Agency :
Opening batsman Avishka Fernando hit an attacking 118 to set up Sri Lanka’s 14-run win over South Africa (SA) in the first One Day International (ODI) of three three-match ODI series on Thursday.
The hosts scored 300 for nine from their 50 overs after electing to bat first in Colombo, with Fernando scoring his third ODI century. South Africa fell short on 286-6 despite opener Aiden Markram’s 96 off 90 balls and a run-a-ball 59 by Rassie van der Dussen.
“It was a very good win,” Sri Lanka skipper Dasun Shanaka said. “At the end, they really came into the game, but our bowlers pulled it back.”
Markram put on 106 runs for the second wicket with skipper Temba Bavuma, who retired hurt on 38, but missed out on a maiden ODI ton.
The Proteas’ chase looked on track at 155-1 after 28 overs when Bavuma walked off the field due to a hand injury suffered by a throw from a Sri Lankan fielder.
South African spinner Keshav Maharaj said Bavuma was “going for a scan” and the extent of the injury will be known by Friday.
