South Africa failed to chase down their 301-run target as they lost the 1st ODI against Sri Lanka, despite half-centuries from Aiden Markram and Rassie van der Dussen.
It was risk-free batting that was on display by South Africa. Led by a focused Markram, the Proteas showed a calm disposition on their journey of chasing 300.
Sri Lanka’s selection of three spinners would have worried some South African fans, given the visitors’ struggles against the discipline in the past.
Those fears may have crept in when Janneman Malan miss-read a googly from Wanindu Hasaranga and was trapped lbw on 23.
But Markram, who last scored a half-century in March 2019 against Sri Lanka in Cape Town 14 innings ago, put those worries to rest.
“[It’s about] taking it a little deeper and putting the team into a strong position before taking the game on, and not taking it on too early as I did before,” Markram told us in an exclusive interview on Wednesday. And boy did he walk the talk.
Sri Lanka won the toss, elected to bat and posted 300/9.
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Markram led the charge but he was well supported by his captain Temba Bavuma as the pair put on 106 before the latter retired hurt. South Africa was on 155/1 after 28 overs at this point.
Markram’s first mistake of the match saw him lose his wicket four runs short of his maiden century in the most heartbreaking fashion. He chased a wider delivery from Jayawickrama and looked to free his arms and hit over extra-cover, but Hasaranga sprinted in from deep cover, dove forward and took a spectacular low catch.
South Africa lost the wicket of Kyle Verreynne (12) next, but took themselves to 210/3 with 10 overs left. At the same stage, Sri Lanka had the same score.
Rassie van der Dussen picked up where Markram left off. He became the 8th fastest to 1000 runs with a 9th half-century.
Heinrich Klaasen needed to match Van der Dussen, and he did just that, also trusting his sweep shot to get him runs.
He scored the bulk of the runs in the 45th and 46th overs.
Van der Dussen’s reverse sweep was finally also his downfall, losing his wicket after an impressive 59 which included 6 fours. SA found themselves on 260/4 after 46 overs. This was the game changer.
Andile Phehlukwayo came to the crease with the Proteas needing boundaries, as the required run rate continued to increase. He lost his wicket on 5 with 32 needed off 11.
Rabada gave it his best shot in the final over hitting two fours, but Sri Lanka sealed a comfortable 14-run victory.
Photo: Sri Lanka Cricket
