share
299535F
Home » Live Cricket Score » ICC Cricket World Cup, 2019 » Summary

Sri Lanka vs South Africa Live Cricket Score, Match 35, ICC Cricket World Cup, 2019, June 28, 2019

SL 203/10 (49.3)
South Africa beat Sri Lanka by 9 wickets
SA 206/1 (37.2)
Match over
Commentary :
0.0 : Before the start of this World Cup if you would have told me that South Africa will get knocked out before Sri Lanka then I would have either laughed it off or doubted your cricket acumen. But here we are, facing reality. The Proteas indeed are out even before the tournament started to heat up and Sri Lanka are still hanging in there, although by the skin of their teeth. This match holds more importance to them and hence there will be immense pressure. How will they tackle it against a team that
TOSS - Faf du Plessis wins the coin toss and SOUTH AFRICA WILL FIELD!
South African skipper, Faf du Plessis says it's a fresh pitch and they are hoping for some early seam movement. Feels that it won't spin too much in the second half. Informs about the two changes, Dwaine Pretorius and JP Duminy are in for Lungi Ngidi and David Miller.
Sri Lankan skipper, Dimuth Karunaratne says they were going to bat first anyway and are just looking to put runs on the board and defend. Adds they wanted the experienced guys to lead from the front and they did in the last game. Credits Mathews for the innings he played against England in the last game.
South Africa (Playing XI) - Hashim Amla, Quinton de Kock(WK), Faf du Plessis(C), Aiden Markram, Rassie van der Dussen, JP Duminy (IN for David Miller), Andile Phehlukwayo, Dwaine Pretorius (IN for Lungi Ngidi), Chris Morris, Kagiso Rabada, Imran Tahir.
Sri Lanka (Playing 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 (IN for Nuwan Pradeep).
PITCH REPORT - Pommie Mbangwa and Nasser Hussain are the pitch analysts for the day. Mbangwa says the sun is coming out. Tells us that it is a very big ground. From the Lumley End, the boundary at third man is the shortest at 70m and from the Finchale End, it's at 66m towards the fine leg region. Hussain from the other end says the ground dimension will help spinners. Tells historically this surface has helped pacers. On the surface, Nasser says there is a little bit of grass covering and there
Players from both the sides are out in the centre to sing their respective national anthems. South Africa's first, followed by Sri Lanka's...
Time to get underway! Dimuth Karunaratne and Kusal Perera are the openers for Sri Lanka. There will be something in the pitch early on for the pacers, so the opening pair will have to be watchful. Kagiso Rabada to steam in with the first new ball. Two slips are in place.
0.1 : K Rabada to D Karunaratne, OUT! Rabada strikes first ball! What a cracking beginning to this match! Kagiso steams in and delivers a shortish ball on middle, it shoots off the surface after landing and Karunaratne is surprised by the extra bounce. He takes his eyes off the ball and tries to fend it off. But it takes his gloves and loops up to second slip. A simple catch for Faf du Plessis. Perfect start for the Proteas.
Avishka Fernando walks out at number 3. He is out in the middle in the very second ball of the innings. He played a very good knock against England, scoring a quickfire 49 in that game.
0.2 : K Rabada to A Fernando, Rabada goes short and wide outside off, Fernando reaches out for it and taps it down to cover-point.
0.3 : K Rabada to A Fernando, Lovely shot! Back of a length delivery outside off, Fernando stands tall and steers it through the gap between cover-point and point. The fielder from the former position chases it down. He slips a bit while turning but safely returns the ball in play. Three runs taken and Sri Lanka are underway.
0.4 : K Rabada to K Perera, Wide! Short delivery, a wild one down the leg side, Kusal has an easy leave.
K Rabada to K Perera, Better line. On middle and off, Perera covers the delivery and blocks it with a straight bat.
0.5 : K Rabada to K Perera, A touch short in length and around middle and leg, Perera tucks it behind square leg and picks up a couple of runs.
0.6 : K Rabada to K Perera, Shortish and on middle, Kusal plays it down in front of square leg and shouts wait there... Dot ball to end the over, a successful one first up for the Saffas.
Chris Morris to speed in from the other end with the second new ball. Two slips stay...
1.1 : C Morris to A Fernando, Starts with a short and wide delivery outside off, Fernando chases and misses.
1.2 : C Morris to A Fernando, Fullish on this occasion, straighter in line, Fernando flicks it through mid-wicket and Tahir gives the chase. The ball slows down before the fence and the batsmen take three.
1.3 : C Morris to K Perera, Big bottom edge there! Slightly short and outside off, Perera winds up for a big pull shot across the line but it takes the bottom half of his blade and goes on the bounce to the keeper.
1.4 : C Morris to K Perera, Wide! Slips a length ball down the leg side, Kusal tries to flick but misses. De Kock dives across to his right to collect the ball.
C Morris to K Perera, This one is on a driving length outside off, Perera stops himself from committing into a drive.
1.5 : C Morris to K Perera, FOUR! Sanath Jayasuriya will be proud of that shot. Width on offer outside off, Perera camps back and powers it through cover-point. No stopping this one.
1.6 : C Morris to K Perera, Beaten all ends up! A length ball outside off, straightening a touch, Perera pushes at it without any footwork and is beaten. 15 minutes done and just two overs, the overrate is quite disappointing to be honest.
2.1 : K Rabada to A Fernando, Shortish and outside off, Avishka stays back and hits it through the gap at mid off and extra cover. Two taken.
2.2 : K Rabada to A Fernando, Beaten! On a length and outside off, Fernando tries to drive it through covers but is beaten as the ball straightens.
2.3 : K Rabada to A Fernando, FOUR! Timing and placement of the highest order! He is a really talented batsman and is showing his class. Enough width on offer there, Avishka remains on the back foot and punches it sweetly through covers.
2.4 : K Rabada to A Fernando, Angling in around off, Avishka defends it back solidly.
2.5 : K Rabada to A Fernando, Play and a miss! Gets carried away there seeing the width outside off. Flashes his blade at it and misses. Needs to be careful with his shot selection.
2.6 : K Rabada to A Fernando, Length ball on middle and leg, it's defended back with a straight bat.
3.1 : C Morris to K Perera, FOUR! Up and over. Don't feed room to this batsman. He will always latch onto it and smash it. Full and wide outside off, Perera exercises his arms and lifts it over cover-point for a boundary.
0.0 : Third man comes up. Cover drops back to deep point.
3.2 : C Morris to K Perera, Sliding down the leg side, on a length, it's clipped through square leg for a run.
3.3 : C Morris to A Fernando, Fullish and on leg, pushed down towards mid on.
3.4 : C Morris to A Fernando, Good length delivery on middle, Avishka helps it behind square leg and rotates the strike.
3.5 : C Morris to K Perera, On a length and outside off, Kusal punches from the crease but finds the cover fielder.
3.6 : C Morris to K Perera, Attempts for a big shot but misses. This you will always get with Kusal Perera. He sees room outside off and tries to slap it through the line. But his bat swing is a little early and hence he misses. Morris smiles.
4.1 : K Rabada to A Fernando, Back of a length ball on off, Fernando rocks back and punches it towards wide mid off.
4.2 : K Rabada to A Fernando, Good length ball moving back into the batsman, Avishka presents a straight bat and pushes it towards mid on.
4.3 : K Rabada to A Fernando, FOUR BYES! This one goes through everyone. A big inswinger by Rabada. It lands it on a length around off, nips back in to beat the inside half of Fernando's bat and flies past the diving keeper to the fine leg fence.
4.4 : K Rabada to A Fernando, Outside off on a length, Fernando guides it towards third man for a single.
4.5 : K Rabada to K Perera, Full and on off, Perera bunts it towards wide mid off. The fielder is at the edge of the circle and the batsmen steal a single.
4.6 : K Rabada to A Fernando, FOUR! Shot! Perfect timing! A bit overpitched by Rabada. On middle and leg, Avishka drives it delightfully down the ground for a boundary at long on. 10 from the over, a good one for Sri Lanka.
Change in bowling. Dwaine Pretorius is brought into the attack now, replacing Chris Morris.
5.1 : D Pretorius to K Perera, Shortish and on leg, Perera helps it off his pads to square leg.
5.2 : D Pretorius to K Perera, In the channel outside off, a bit short in length, Kusal swishes and misses.
5.3 : D Pretorius to K Perera, Down the leg side, Perera plays it gently off his pads behind square leg. The keeper gets to the ball to his right and the batsmen cross for a run.
5.4 : D Pretorius to A Fernando, Half-appeal for a catch! Not given. Movement off the surface, it lands it on a length around middle and leg, Avishka tries to flick but misses. There is some noise but the umpire shows that it brushed the pads.
5.5 : D Pretorius to A Fernando, Gets behind the line of the delivery and forces it out towards mid on.
5.6 : D Pretorius to A Fernando, A length ball on off, Fernando defends it off his back foot to the off side.
6.1 : K Rabada to K Perera, Serves it on a length around off, Kusal drives it towards mid off and immediately screams a loud no. Fernando returns safely as the fielder misses his shy at the bowler's end.
6.2 : K Rabada to K Perera, The line is straight from Rabada and Perera flicks it in front of square leg for a run.
6.3 : K Rabada to A Fernando, Good fielding by Andile! Back of a length delivery outside off, Fernando punches it towards extra cover. Phehlukwayo reacts quickly to his left from mid off and makes a diving stop. Cannot prevent the single though.
6.4 : K Rabada to K Perera, Massive wide! A wild delivery again by Rabada, short and way down the leg side. Perera allows it through. Struggling with left-right combo.
K Rabada to K Perera, FOUR! Boom! Rabada over-corrects everything. The length goes very full and the line is wide outside off, Kusal needs no second invitation. He attacks it and drills his drive through extra cover.
6.5 : K Rabada to K Perera, The batsman has flicked the ball off his pads. One run added to the total.
6.6 : K Rabada to A Fernando, Shortish and on off, Avishka stays back and plays it down softly to covers. 8 from this over, 18 in Rabada's last two.
7.1 : D Pretorius to K Perera, Good length ball around leg, Perera tries to flick and somehow gets it away from the inner half of his blade. The ball rolls to square leg and the batsmen cross.
7.2 : D Pretorius to A Fernando, Turns it off his pads to mid-wicket and scampers across to the other end.
7.3 : D Pretorius to K Perera, Kusal has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
7.4 : D Pretorius to K Perera, Back of a length ball around leg, Perera tries to pull but is beaten for pace. It takes his thigh pad and goes towards point for a leg bye.
7.5 : D Pretorius to A Fernando, FOUR! Easy pickings! A length ball on middle and leg, Avishka picks it off his pads and neatly deflects it down to fine leg for a boundary. 50-run stand comes up! Excellent going from this pair.
7.6 : D Pretorius to A Fernando, Appeal for an lbw! Pretorius delivers it on a length on middle, Fernando fails to work it around and is hit on the pads. They appeal but the umpire is unmoved. Too high.
Andile Phehlukwayo is ready to bowl his first over.
8.1 : A Phehlukwayo to K Perera, Provides width on his first delivery outside off, Perera rocks back and slaps it to deep point for a run.
8.2 : A Phehlukwayo to A Fernando, Shortish and on middle and leg, Fernando glances it through mid-wicket and picks up a run.
8.3 : A Phehlukwayo to K Perera, Short in length around leg, Kusal pulls but without much connection. It goes straight to short fine leg.
8.4 : A Phehlukwayo to K Perera, Works a length ball in front of square leg and it runs down to the deep. One run added to the total.
8.5 : A Phehlukwayo to A Fernando, Fullish and on leg, Fernando clips it off his pads and Pretorius moves swiftly across to his left from short fine leg to make a diving stop. Just one taken.
8.6 : A Phehlukwayo to K Perera, Fuller length ball on off, Perera tries to punch it off his back foot but it takes the outer half of his bat and runs down to deep point for a single.
9.1 : D Pretorius to K Perera, Wide! A bit short and down the leg side, Perera tries to pull but misses.
D Pretorius to K Perera, FOUR! Poor delivery with fine leg up in the circle. Dwaine delivers it on the pads and Kusal nudges it wide of short fine leg for a boundary.
9.2 : D Pretorius to K Perera, Good length ball on middle and off, Kusal plays it from the crease to covers.
9.3 : D Pretorius to K Perera, Some width on offer outside off, Perera steers it in the gap at point and takes one.
9.4 : D Pretorius to A Fernando, FOUR! A proper heave. Pretorius angles in a full length ball on middle and leg, Avishka leans forward and across before powering it over mid-wicket.
