The touring South Africa Emerging XI started off their month-long tour with a convincing 8-wicket win over Sri Lanka Emerging XI in their first four-day match concluded on Saturday at Pallekelle.
The Lankan skipper Rumesh Buddhika won the toss and elected to bat first. Right-arm seamer Tshepo Moreki led the South African bowling taking 4 wickets to skittle out the hosts to only 115 in their first innings. Opener Kusal Mendis was the top-scorer with a skillful 41 off 57 balls with 7 fours.
The visitors in their first innings made 299 all out in 89.4 overs. Former Peterite left-arm spinner, Sahan Nanayakkara claimed 3 wickets while top-order batsman Somila Seyibokwe stroked an elegant half-century.
The hosts’ commenced their 2nd innings with a deficit of 174 and this time around they were much improved to save an innings defeat. 20-year old Mendis was once again the best batsman for Sri Lanka scoring a patient 48. Wicket-keeper batsman Denuwan Rajakaruna made 42 while Nisala Tharaka chipped in with 41. Tshepo Moreki once again became the tormentor taking 3 wickets.
The Proteas’ youngsters needed 74 runs to win the game and they reached the target with ease inside 18 overs. Opener David White remained unbeaten on 39.
The second four-day encounter will commence on August 6th at Dambulla International Stadium.
Chief Scores:
Sri Lanka Emerging XI (1st inn) – 115 all out in 35 overs: Kusal Mendis 41, Tshepo Moreki 4/30, Travis Muller 2/25, Junior Dala 2/46, Ruben Classen 2/3.
South Africa Emerging XI (1st inn) – 299 all out in 89.4 overs: Somila Seyibokwe 58, Aiden Markram 42, Ruben Classen 49, Lesiba Ngoepe 45, Sahan Nanayakkara 3/83, Akila Dananjaya 2/40, Nisala Tharaka 2/76, Kasun Rajitha 2/64.
Sri Lanka Emerging XI (2nd inn) – 257 all out in 81 overs: Kusal Mendis 48, Hashan Dumindu 25, Minod Bhanuka 30, Denuwan Rajakaruna 42, Nisala Tharaka 41, Tshepo Moreki 4/31, Diego Rosier 3/22, Ruben Classen 2/94.
South Africa Emerging XI (2nd inn) – 74/2 in 17.5 overs: David White 39*.
