mathews, DOT, length wide of off, defended with an angled bat
16.6 Rabada to Mathews, 1 run.
SL 83/3 (16 overs)
We are back after drinks. Pretorius to continue.
15.1 Pretorius to K Mendis, DOT, full outside, off, the drive does not carry to cover point
15.2 Pretorius to K Mendis, 1 run, full ball angled in on middle, played off the inside half to mid on
15.3 Pretorius to Mathews, DOT, a bit fuller outside off, turned to short mid wicket
15.4 Pretorius to Mathews, DOT, that was length, but it kept rising as it went past the stumps
15.5 Pretorius to Mathews, DOT, full again, outside off now, defended late
15.6 Pretorius to Mathews, DOT.
No prizes for guessing right
SL 77/3 (14 overs)
13.1 Pretorius to Mathews, DOT, length ball keeps a bit low, Angelo defends it well down the ground
13.2 Pretorius to Mathews, DOT, length on the stumps this time, played to short mid wicket
13.3 Pretorius to Mathews, DOT, a bit fuller on off, defended on the front foot
13.4 Pretorius to Mathews, DOT, plays this length ball towards mid on
13.5 Pretorius to Mathews, 1 run, keeps a bit low again, the slight outside edge goes to third man
13.6 Pretorius to K Mendis, DOT.
SL 76/3 (13 overs)
12.1 Phehlukwayo to K Mendis, DOT, length outside off, came back in a touch, the other Kusal chops the cut to point
12.2 Phehlukwayo to K Mendis, FOUR, full on the pads, he gets his head down quickly and watches the ball until the last minute before flicking it away to deep square leg
12.3 Phehlukwayo to K Mendis, DOT, better, goes for length outside off, is left alone
12.4 Phehlukwayo to K Mendis, DOT, length outside off again, punched on the back foot
12.5 Phehlukwayo to K Mendis, DOT, bowls it fuller on off stump, played to mid on
12.6 Phehlukwayo to K Mendis, DOT.
SL 72/3 (12 overs)
Angelo Mathews is in at no.5, he found some form in the last game against England
11.4 Pretorius to Mathews, DOT, defends this full ball down the ground
11.5 Pretorius to Mathews, DOT, length ball now, just outside off, defended on the back foot
11.6 Pretorius to Mathews, DOT.
SL 72/3 (11.3 overs)
11.1 Pretorius to K Perera, 1 run, to square leg
11.2 Pretorius to K Mendis, 1 run, guides this length ball to third man
11.3 Pretorius to K Perera, OUT, one of the Kusals walks. This is a length ball, came back in a bit off the pitch, he wants to maybe run it down to third man, instead has his stumps clattered
SL 70/2 (11 overs)
Kusal joins Kusal at the crease. It is Mendis and Perera to keep the Lankan innings going after the excellent first powerplay.
10.1 Phehlukwayo to K Perera, 1 run, to deep square leg
10.2 Phehlukwayo to K Mendis, DOT, wants to cut this wide length ball away, it passes under the bat
10.3 Phehlukwayo to K Mendis, 1 run, length on the stumps now, worked away to deep backward square
10.4 Phehlukwayo to K Perera, DOT, fuller ball angled across outside off, half driven to short cover
10.5 Phehlukwayo to K Perera, 1 run, on the hips this time, mistimes the swivel and pull to fine leg
10.6 Phehlukwayo to K Mendis, DOT.
SL 67/2 (9.5 overs)
9.1 Pretorius to K Perera, WIDE, down leg
9.1 Pretorius to K Perera, FOUR, length on the pads, easily glanced away to the fine leg fence. Nothing short fine could do
9.2 Pretorius to K Perera, DOT, better, length ball angled across, defended on the back foot to short cover
9.3 Pretorius to K Perera, 1 run, back of a length, cramping Kusal for room, played to point for one
9.4 Pretorius to Fernando, FOUR, nice shot! This is full and going down leg side, Avishka lofts this over mid wicket on one leg and away she goes
9.5 Pretorius to Fernando, OUT, gone next ball! Dwaine goes full again, on middle stump this time, he wanted to slog it away for some reason. Gets it off the toe end, and mid on is the safest Proteas catcher in this line-up
Fernando c Du Plessis b Pretorius 30(29)
SL 57/1 (9 overs)
Another bowling change and it is Andile Phehlukwayo to bowl.