9.5 : D Pretorius to A Fernando, OUT! One shot too many for Avishka Fernando and he departs. A length ball on off, Fernando stays back to heave it again over the leg side but gets a big top edge. It balloons in the air towards mid off where Faf du Plessis backtracks a bit and takes a fine tumbling catch. The 67-run stand is broken and South Africa will be relieved.
Kusal Mendis walks out to bat next. He has not had a great tournament by his standards. There is a slip in place for him.
9.6 : D Pretorius to K Mendis, Shortish and outside off, Mendis watches the line closely and makes a leave.
Powerplay 2 time! Now a maximum of 4 fielders can be placed outside the 30-yard circle till the 40th over!
10.1 : A Phehlukwayo to K Perera, Perera plays a pull shot to this short delivery through mid-wicket. One run added to the total.
10.2 : A Phehlukwayo to K Mendis, Beaten! Good length delivery in the channel outside off, Kusal feels for it inside the line and misses.
10.3 : A Phehlukwayo to K Mendis, Full and on the pads, eased down to fine leg for a run.
10.4 : A Phehlukwayo to K Perera, Perera has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
10.5 : A Phehlukwayo to K Perera, Short and down the leg side, Kusal fails to middle his pull shot. It goes off his thigh pad to fine leg for a leg bye.
10.6 : A Phehlukwayo to K Mendis, On a length and around off, Mendis defends it with an angled bat to point.
11.1 : D Pretorius to K Perera, Good length ball on the pads, Perera turns it towards square leg and gets a single.
11.2 : D Pretorius to K Mendis, Slightly fuller around off, Mendis taps it down to third man and gets to the other end.
11.3 : D Pretorius to K Perera, OUT! Chopped on! Another set batsman goes without converting his start. Good length ball on off, Perera looks to cut but the ball is too close to his body. He still goes ahead with the shot and ends up getting an inside edge as the ball nips in a bit as well. The ball hits his pad and then goes on to disturb the stumps. He looks dejected as he was looking good in the middle. Last thing Sri Lanka wanted was to lose him, having lost Avishka. Pretorius gets his second
Angelo Mathews is in next. He finally struck some form in the last match and once again is needed to play a good knock here. Sri Lanka in some trouble after the second wicket partnership.
11.4 : D Pretorius to A Mathews, Full on the stumps, Mathews defends it off the front foot.
11.5 : D Pretorius to A Mathews, Defends it off the back foot this time.
11.6 : D Pretorius to A Mathews, Full on off and middle. Mathews pushes it to mid on.
12.1 : A Phehlukwayo to K Mendis, Shortish and outside off, Mendis reaches out for it and hits it towards point.
12.2 : A Phehlukwayo to K Mendis, FOUR! Nice timing! Fullish delivery, on middle and leg, Mendis picks it up off his pads and flicks it nicely in front of square leg. The in-ring fielder gives the chase but the ball wins the race.
12.3 : A Phehlukwayo to K Mendis, In the zone outside off, on a length, Kusal covers his stumps and shoulders arms.
12.4 : A Phehlukwayo to K Mendis, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.
12.5 : A Phehlukwayo to K Mendis, Full and on off, Mendis forces it down to mid on.
12.6 : A Phehlukwayo to K Mendis, Helps a length ball off his pads to mid-wicket. Finds the fielder. The non-striker wants a run but is sent back as Rassie van der Dussen misses his shy at the bowler's end. Duminy does well to back up the throw.
13.1 : D Pretorius to A Mathews, Covers the line of the delivery and blocks it safely.
13.2 : D Pretorius to A Mathews, Defended off the back foot by the batsman.
13.3 : D Pretorius to A Mathews, Angles in a full ball on off, Mathews leans forward and defends it back.
13.4 : D Pretorius to A Mathews, Good length ball on off, Mathews stays back and blocks it towards mid on.
13.5 : D Pretorius to A Mathews, Mathews plays it with an angled bat and guides it to third man. One run added to the total.
13.6 : D Pretorius to K Mendis, Angles in a length ball on off, Mendis strides forward and then opens the face of his bat to push it towards point.
14.1 : A Phehlukwayo to A Mathews, Shot! Back of a length delivery outside off, Mathews remains back inside the crease and punches it through covers. The ball slows down before the fence and they take three runs.
14.2 : A Phehlukwayo to K Mendis, Shortish and on middle, Mendis tries to pull but doesn't get it off the middle of the bat. Ends up mistiming it towards mid-wicket.
14.3 : A Phehlukwayo to K Mendis, A length ball on middle, angling in, Kusal defends it back safely.
14.4 : A Phehlukwayo to K Mendis, Wide! Short and way wide outside off, Mendis tries his best to put bat on ball but misses.
A Phehlukwayo to K Mendis, Lands it on a length around off, Mendis gets forward and opens the face of his bat in defense towards point.
14.5 : A Phehlukwayo to K Mendis, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.
14.6 : A Phehlukwayo to K Mendis, Risky single! Mendis just taps it down towards mid-wicket and tries to steal a run. The fielder has a shy at the bowler's end but misses as Kusal dives in.
Drinks break. Mixed emotions for both teams. South Africa started with a bang but then Sri Lanka recovered with a quick stand between Kusal Perera and Avishka Fernando. The Proteas once again got on top when Dwaine Pretorius removed both the set batsmen in quick succession and are doing well at the moment to keep the current pair quiet. The Islanders will be hoping here for a big stand between Mathews and Mendis to bail them out. Let's see how it pans out in the next half.
15.1 : D Pretorius to K Mendis, Nearly a wicket after the break! Pretorius is getting something out of this track. He delivers a length ball on off, Mendis tries to flick but gets a leading edge. But it doesn't carry to the fielder at cover-point.
15.2 : D Pretorius to K Mendis, Works a length ball wide of mid on and crosses for a brisk single.
15.3 : D Pretorius to A Mathews, A length ball on middle, Angelo is behind the line as he blocks it to mid-wicket.
15.4 : D Pretorius to A Mathews, Excellent delivery. It's dished out on a length outside off and shoots off with extra bounce, Mathews does well to not offer any shot.
15.5 : D Pretorius to A Mathews, Goes closer to off stump this time, the length is full and Angelo is forward in defense.
15.6 : D Pretorius to A Mathews, The batsman defends it from within the crease. 6-0-21-2, Pretorius has done a very good job here.
Kagiso Rabada has come back for another spell. Though he picked up a wicket off the very first ball of the game, he proved to be expensive later on. Would like to leave his impact this time around.
16.1 : K Rabada to K Mendis, Starts his new spell with a delivery in the channel outside off, Mendis has a watchful leave.
16.2 : K Rabada to K Mendis, Angles this one on off, Mendis is forward as he blocks it with a straight bat.
Something seems to have gone in Kusal Mendis' eyes. He moves out and takes some time to get ready to face the next ball.
16.3 : K Rabada to K Mendis, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.
16.4 : K Rabada to K Mendis, Short in length on middle, pulled behind square leg for a run.
16.5 : K Rabada to A Mathews, Serves a delivery around off at 134 kph, Mathews defends it by pressing forward.
16.6 : K Rabada to A Mathews, Turns a good length delivery in the gap at mid-wicket for a run. 3 runs off the first two overs after the Drinks break.
Chris Morris is back on. 2-0-14-0 so far. South Africa have brought their main bowlers back and they want to go for the kill.
17.1 : C Morris to A Mathews, Edged but safe! Morris angles in a length ball on off, Mathews sticks back to defend but it takes the outside edge and flies behind. Amla goes down low at first slip but it falls in front.
17.2 : C Morris to A Mathews, Wide! Drifting down the leg side, on a length, Angelo tries flicking but misses.
C Morris to A Mathews, Good length and close to off stump, Mathews has the line covered in defense.
17.3 : C Morris to A Mathews, Lands it on a length and outside off, Mathews reaches out for it in defense but it takes the inside half and goes to mid-wicket.
Angelo Mathews changes his bat.
17.4 : C Morris to A Mathews, Still a dot. A delivery too straight in line, Mathews works it on the leg side but once again fails to find the gap.
17.5 : C Morris to A Mathews, Shortish and on off, Mathews is on his toes as he blocks it back in the direction of the bowler.
17.6 : C Morris to A Mathews, Tidy stuff from Tipo! Keeps it on and around off, not offering much room to play with, Mathews defends it from the crease to covers. Only one extra from this over. South Africa are maintaining good pressure here.
18.1 : K Rabada to K Mendis, Shortish and outside off, a hint of inward shape there, Mendis guards his sticks and allows it through.
18.2 : K Rabada to K Mendis, Good pace from Rabada. He hits the deck hard and gets good bounce around off, Mendis sticks back in defense and is hit very high on the bat.
18.3 : K Rabada to K Mendis, Another solid back foot defense by Kusal Mendis. This is exceptional bowling. The batsman is not able here to rotate the strike.
18.4 : K Rabada to K Mendis, Kusal has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
18.5 : K Rabada to K Mendis, Full and on middle, angling in, Mendis keeps it out towards mid on. Five dots, this is relentless pressure.
18.6 : K Rabada to K Mendis, Finally a run from the bat after 11 balls. A little bit of width outside off, Mendis eases himself on the back foot and runs it wide of first slip for a run.
19.1 : C Morris to K Mendis, Nicely played! Good length delivery outside off, Mendis punches it square of the wicket on the off side. It lands it in front of point and bounces over the fielder. The third man cuts it off and the batsmen take a couple of runs.
19.2 : C Morris to K Mendis, Shortish and on off, some extra bounce, Mendis tries to run it down but it takes his gloves and rolls in front of wide first slip.
19.3 : C Morris to K Mendis, This time Kusal Mendis succeeds in doing what he tried on the previous delivery. He gets bat on ball and guides it down to third man for a run.
19.4 : C Morris to A Mathews, Good length ball on off, Mathews stays back and defends it on the leg side. The mid-wicket fielder moves across to his left to pick up the ball.
19.5 : C Morris to A Mathews, A length ball on off, Mathews flicks it gently through square leg and rotates the strike.
19.6 : C Morris to K Mendis, Too full in length and on off, Mendis is on the front foot as he pushes it to mid on. 'No-no' is the shout.
Time for some dose of spin! Imran Tahir has been inserted into the attack. A slip in place for him.
20.1 : I Tahir to A Mathews, Loose delivery first up and Tahir gets away with it. A full toss on off, Mathews heaves it down to deep mid-wicket for a run.
20.2 : I Tahir to K Mendis, FOUR! Imran Tahir has not found his length and line yet. Tries a googly but the length is on the shorter side, Mendis goes deep inside the crease and pulls it through square leg for a boundary.
20.3 : I Tahir to K Mendis, Better this time from the leggie. Floated and full outside off, a hint of away spin, Mendis gets forward to cover the line and shoulders arms.
20.4 : I Tahir to K Mendis, Too full and on middle, defended on the leg side.
20.5 : I Tahir to K Mendis, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.
20.6 : I Tahir to K Mendis, Tossed up ball outside off, Mendis takes his front leg forward and then makes a leave. Four good balls to end the over from Tahir.
21.1 : C Morris to A Mathews, FOUR! Good shot, 100 up! Mathews knows that mid on is up inside the circle, so he decides to take a chance. Runs down the track to a length ball around off and he pumps it over the infield for a boundary, his first of the day. A good start to the over for Sri Lanka.
21.2 : C Morris to A Mathews, Mathews has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
21.3 : C Morris to A Mathews, Shortish and on middle, Mathews tries to work it on the leg side but fails to close the face of the bat in time. Ends up pushing it back.
21.4 : C Morris to A Mathews, Good length and on off, Angelo flicks it towards square leg and finds the fielder.
21.5 : C Morris to A Mathews, OUT! Mathews drags it down! Another blow to Sri Lanka as their experienced most player falls. Not a delivery to be proud of, really. Morris has bowled a half-tracker outside off, Mathews has to reach out for it as he tries to pull after coming down the track a bit but he gets a fat inside edge onto the stumps. South Africa rejoice and yet another partnership which was blossoming is cut short.
Dhananjaya de Silva is the new man in. He had a good start against England but could not convert it. His team needs him to not just get a start but to convert it into a big one today.
21.6 : C Morris to de Silva, Defended off the back foot by the batsman. 4 runs and a wicket, Morris has done his job for this spell.
22.1 : I Tahir to K Mendis, Tossed up ball on off, defended from the crease to the off side.
22.2 : I Tahir to K Mendis, Short and on middle, pulled to deep mid-wicket for a run.
22.3 : I Tahir to de Silva, Defended off the back foot by the batsman.
22.4 : I Tahir to de Silva, Nicely floated one, full and on off, de Silva defends it back off his front foot.
22.5 : I Tahir to de Silva, Gets behind the line of the delivery and blocks it back to the bowler.
22.6 : I Tahir to de Silva, A googly on middle and leg, Dhananjaya flicks it with the spin to deep mid-wicket for a run.
23.1 : C Morris to de Silva, Sliding down the leg side, worked to deep square leg for a couple.
23.2 : C Morris to de Silva, Back of a length ball on off, blocked from the back foot.
23.3 : C Morris to de Silva, The batsman defends it from within the crease.
23.4 : C Morris to de Silva, Hurls a length delivery outside off, Dhananjaya shoulders arms.
23.5 : C Morris to de Silva, A back foot punch this time but straight to the cover fielder.
23.6 : C Morris to de Silva, A touch short in length and around off, Dhananjaya defends it from the crease to end another tidy over.
24.1 : I Tahir to K Mendis, A leg spinner, landing on middle, Mendis works it from the crease to square leg.
24.2 : I Tahir to K Mendis, Slower through the air, full and outside off, Mendis lunges and pushes it with the spin to cover-point for a run.
24.3 : I Tahir to de Silva, De Silva has pushed it to the cover region. One run added to the total.
24.4 : I Tahir to K Mendis, Flatter and around off, Kusal should have been forward there but is beaten in flight. He hangs back and defends it at the last moment.
24.5 : I Tahir to K Mendis, Tickles it off his pads to the on side but finds mid-wicket.
24.6 : I Tahir to K Mendis, Once again Mendis flicks it towards mid-wicket. Dot ball to end the over.
Dwaine Pretorius is back into the attack. 6-0-21-2 so far.
25.1 : D Pretorius to de Silva, A good-looking off drive by Dhananjaya but he finds the fielder inside the ring.
25.2 : D Pretorius to de Silva, Shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot.
25.3 : D Pretorius to de Silva, Shortish and on off, Dhananjaya goes on his toes and taps it down to covers.
25.4 : D Pretorius to de Silva, Good length delivery on off, de Silva defends it from the back foot.
25.5 : D Pretorius to de Silva, Fuller length ball on middle, Dhananjaya gets forward and across before pushing it out to mid on.
25.6 : D Pretorius to de Silva, Strides forward to a full ball and drives it with soft hands towards mid off. Maiden over!
26.1 : I Tahir to K Mendis, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
26.2 : I Tahir to K Mendis, Tossed up ball on off, a bit short, Mendis initially looks to come down the track but then adjusts at the last moment to cut it towards point.
26.3 : I Tahir to K Mendis, Quicker one, on middle, Mendis gets back and helps it through the gap on the leg side for a run.
26.4 : I Tahir to de Silva, Eases a full ball down through mid on for another single.
26.5 : I Tahir to K Mendis, Drags his length short and bowls it wide outside off, Mendis moves back and cuts it through point for a couple.
26.6 : I Tahir to K Mendis, Too full in length on middle, Mendis strokes it to long on for a run. 5 from the over!
27.1 : D Pretorius to K Mendis, OUT! Caught! Third wicket for Pretorius. Mendis too cannot convert his start and the same problem continues for Sri Lanka. Pretorius bowls it on a back of a length outside off, Mendis looks to punch but does so uppishly. It goes to the left of cover-point. Morris, stationed there, dives in front to his left and takes a very good catch just above the ground on the practice pitch.
0.0 : Jeevan Mendis is the next batsman in. A slip in place for him.
27.2 : D Pretorius to J Mendis, Good length delivery angling across the batsman, Mendis watches the line closely before making a leave.
27.3 : D Pretorius to J Mendis, Beaten on the drive! Full and outside off, angling away again, Mendis tries to drive it through covers but misses.
27.4 : D Pretorius to J Mendis, The batsman lets the ball go outside his off stump.
27.5 : D Pretorius to J Mendis, On and around off, defended from the back foot by Jeevan.
27.6 : D Pretorius to J Mendis, Some extra bounce around leg, Jeevan tries working it around but misses and is hit on the thigh pad. A wicket maiden for Pretorius, he continues to impress everyone.
28.1 : I Tahir to de Silva, De Silva has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
28.2 : I Tahir to de Silva, Fullish and on middle, knocked down through mid on for a run.
28.3 : I Tahir to J Mendis, Very full in length on middle, Jeevan brings his bat down and digs it out a bit uppishly. It goes safely down to long on for a run.
28.4 : I Tahir to de Silva, Dhananjaya played that off the front foot and into the ground.
28.5 : I Tahir to de Silva, Loopy and full on off, gently pushed through covers for a run.
28.6 : I Tahir to J Mendis, Flighted and around leg, Mendis blocks it on the leg side.
29.1 : D Pretorius to de Silva, Back of a length delivery outside off, de Silva eases it down to third man and picks up a single.
29.2 : D Pretorius to J Mendis, Nice and full in the line of the stumps, Mendis defends it closely to his body. Very compact.
29.3 : D Pretorius to J Mendis, A length ball outside off, angling away from the batsman, Mendis shoulders arms.
29.4 : D Pretorius to J Mendis, Another delivery in the region outside off, Jeevan makes a watchful leave.
29.5 : D Pretorius to J Mendis, Third leave in a row from Mendis, he is just trying to see through this over.
29.6 : D Pretorius to J Mendis, Outside off, left alone, the monotonous action continues. Just one from the over.
30.1 : I Tahir to de Silva, Full toss on middle, drilled back past the bowler for a couple of runs down the ground.
30.2 : I Tahir to de Silva, A bit uppish but safely down to long off. Full and flighted on off, turning away, de Silva tries working it on the leg side but gets a leading edge. It flies over mid off for a run.
30.3 : I Tahir to J Mendis, The batsman defends it from within the crease.
30.4 : I Tahir to J Mendis, Mendis has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
30.5 : I Tahir to J Mendis, Full and on off, driven down through mid off for one.
30.6 : I Tahir to de Silva, FOUR! First boundary after the 22nd over! Full and outside off, de Silva strides forward and drives it with the spin through covers for a cracking boundary.
31.1 : D Pretorius to J Mendis, Good length ball outside off, Jeevan leaves it alone.
31.2 : D Pretorius to J Mendis, On the pads, Jeevan looks to flick but the ball rolls off his thigh pad towards square leg and they take a leg bye.
