An explosive unbeaten 85 from David Miller and some hostile bowling by the fast bowlers helped South Africa to beat Sri Lanka by 56 runs in Pallekele on Friday and stay alive in the five-match series.
South Africa defended their moderate total of 223-7 by dismissing Sri Lanka for 167 in the 44th over, despite Thisara Perera hitting Robin Peterson for 35 runs off the 33rd over, the second-most expensive in ODI history.
The left-hander hit five sixes and a four, with a wide off the second ball adding to the carnage.
Photo: AFP
Much of the damage had been done earlier however, with fast bowler Lonwabo Tsotsobe taking four for 22, well supported by Morne Morkel, who went wicketless but put the Sri Lankan batsman under pressure.
The visitors struggled for much of their innings, but were given much needed impetus by Miller whose unbeaten 85 off 72 balls included five sixes and four fours.
He paced his innings until the 47th over when, along with Ryan McLaren, he scored 38 off the final two overs, with their unbroken eighth wicket partnership putting on 69 runs.
South Africa, who had lost the first two one-dayers, had earlier been pegged down by spinner Ajantha Mendis, who finished with three for 35.
Their bowlers took advantage of a pitch that had pace and bounce, with Morkel unlucky not to be among the wickets following some unplayable deliveries. Tsotsobe, playing his first game of the series, reaped the rewards from the other end, getting rid of Tillakaratne Dilshan, Upul Tharanga and Kumar Sangakkara in his first spell before returning to claim the wicket of Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews.
The Sri Lankan innings was in tatters at 93 for seven, but Perera’s cameo innings of 65 off 49 balls delayed the inevitable.
He was caught on the long-off boundary going for his sixth six, having also hit five fours, and along with Rangana Herath put on 72 for the eighth wicket.
The fourth match is to be played at the same venue today, with the fifth and final match in Colombo.
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely