Wickramasinghe And Rajapaksa Shine In Cloudy Nelson Bowl

Sri Lanka's batting duo of Kusal Mendis and Angelo Mathews starred in their team's 20-run win over South Africa in the first one-day international at Nelson on Saturday. Mendis made 94 and Mathews an unbeaten 58 as Sri Lanka recovered from a shaky start to post 230 all out. The Proteas were then bowled out for 210 in reply, with Wanindu Hasaranga taking 4-30. South Africa lost their last four wickets for just 18 runs to hand Sri Lanka a much-needed victory.

Mendis and Mathews Star For Sri Lanka

Coming into the match, both Sri Lanka and South Africa were looking to bounce back from defeats in their opening ODI series. The Proteas had lost 2-1 to India, while Sri Lanka had been whitewashed 3-0 by England. Sri Lanka needed a win to gain some momentum before the second ODI in Napier on Tuesday, and they got off to a solid start with the bat.

Oshada Fernando and Pathum Nissanka put on 50 for the first wicket, but both openers fell shortly afterwards. Mendis and Mathews then came together to steady the innings, adding 121 runs for the fourth wicket. Mendis was particularly impressive, hitting 11 fours and a six in his 94. Mathews played a more cautious innings, but he was still able to make a valuable contribution with the bat. He hit five fours in his 58 not out.

Proteas Fight Back But Fall Short

South Africa's bowlers did a good job of restricting Sri Lanka to 230 all out, but their batsmen were unable to chase down the target. Quinton de Kock and Temba Bavuma put on 50 for the first wicket, but both batsmen fell in quick succession. David Miller and Aiden Markram then added 68 for the third wicket, but Miller was out for 38 and Markram for 42. The Proteas lost their last four wickets for just 18 runs to hand Sri Lanka a much-needed victory.

Hasaranga Shines With The Ball

Wanindu Hasaranga was the pick of the Sri Lankan bowlers, taking 4-30 from his 10 overs. The leg-spinner has been in excellent form in recent months, and he was once again the key wicket-taker for his team. Hasaranga removed de Kock, Bavuma, Miller, and Andile Phehlukwayo to help Sri Lanka secure a comfortable victory.

Conclusion

Sri Lanka's win over South Africa was a much-needed boost for the team. The victory will give them some much-needed confidence ahead of the second ODI in Napier on Tuesday. Sri Lanka will be looking to level the series, while South Africa will be looking to bounce back from this defeat.