31.3 : D Pretorius to de Silva, Full on the pads, de Silva flicks it towards deep square leg and gets a couple.
31.4 : D Pretorius to de Silva, Length ball on the stumps, Dhananjaya defends it back to the bowler.
31.5 : D Pretorius to de Silva, Once again it is on a length, Dhananjaya punches it towards mid on for one.
31.6 : D Pretorius to J Mendis, Outside off and on a length, Jeevan shoulders arms to it.
Drinks break. South Africa are all over Sri Lanka like a rash. They have not allowed any partnership to develop after the second wicket stand and have done an exemplary job in keeping Sri Lanka under check. Wickets have also gone down at regular intervals and the Lankan batsmen have been quite poor with their shot selection and execution. 5 wickets left and 18 overs to go. Can Sri Lanka bat out the whole overs and put up a score around 220-225?
32.1 : I Tahir to de Silva, Flighted around off, de Silva sweeps it towards deep mid-wicket and gets a single.
32.2 : I Tahir to J Mendis, Flighted on off, Jeevan nudges it to the right of Tahir. He dives there and stops the ball.
32.3 : I Tahir to J Mendis, Floated on off, Mendis defends it off the front foot off the outer half of his bat.
32.4 : I Tahir to J Mendis, Short on off, Mendis cuts it but finds point.
32.5 : I Tahir to J Mendis, On the stumps, Jeevan defends it off the front foot.
32.6 : I Tahir to J Mendis, Tossed up on off, Jeevan drives it to the man at cover.
Kagiso Rabada is back! 6-0-29-1, his figures so far.
33.1 : K Rabada to de Silva, Right on the button. A length ball close to off stump, de Silva gets half-forward and defends it towards point.
33.2 : K Rabada to de Silva, Presses forward to a full ball and pushes it down to mid off.
33.3 : K Rabada to de Silva, Dhananjaya has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
33.4 : K Rabada to de Silva, Good length ball on top of off, de Silva blocks from the crease.
33.5 : K Rabada to de Silva, Hurls in a length ball, de Silva chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump.
33.6 : K Rabada to de Silva, Lands it close to off stump, no width there, de Silva is forced to defend again. A maiden from Rabada.
Andile Phehlukwayo is back for another spell. His job will be to maintain the same intensity from this end.
34.1 : A Phehlukwayo to J Mendis, Short and on middle, Mendis pulls it down to fine leg for a run.
34.2 : A Phehlukwayo to de Silva, FOUR! Plenty of width on offer outside off, Dhananjaya rocks on the back foot and slaps it square of the wicket on the off side for a boundary.
34.3 : A Phehlukwayo to de Silva, Shortish again, wide outside off, de Silva chops it down to third man for a run.
34.4 : A Phehlukwayo to J Mendis, Mendis defends it from within the crease.
34.5 : A Phehlukwayo to J Mendis, A short delivery which has been pulled away behind square leg and the fine leg fielder cuts it off. They pick up a single.
34.6 : A Phehlukwayo to de Silva, On and around off, a length delivery, Dhananjaya defends it from the crease. 7 from the over, a good one for a change for Sri Lanka.
35.1 : K Rabada to J Mendis, Good length delivery outside off, angling away from the left-hander, Mendis stays back and offers no shot.
35.2 : K Rabada to J Mendis, Bouncer! Well-directed. Mendis ducks at the last moment.
35.3 : K Rabada to J Mendis, Lands it on a length around off, Mendis keeps his weight on the back leg and defends it on the off side. That bouncer has put a seed of doubt in his mind. Now watch out for his footwork.
35.4 : K Rabada to J Mendis, Rabada switches to 'round the wicket and delivers it short and wide outside off, Mendis sticks back and leaves it.
35.5 : K Rabada to J Mendis, A bouncer again, this time it's around off, Mendis sways away from the line of attack at the last moment.
35.6 : K Rabada to J Mendis, Back of a length ball on off, Mendis stands back and taps it down to point. Another maiden for Kagiso!
JP Duminy is back on. He bowls useful off-spin deliveries.
36.1 : JP Duminy to de Silva, OUT! Duminy strikes first ball! He is all smiles. A very substandard shot selection from Dhananjaya and he is on his bike. A flighted delivery landing full around leg, de Silva tries to be too fancy here. Attempts for the reverse sweep but fails to get anything behind it. It goes right through him and rattles the stumps.
0.0 : Thisara Perera arrives. He's known for his big hitting but don't think Sri Lanka really want that at this stage. They need someone to put in a stand and take it deep before launching in the last few overs.
36.2 : JP Duminy to T Perera, Tossed up ball around off, Perera drives it through mid off for a run.
36.3 : JP Duminy to J Mendis, Mendis has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
36.4 : JP Duminy to J Mendis, Full and on off, driven back to the bowler who made the stop to his right.
36.5 : JP Duminy to J Mendis, Smartly bowled. An arm ball on off, skidding back in and rushing the southpaw, Jeevan picks it very late and somehow keeps it out safely off the inside edge. Luckily, it hit him on the pads and didn't go onto the stumps.
36.6 : JP Duminy to J Mendis, Floated and full on off, blocked off the front foot. 1 run and 1 wicket and JP will be happy with his first over.
Chris Morris is back into the attack.
37.1 : C Morris to T Perera, Shortish and around leg, Perera glances it off his hips to backward square leg for a run.
37.2 : C Morris to J Mendis, Tries to pull the shorter delivery but mistimes it to mid on.
37.3 : C Morris to J Mendis, Uppish but wide of point! Short in length and outside off, Mendis cracks it off his back foot past the diving point fielder for a run.
37.4 : C Morris to T Perera, Direct hit would have consumed Thisara Perera. A length delivery around middle and off, Perera stays back and bunts it down to mid on. He attempts for a sharp single but would have gone for all money had Faf du Plessis found the stumps with his shy at the bowler's end. Thisara survives.
37.5 : C Morris to J Mendis, SIX! This one comes out of nowhere. Shortish delivery around off, Jeevan moves inside the line and powers it over square leg. The connection is nice and hard and it goes over the fence for a biggie.
37.6 : C Morris to J Mendis, A near yorker on middle, Mendis digs it out at the last minute. 9 from the over.
38.1 : JP Duminy to T Perera, Short on off, Thisara punches it to point.
