||Desk Report||  

Faf du Plessis knocked 112* runs that led South Africa in the five-match-ODI series 1-0, beating Sri Lanka by 8 wickets in the first ODI held in Johannesburg on Sunday.

South African bowlers especially Imran Tahir showed an awesome performance and Proteas restricted Sri Lanka at 231 in 47 overs.  Tahir claimed 3 for 26. In reply, With the help of Quinton de Kock (81) and captain Faf du Plessis, South Africa ended the match in 38.5 overs.

Earlier, the hosts won the toss and asked Sri Lanka to bat. The Lankan top-order got early blow as they early lost their two openers Niroshan Dickwella (8) and Upul Tharanga (9).  However, Kusal Perera along with Oshada Fernando stove off Lankan batting order adding 76 runs in the third-wicket-stand. Perera scored 33 runs before removed by Tahir while Fernando contributed 49 runs before his unfortunate run out.

Then, Kusal Mendis came to the field and smashed the highest of his side 60 off 73 balls. But he was also dismissed by Tahir. Among the other Lankans, Dhananjaya de Silva dismissed for 39 runs while Thisara Perera for 7, Akila Dananjaya for 0, captain Lasith Malinga for 15 and Lakshan Sandakan for 3. Vishwa Fernando remained unbeaten for 1. Imran Tahir and Lungi Ngidi picked up three wickets each.

In chasing of 232, the hosts lost opener Reeza Hendricks for total of 14. Another opener Quinton de Kock along with captain Faf du Plessis added 136 runs in their second-wicket-stand.  Quinton de Kock smashed 81 off 72 balls while Faf du Plessis knocked 112 for 114 balls. However, after Quinton de Kock’s departure, the skipper along with Rassie van der Dussen (32) finished the game and remained unbeaten. South Africa scored 232 for 2 in 38.5 overs.

Brief Scores

Sri Lanka: 231

Mendis 60, Fernando 49; Tahir 3-26, Ngidi 3-60

South Africa: 232/2