Lankans hit batting form in first match in SA

Sri Lankan batsmen hit form in the first match of their South African tour against a Nicky Oppenheimer XI at Randjesfontein on Thursday.

Four Sri Lankans made half-centuries as the tourists hammered 296 for five declared in 64.5 overs in a one-day match at mining magnate Oppenheimer's private ground north of Johannesburg.

The Oppenheimer XI were 80 for no wicket when bad light stopped play after 10.4 overs in their reply, with South African one-day international opening batsman Andrew Hall slamming an unbeaten 61 off 41 balls.

The Sri Lankan batsmen made use of ideal conditions on a good batting pitch with an immaculately manicured outfield.

The Oppenheimer XI had a credible bowling attack which included South African one-day international players Victor Mpitsang and Hall and South Africa A players Charl Langeveldt, Justin Kemp and Justin Ontong.

Skipper Sanath Jayasuriya and Marvan Atapattu set the tone for the Sri Lankans in an opening partnership worth 123 before Atapattu was caught behind off Langeveldt for 52.

Jayasuriya followed in the next over when he skied a catch to deep point off Zander Bruyn after making 66 off 71 balls with ten fours and two sixes.

Mahela Jayawardene and Russell Arnold both passed the 50 mark before Jayasuriya declared.

The match, a traditional opening game for tours of South Africa, allows the touring team the choice of innings and there is no compulsory declaration or limits to overs

Only 45 minutes of play was possible in the Oppenheimer XI innings. Hall hammered some short-pitched bowling, particularly from fast bowler Dilhara Fernando, whose two overs cost 26 runs. Hall hit nine fours and six and also benefitted from four overthrows.

Mail Cricket Editor