38.2 : JP Duminy to T Perera, Slider on middle, Thisara looks to play it on the off side but the ball goes towards square leg off the inside edge. The batsmen run a single.
38.3 : JP Duminy to J Mendis, FOUR! Up and over! 150 comes up for Sri Lanka. Duminy tosses it up on off, Mendis uses his feet and comes down the track. He sees the mid on is up so he goes over him and fetches himself a boundary.
38.4 : JP Duminy to J Mendis, Premeditates the sweep shot but at the end sees the ball is outside off so he strokes it towards deep point for one.
38.5 : JP Duminy to T Perera, FIVE WIDES! Duminy sprays one down the leg side, Thisara looks to flick it but misses. The ball beats de Kock and goes to the fine leg fence for a boundary.
JP Duminy to T Perera, Floated on the stumps, Thisara blocks it.
38.6 : JP Duminy to T Perera, On the pads, Thisara flicks it fine of Tahir at short fine leg. The ball does not have the legs to go to the fence. The boundaries are big here so Tahir gets to the ball and in the meanwhile the batsmen come back for the third.
39.1 : C Morris to T Perera, Shortish and on off, Perera sits back inside the crease and pulls it over mid-wicket for a run.
39.2 : C Morris to J Mendis, Angling away from the batsman, on a length, Mendis taps it down from the back foot to point.
39.3 : C Morris to J Mendis, Good stop in the deep by Rabada. Mendis picks a short delivery from around off and pulls it over mid-wicket. Rabada in the deep makes a diving stop and the batsmen take two.
39.4 : C Morris to J Mendis, Morris digs in a bouncer on middle, Jeevan ducks and allows it through. Wide called for height!
C Morris to J Mendis, Played to the point region by the batsman. No run.
39.5 : C Morris to J Mendis, OUT! Morris persists with bowling short and eventually manages to bounce out Jeevan. It's a nicely directed half-tracker, Mendis takes the challenge to pull it again but fails to middle his shot. It flies off the top edge and Pretorius runs across to his right from fine leg to complete the catch. Another partnership is broken in the 20s.
Isuru Udana is the new batsman in.
39.6 : C Morris to T Perera, Bumper! Morris digs it in and Perera sits underneath it.
Powerplay 3 is signaled. Maximum of 5 fielders can be outside the 30-yard circle till the end of this innings.
Imran Tahir to inaugurate Powerplay 3. 7-0-26-0, his figures so far.
40.1 : I Tahir to I Udana, Flighted and too full in length on middle, Udana jams it out to covers.
40.2 : I Tahir to I Udana, Udana has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
40.3 : I Tahir to I Udana, Nicely flighted, full and around off, Isuru pushes it with the spin towards cover-point for a run.
40.4 : I Tahir to T Perera, Turning down the leg side, Thisara helps it through square leg for a couple of runs.
40.5 : I Tahir to T Perera, Strides forward to a full ball and works it with the spin to deep mid-wicket for a run.
40.6 : I Tahir to I Udana, Flatter through the air, too full and on middle, Isuru tries to defend but it takes the inside edge and rolls to square leg.
Andile Phehlukwayo is back into the attack as well.
41.1 : A Phehlukwayo to T Perera, Shortish ball on middle, Thisara easily works it in the gap at mid-wicket and takes a run.
41.2 : A Phehlukwayo to I Udana, Around off, Udana has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
41.3 : A Phehlukwayo to I Udana, Short and wide outside off, Udana slams it behind point and takes one.
41.4 : A Phehlukwayo to T Perera, Back of a length ball on middle, Thisara punches it down towards mid on for one.
41.5 : A Phehlukwayo to I Udana, Slower one, on a length and outside off, Isuru tries to tap and run but ends up pushing it straight to point.
41.6 : A Phehlukwayo to I Udana, Wide! Wayward delivery, way down the leg side, Udana turns and lets it through.
A Phehlukwayo to I Udana, Some movement off the deck there with extra bounce. A length ball landing on off and cutting back in, Isuru stays back and keeps it out from the upper half of his bat.
42.1 : I Tahir to T Perera, Flighted and on off, pushed off the front foot to point.
42.2 : I Tahir to T Perera, Catch it is the shout but it lands safely. Short and on off, Thisara moves back and pulls it over mid-wicket. The ball falls in no man's land and they take a couple of runs.
42.3 : I Tahir to T Perera, Quicker one on off, Perera defends it from within the crease.
42.4 : I Tahir to T Perera, Skidding back in around off, Perera goes hard at it but finds mid-wicket.
42.5 : I Tahir to T Perera, Loopy and on off, it's driven through mid off for a single.
42.6 : I Tahir to I Udana, Defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. 11 runs in the 3 overs of Powerplay 3.
43.1 : A Phehlukwayo to T Perera, Shortish and on off, Perera punches it off his back foot towards extra cover for a run.
43.2 : A Phehlukwayo to I Udana, A length ball angling into the batsman, Udana flicks it off the inner half to deep backward square leg. Good running between the wickets as they take two runs.
43.3 : A Phehlukwayo to I Udana, Drives a full ball through the line but finds the cover fielder.
43.4 : A Phehlukwayo to I Udana, Surprises the batsman with a short ball on middle, Udana plays a mistimed pull shot towards mid-wicket for one.
43.5 : A Phehlukwayo to T Perera, A slower one around leg, skidding off the surface, Perera tries hitting across the line but it doesn't bounce much and strikes him on the thigh pad.
43.6 : A Phehlukwayo to T Perera, Goes on the back foot to a shortish ball and forces it down towards mid off for a run. 5 from the over!
44.1 : I Tahir to T Perera, Too full in length on off, Perera whips it down to long on for a run.
44.2 : I Tahir to I Udana, Nicely flighted and very full on off, Udana gets a bit forward and digs it out.
44.3 : I Tahir to I Udana, Shortish and outside off, Isuru gets back to cut but fails to connect.
44.4 : I Tahir to I Udana, Presses forward to a full ball and pushes it back to the bowler.
44.5 : I Tahir to I Udana, Loopy and on off, this time Isuru eases it in the gap at covers for one.
44.6 : I Tahir to T Perera, Quicker one around leg, punched from the back foot towards mid-wicket for a run. Tahir bowls out, no wicket for him but he kept one end tidy.
45.1 : A Phehlukwayo to T Perera, Good length delivery on middle and leg, Perera nudges it through square leg for a run.
