South Africa Crush SL As Fast Bowlers Struggle

February 09, 2015

South Africa chased down a revised target of 188 from 25 overs with three balls to spare and five wickets in hand to defeat Sri Lanka in the Cricket World Cup warm-up match at Christchurch.

Called to bat first, Sri Lanka anchored their innings around opener TM Dilshan's century which came in 82 balls. However, it was seen that Sri Lankans have not yet found the best opening combination as Lahiru Thirimanne was dismissed for 1.

Kumar Sangakkara (31), Dimuth Karunaratne (46) and Angelo Mathews (58) played useful innings as Sri Lanka scored 279 for 7 in 44.4 overs before rain interrupted play.

Kyle Abbott was the pick of the South African bowlers, taking 3 for 37 in 6.4 overs.

Quinton de Kock and stand-in captain Hashim Amla put on 116 for the first wicket in 15.1 overs as the Sri Lankan pace bowlers struggled to find their rhythem. Only Rangana Herath impressed, taking three for just 22 in his allotted 5 overs. Little cameos by Rilee Rossouw and Vernan Philander ended the game in the 25th over.