The Proteas will need to find another gear in the second ODI against Sri Lanka if they are to avoid a series defeat.
South Africa fell apart right at the end in a bitterly disappointing performance from the Proteas.
Sri Lanka vs South Africa | Saturday 4 September | Premadasa Stadium, Colombo | 11:00
To Win Match
Sri Lanka 23/20
Tie 25/1
South Africa 72/100
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka’s failure to deal with the South African spinners will be a grave concern for the hosts.
Their overall top-order form looks a little better than it has for a while thanks to Avishka Fernando’s strong start to the series and the emergence of Charith Asalanka.
Wanindu Hasaranga is their best bowler by some distance but was well supported by the all-rounders and Akila Dananjaya, who claimed a couple of wickets but also went for a few runs.
Dusmantha Chameera was wayward, but all the seam bowlers struggled on a surface that offered the quicks little support.
South Africa
The wheels came off for South Africa in their chase in the opening ODI with the death overs proving to be a glaring weakness with both bat and ball in hand.
South Africa had the better of the first 40 overs of both innings but finished poorly twice and weren’t helped by bad choices from the selectors.
Andile Phehlukwayo’s selection raised eyebrows and his impact on the game did not justify his inclusion with George Linde in reserve.
South Africa needed an extra spinner to stay on top of the Sri Lanka batsman, who managed a big finish despite losing a string of wickets late on.
Verdict: Sri Lanka 23/20
The hosts have the wood over the Proteas now.