45.2 : A Phehlukwayo to I Udana, Udana drives this through the covers. One run added to the total.
Kagiso Rabada has taken a low catch in the deep. He gets up and looks confident. Two umpires get together and then refer it upstairs. Soft signal is out.
45.3 : A Phehlukwayo to T Perera, OUT! It's a clean catch. Rabada has made a tough catch look very easy! Phehlukwayo digs in a short ball around off and Perera powers his pull shot across the line. But he fails to get enough meat behind his shot and Rabada runs in from deep square leg to catch it by diving forward. This is a big blow to Sri Lanka's hope of getting near 210-215.
The new batsman in is Suranga Lakmal.
45.4 : A Phehlukwayo to I Udana, Fullish and on off, Isuru draws forward and drives it back to the bowler.
45.5 : A Phehlukwayo to I Udana, Shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot.
45.6 : A Phehlukwayo to I Udana, FOUR! That's a top shot! The length is fuller outside off and Udana drives it through the gap between mid off and extra cover for a boundary, first in Powerplay 3.
Kagiso Rabada is back to bowl at the death.
46.1 : K Rabada to S Lakmal, Good length ball on off, some extra bounce, Lakmal gets surprised and somehow keeps it out towards mid-wicket off the inside edge. Udana calls him for a quick run.
46.2 : K Rabada to I Udana, Top nut! Back of a length delivery outside off, holding its line, Isuru pushes inside the line and misses.
46.3 : K Rabada to I Udana, Just clears a leaping mid off fielder! A length ball in the line of the stumps, Udana moves back to make room and then lofts it over Rassie van der Dussen inside the ring. He tries his best to catch it over his head but the ball goes over him. The batsmen take a couple of runs.
46.4 : K Rabada to I Udana, Shortish and outside off, cut off the back foot by Isuru but it went straight to point.
46.5 : K Rabada to I Udana, Slower one deceives the batsman. Shortish and on middle, Udana swings and misses. It travels over the sticks.
46.6 : K Rabada to I Udana, Rabada bangs in a short ball around middle, Isuru fends it off towards the vacant short leg region for a sharp run.
Chris Morris is back into the attack. 8-0-38-2 so far.
47.1 : C Morris to I Udana, Well bowled! A slower delivery, full and outside off at 123 kph, Udana winds up for a big shot but swings his willow early. Ends up missing the ball completely.
47.2 : C Morris to I Udana, Just short of Amla at backward point. A bit short and on off, Udana tries to punch it through the line but it takes the outer half and lobs towards the fielder. Amla goes down low but it falls just short of him.
47.3 : C Morris to I Udana, Play and a miss! Full and around leg, following the batsman down, Udana tries to heave it over the leg side but once again is beaten by the slowness of the delivery.
47.4 : C Morris to I Udana, Very full on off, Isuru squeezes it out towards mid off for a run.
47.5 : C Morris to S Lakmal, On middle and leg, Lakmal flicks it behind square leg for a run.
What happened there? The ground is invaded by bees. All the players are taking cover by going down flat on the ground. All seems to be fine now. After a slight hold up, the action resumes...
47.6 : C Morris to I Udana, Sliding down the leg side, Udana tickles it fine down the leg side and retains strike with a run.
48.1 : K Rabada to I Udana, Shortish and on off, Isuru stays leg side of this one and slaps it through the line. The mid off fielder stops it to his left and the batsmen cross.
48.2 : K Rabada to S Lakmal, Again the length is on the shorter side, around off, Lakmal gets back inside the crease and pulls it down the ground without much timing for a run.
48.3 : K Rabada to I Udana, OUT! Caught and bowled. Sri Lanka are now nine down! Rabada hurls in a short ball around off, Udana tries to be brave with his pull shot but fails to get it anywhere close to the middle of his bat. It loops up straight in the air off the top edge and Rabada accepts it gleefully in his followthrough.
Lasith Malinga is the last man in.
48.4 : K Rabada to S Lakmal, PUT DOWN! Straight in and straight out. Shortish and on middle, Lakmal moves back and pulls it uppishly to mid on. Faf du Plessis drops a regulation catch.
48.5 : K Rabada to S Lakmal, Swing and a miss! Shortish and outside off, Suranga throws his bat at it but fails to connect.
Mid on drops back. Third man comes up.
48.6 : K Rabada to S Lakmal, Lakmal forces the last delivery to mid off and scampers across for a brisk single. The fielder misses his shy at the bowler's end. Sri Lanka want to add as many runs as possible to their minuscule total.
49.1 : C Morris to S Lakmal, Fullish and on off, Lakmal swings it through mid-wicket and takes a single.
49.2 : C Morris to L Malinga, FOUR! 200 up for Sri Lanka! Morris delivers it a bit short and around off, Malinga gives himself some room and whacks it through point.
49.3 : C Morris to L Malinga, OUT! Sri Lanka are all out for 203! Morris serves a length ball in the line of the stumps, Malinga hops back and attempts to loft it inside-out over extra cover. Fails to get the connection right and Faf du Plessis makes no mistake this time inside the ring. He just moves back a bit to complete the catch.
Excellent bowling performance by South Africa! They picked up a wicket on the very first ball of this match to remove the Sri Lankan skipper and from thereon were always in control. Yes, there was a quick partnership between Kusal Perera and Avishka Fernando that followed after the first wicket but it didn't last for long and post that, we witnessed regular fall of wickets. The Proteas maintained relentless pressure throughout and rarely served bad deliveries. Every bowler contributed to the cau
Dwaine Pretorius says that they had to be disciplined and he is happy to contribute for the team. Mentions that all the bowlers backed each other and did not let Sri Lanka build a partnership. Feels the wicket is on the slower side and they had to play basic cricket. States that they were not looking to do anything fancy and just concentrated on bowling on top of off. Reckons playing good cricketing shots and running hard will be the key on this track if they want to chase the target.
Sri Lanka's innings was marred by some poor shot selection. They were in need of partnerships but their batsmen failed to tough it out in the middle. Many wickets were thrown away by playing reckless shots and they will be quite disappointed with this batting show in such a crunch game.
Right then, it's a below-par total on the board and South Africa will fancy chasing it down easily. Having said that, the pitch appears to be on the slower side and the Proteas will have to be careful, mainly against the spinners. Their batting has struggled in this edition but 203 doesn't look too difficult. Let's see how they fare in the run chase.