Sri Lanka struggled to post 193 in the first ODI against South Africa in Dambulla on Sunday after South African bowlers found their rhythm following a disappointing Test series.
Kusal Perera hit an enterprising 81 while all-rounder Thisara Perera made 49 to rescue the Sri Lankan innings, which was tottering at 36-5.
Pace ace Kagiso Rabada rattled the top order and finished with superb figures of 4-41 while left arm spinner Tabraiz Shamsi picked up 4-33 as Sri Lanka were bowled out in just 34.3 overs.
Excellent innings of 81 by KJP. Kusal Perera should continue to bat at No 4 in ODIs with Mendis at 3, Mathews at 5 & Asela at 6. #SLvSA #LKA
— Daniel Alexander (@daniel86cricket) July 29, 2018
It was not the kind of effort Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews wanted after he decided to bat first after winning the toss. The Islanders, who won swept the Test series 2-0, were looking at getting their team combination right for next year’s World Cup.
“We have the (2019) World Cup at the back of the mind for sure, so we’ll try a few combinations,” Mathews was quoted as saying by AFP at the toss. “We’re good to go and I’m looking forward to it.”