Sri Lanka ‘A’ Secures Convincing Win Over South Africa ‘A’ in First Unofficial ODI

In a dominant performance, Sri Lanka ‘A’ defeated South Africa ‘A’ by 93 runs in the opening match of their three-match unofficial ODI series at Potchefstroom on August 31.

Sent in to bat first, Sri Lanka ‘A’ posted a formidable total of 298/9, driven by solid performances from Nuwanidu Fernando, Kamil Mishara, and Chamindu Wickramasinghe. Fernando top-scored with 97 runs off 101 balls, including 8 fours and a six. Mishara contributed 71 runs off 75 balls, with 9 fours and a six, while Wickramasinghe added 55 runs from just 39 balls, featuring 4 fours and 3 sixes. Despite their efforts, South Africa’s seamers Andile Phehlukwayo and Tristan Luus took 3 wickets each, but struggled to halt the run flow.

In response, South Africa ‘A’ could only manage 205 runs before being dismissed in 36.5 overs. The hosts’ innings was dismantled by Sri Lankan spinners Dushan Hemantha and Wanuja Sahan, who each claimed 3 wickets. Tony de Zorzi top-scored for South Africa with 53, supported by Dewald Brevis (39) and Eathan Bosch (32*). However, the rest of the batting line-up fell short against the Sri Lankan spinners.

The series continues with the second unofficial ODI scheduled for September 2 at the same venue, where South Africa ‘A’ will be looking to bounce back and level the series.

Brief Scores:

• Sri Lanka ‘A’: 298/9 (50 overs) – Nuwanidu Fernando 97, Kamil Mishara 71, Chamindu Wickramasinghe 55; Andile Phehlukwayo 3/38, Tristan Luus 3/72, Eathan Bosch 2/60

• South Africa ‘A’: 205 (36.5 overs) – Tony de Zorzi 53, Dewald Brevis 39, Eathan Bosch 32*, Matthew Breetzke 28, Meeka-eel Prince 24; Dushan Hemantha 3/34, Wanuja Sahan 3/41

Result: Sri Lanka ‘A’ won by 93 runs