David Bedingham’s magnificent century guided South Africa ‘A’ to a convincing win over Sri Lanka ‘A’ in the third unofficial ODI played today (4th September) at Potchefstroom. However, the visitors managed to clinch the three-match series, 2-1.
After winning the toss, Sri Lanka opted to bat first with 4 changes to their playing XI. The visitors have brought in Pavan Rathnayake, Kavindu Nadeeshan, Chamika Gunasekara and Dinura Kalupahana to the side leaving out Sonal Dinusha, Wanuja Sahan, Mohamed Shiraz and Eshan Malinga.
>>Lahiru, Sahan, Dushan guide Sri Lanka ‘A’ to series win
Sri Lanka posted a commanding total – 308/6 on the board courtesy of half-centuries from Lahiru Udara (90), Chamindu Wickramasinghe (70*) and Nuwanidu Fernando (52).
Kalupahana playing his first game of the series, also contributed with a vital knock (45*) batting at No. 8. The leg-spinner Dewald Brevis was the pick of the bowlers for the hosts as he grabbed 4 wickets for 46 runs.
The target of 309 seems winning score on paper but the South African opening batter David Bedingham had other ideas as he orchestrated the run-chase with a brilliant century.
Bedingham stroked unbeaten 188 runs off 129 balls with 20 fours and 5 sixes at a strike rate of 145.74. The wrist-spinner Dushan Hemantha was once again amongst the wickets for Sri Lanka ‘A’ as he claimed 2 wickets for 58 runs.
>>Sri Lanka ‘A’ seal clinical win in series opener
The first unofficial Test between the two sides will be played from 8th to 11th September at Kimberley.
Brief Scores
Sri Lanka ‘A’ – 308/6 (50) Lahiru Udara 90, Chamindu Wickramasinghe 70*, Nuwanidu Fernando 52, Dinura Kalupahana 45*, Dewald Brevis 4/46
South Africa ‘A’ – 311/5 (42.5) David Bedingham 188*, Matthew Breetzke 36, Meeka-eel Prince 31, Tony de Zorzi 25, Dushan Hemantha 2/58
Result – South Africa ‘A’ won by 5 wickets
 at Potchefstroom. However, the visitors managed to clinch the three-match series, 2-1.){kind=link}