8.1 Phehlukwayo to K Perera, 1 run, starts off with some length wide of off, is cut away to deep point
8.2 Phehlukwayo to Fernando, 1 run, another gentle length delivery, turned to deep square leg
8.3 Phehlukwayo to K Perera, DOT, on the hips on leg stump, swivelled and played to short fine leg
8.4 Phehlukwayo to K Perera, 1 run, straying on leg again, flicked past mid wicket
8.5 Phehlukwayo to Fernando, 1 run, good fielding at short fine, this was flicked away to get it past him, he does well to keep them to one
8.6 Phehlukwayo to K Perera, 1 run.
SL 52/1 (8 overs)
7.1 Pretorius to K Perera, 1 run, tucked to square leg
7.2 Pretorius to Fernando, 1 run, defended to short mid wicket which is vacant, so it is an easy single
7.3 Pretorius to K Perera, DOT, fuller ball, driven towards mid on
7.4 Pretorius to K Perera, 1 leg byes, length on the body, Kusal looks to pull, wears it on the body, and takes the single
7.5 Pretorius to Fernando, FOUR, poor ball, length on the hips, helped away to fine leg easily. Inconsistency with the lines is hurting them big time
7.6 Pretorius to Fernando, DOT.
SL 45/1 (7 overs)
6.1 Rabada to K Perera, DOT, punches this off the toe end to mid off, thinks better of the quick single
6.2 Rabada to K Perera, 1 run, straying on the pads this full ball, played to deep square leg
6.3 Rabada to Fernando, 1 run, length ball wide of off, nicely punched on the back foot but Andile at mid off stops it from going past him
6.4 Rabada to K Perera, WIDE, short and down leg
6.4 Rabada to K Perera, FOUR, easy pickings for Kusal, this is a full toss wide of off, and is driven past extra cover and mid off
6.5 Rabada to K Perera, 1 run, full on the pads now, flicked to square leg for one
6.6 Rabada to Fernando, DOT.
SL 37/1 (6 overs)
Dwaine Pretorius is into the attack now, replacing Morris.
5.1 Pretorius to K Perera, DOT, defended towards fine leg
5.2 Pretorius to K Perera, DOT, goes for the front foot pull to this length ball, the pitch is too slow for that though
5.3 Pretorius to K Perera, 1 run.
5.4 Pretorius to Fernando, DOT, some noise as it went past the stumps, it flicked the pad on its way through. The half appeal dies down quickly
5.5 Pretorius to Fernando, DOT, defended towards mid on
5.6 Pretorius to Fernando, DOT.
5.3
SL 36/1 (5 overs)
4.1 Rabada to Fernando, DOT, this is almost Babar Azam like. Gets a back of a length ball outside off, he punches with a high elbow to mid off
4.2 Rabada to Fernando, DOT, defends this length ball to mid on
4.3 Rabada to Fernando, FOUR byes, oh that was close! KG gets this length ball to come in off the pitch sharply, cuts Avishka in half and it evades Quinton to run away to the fence
Those were the the first byes that de Kock has conceded all tournament. Even MS does not have that stat to his name!
4.4 Rabada to Fernando, 1 run, to third man
4.5 Rabada to K Perera, 1 run, punches this full ball to mid off and takes a quick single too
4.6 Rabada to Fernando, FOUR, oozing with class! KG overpitches this on the stumps, the high elbow is out again, and the punch down the ground is timed well enough for four
Be wary is the message!
SL 26/1 (4 overs)
3.1 Morris to K Perera, FOUR, full and wide, Kusal reaches out and slashes it away up and over point and it just trickles into the ropes
3.2 Morris to K Perera, 1 run, some inswing this time, but on the pads, flicked to square leg
3.3 Morris to Fernando, DOT, goes fuller to the right hander, on the stumps too, defended to mid on
3.4 Morris to Fernando, 1 run, plays this straight length ball to fine leg for one
3.5 Morris to K Perera, DOT, length ball angled across, punched on the back foot to short cover
3.6 Morris to K Perera, DOT.
SL 20/1 (3 overs)
2.1 Rabada to Fernando, 2 runs, very short and very wide, Avishka punches it somewhat, past extra cover and mid off for a couple
2.2 Rabada to Fernando, DOT, now that is how you bowl! Length outside off, at full pace, beats the drive with an away movement
2.3 Rabada to Fernando, FOUR, this is a good response. Short and wide from KG, he has to be consistent with his lines, just punched easily past cover point
2.4 Rabada to Fernando, DOT, better, on the stumps, fuller too, defended down with a straight bat
2.5 Rabada to Fernando, DOT, length outside off again, and Avishka misses his uppish drive. No feet movement at all there
2.6 Rabada to Fernando, DOT.
SL 14/1 (2 overs)
Chris Morris from the other end.
