Sri Lanka beat South Africa
Published:Tuesday | September 22, 2009 | 5:42 PM
Sri Lanka defeated hosts South Africa by 55 runs in a rain-affected opening match of the Champions Trophy in Centurion today.
Batting first after being sent in, Sri Lanka posted 319 for eight in the Group ‘B’ match with opener Tillakaratne Dilshan leading the way with 106 from 92 balls.
Dilshan was well supported by captain Kumar Sangakkara, who scored 54 in a partnership of 158 runs.
Mahela Jayawardene, 77, and Thilan Samaraweera, 37, also got among the runs. The pair put on a partnership of 116 for the fourth wicket following the dismissal of Sangakkara and Dilshan.
Dale Steyn returned best figures for South Africa with three for 47 off nine overs. Parnell also took three wickets, but they cost 79 runs.
Chasing a victory target of 320, South Africa reached 206 for seven in 37.3 overs before a storm hit Centurion Park and the hosts fell 55 runs short of the 261 runs needed at the stage under the Duckworth/Lewis method.
Opener Graeme Smith top scored for South Africa with 58, while Jacques Kallis slammed 41.
Ajantha Mendis was the most successful bowler for Sri Lanka with three for 30, while Lasith Malingna and Angelo Matthews supported with two wickets each.