(UTV|COLOMBO) – South Africa captain Faf du Plessis scored an unbeaten century to lead his side to a comfortable eight-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the first One-Day International at The Wanderers last night.
After winning the toss and electing to field, South Africa bowled the visitors out for 231 in 47 overs before chasing down their victory target for the loss of two wickets and with 67 balls remaining.
Kusal Mendis top-scored for Sri Lanka with a 73 ball 60 before he was one of a trio of victims for leg-spinner Imran Tahir.
Debutant Oshada Fernando scored a run-a-ball 49. For South Africa Tahir had figures of 3-26 while seamer Lungi Ngidi picked up 3 for 60.
South Africa never looked troubled in their reply as Du Plessis scored 112 in 114 balls and Quinton de Kock notched up 81 off 72 deliveries. The pair put on 136 at more than a run-a-ball for the second wicket to seal the game.
Sri Lanka captain Lasith Malinga, will look for a resurgent performance by his batters during the second match of the series in Centurion on Wednesday.
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