South Africa wins 1st ODI by 5 wickets

Colombo (News1st) : South Africa claimed a five-wicket victory over host Sri Lanka today in the first ODI. Winning the toss at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium today, Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews opted to bat first. Incidentally, this was Mathews' 100th ODI as skipper. Upul Tharanga and Niroshan Dikwella opened the innings for Sri Lanka but got off to a shaky start as the hosts lost their first 5 wickets for only 36 runs. Kusal Janith Perera and Thisara Perera put on a rapid-fire 92 run partnership for the 6th wicket. Thisara Perera was unlucky to be dismissed on 49 while Kusal Janith Perera went onto score 81 runs recording his 10th ODI half-century. Sri Lanka was eventually bundled out for 193 runs in the 35th over. Kagiso Rabada and Tabraiz Shamsi picked up 4 wickets each for the visitors. South Africa was also dealt an early scare as they lost their first two wickets for 31 runs. However, knocks of 47 runs from Quinton de Kock and Faf du Plessis and 53 runs from J.P. Duminy saw the Proteas through comfortably. Akila Dananjaya ended with figures of 50 for 3 in his 10 overs. The second ODI will also be played at the Rangiri Dambulla stadium on Wednesday.