By Brian Thomas
Winning the toss this evening South African Captain had no hesitation in batting first on a very good pitch. With the inclusion of Quinton De Kock and David Miller, they did well to get to 163 runs for 5 in 20 overs.
Quinton De Kock was lucky that Dasun Shanaka did not go for a DRS in the very first over off Dusmantha Chameera, the replay clearly showed the bat hitting the ground and the ball nicked his bat, he could have been dismissed for 4, but he ended up making a valuable 36 before being caught by Charith Asalanka and deep Mid wicket off Hasaranga for 36, with South Africa on 73.
Reeza Hendricks looked in very good touch till a leading-edge off Hasaranga carried to Mahesh Theekshana at short fine leg for a well compiled 36, with South Africa on 79 runs for 2 wickets in the 11th over.
Theekshana, who was given the new ball, today went for plenty, bowled too short, over bowled his carom ball, however, he got his name on column 4 when he trapped Hinrick Klassen for 4 runs plum in front, with South Africa on 87.
Aidien Markram held the South African batting together. He blasted the Srilankan spin trio with great control until he played a tired-looking stroke towards backward of point in the 18th over to be caught by Dusmantha Chameera off Skipper Dasun Shanaka for 48. However, he along with David Miller who contributed at the lower half of the Innings with 26 runs took South Africa to 163 for 5 which is competitive.
Sri Lanka has brought in Bhanuka Rajapaksha and Dinesh Chandimal, whilst the bowling has given a tag with Akila Dhananjaya who replace Praveen Jayawickrema.
Can Sri Lanka get to that magical figure of 164? Answer is on our next commentary script.
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