1.1 Morris to Fernando, DOT, ah lazy start. Length wide of off from Chris, Avishka chases without feet, misses the cut
1.2 Morris to Fernando, 3 runs, great shot now! Overpitched on middle stump, an easy flick away past mid on, the outfield is not very fast, they take another three
1.3 Morris to K Perera, DOT, what was that? This was length outside off, angled across, Kusal goes for the short arm jab, under edges it to the keeper
1.4 Morris to K Perera, WIDE, some swing inside, but the line is wrong, down leg it goes
1.4 Morris to K Perera, DOT, shoulders arms after striding forward to this fuller delivery outside off
1.5 Morris to K Perera, FOUR, punishing! Short and wide, asking for trouble, and when has Kusal even waited for a bad ball to hit. Crunches this cut shot in front of point for four
1.6 Morris to K Perera, DOT.
SL 6/1 (1 over)
Avishka Fernando in at no.3
0.2 Rabada to Fernando, DOT, wide short ball, defended to point
0.3 Rabada to Fernando, 3 runs, good shot to get going. Another wide short ball, Avishka punches well, gets it past backward point for three
0.4 Rabada to K Perera, WIDE, way down the leg side
0.4 Rabada to K Perera, DOT, good ball, pitched up a little on the stumps, defended back
0.5 Rabada to K Perera, 2 runs, simple length ball on the pads this time, easily turned away to deep square leg
0.6 Rabada to K Perera, DOT.
SL 0/1 (0.1 overs)
Skipper Karunaratne is accompanied by Kusal Perera and they are the perfect pair, one is the anchor, the other is a gung-ho player. Let's see how they do today. Kagiso Rabada with the new ball for the Proteas.
0.1 Rabada to Karunaratne, OUT, wicket first ball! Excellent start for South Africa. KG steams in and bowls it back of a length, Dimuth did not know what to do at all, was looking to fend it off, gets it on the glove and Faf takes an easy catch at second slip
Karunaratne c Du Plessis b Rabada 0(1)
Team News
Sri Lanka XI: Dimuth Karunaratne(c), Kusal Perera(wk), Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Dhananjaya de Silva, Thisara Perera, Jeevan Mendis, Isuru Udana, Lasith Malinga, Suranga Lakmal
South Africa XI: Hashim Amla, Quinton de Kock(wk), Faf du Plessis(c), Aiden Markram, Rassie van der Dussen, Jean-Paul Duminy, Andile Phehlukwayo, Dwaine Pretorius, Chris Morris, Kagiso Rabada, Imran Tahir
SA win toss; to bowl first
Faf calls it right and he wants to bowl first. Two changes for South Africa, Pretorious in for Ngidi, while JP Duminy comes in for David Miller, the latter has a groin issue.
Dimuth would have wanted to bat first, so he is happy nevertheless. Nuwan Pradeep is out for Sri Lanka, and Suranga Lakmal is in.
SA hope to upset Lankan applecart
South Africa have endured a terrible World Cup campaign this time around. They are knocked out already, having won only one of their games so far- against Afghanistan. Their team harmony looks shot, with Faf Du Plessis not being able to galvanise the team. Amla is in a horror run of form, de Kock has had a couple of fifties, and the others have struggled more or less. Rassie van der Dussen looks the only positive aspect for them thus far.
Sri Lanka on the other hand have managed to stay alive. Despite all the problems- with their board, a lack of a captain, a rag tag team of individuals have stood up when it mattered. Malinga and Mathews were the stars against England, Karunaratne has led them reasonably well, and guys like Isuru Udana, Kusal Pereraand Avishka Fernando have done their bit. Every game is a challenge for them and today is no different.
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