South Africa defeated
Sri Lanka in the first T20I of the three-match series by 28 runs at R.Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Friday.
Batting first,
Reeza Hendricks and
Quinton de Kock took the visitors to a flying start
establishing a 73-run stand for the opening wicket. As South Africa were looking set for a big total, Sri Lanka star
Wanindu Hasaranga ruined their plans and showcased why he is regarded as one of the best all-rounders in the shortest format.
Hasaranga put the brakes on run-flow by dismissing both the Proteas openers De Kock (36) and t Hendricks (38) in his consecutive overs. Soon,
Heinrich Klassen (2) was trapped in front by
Maheesh Theekshana to reduce the tourists to 87/3.
Then,
Aiden Markram and
David Miller took charge and put their team out from hot waters. The duo went on to form a crucial 65-runs partnership for the fourth wicket to help South Africa post 163/5 on the board in their allotted 20 overs. While Markram scored 48, Miller contributed with 26 runs.
In reply, the hosts only managed to reach 135/6 in 20 overs, losing the contest by 28 runs. Opener
Dinesh Chandimal scored a brilliant unbeaten 66 off 54 deliveries, but he couldn’t get enough support from other batters.
South Africa skipper
Keshav Maharaj bowled brilliantly on his T20I debut. He conceded only 19 runs in his quota of 4 overs and picked up the prized scalp of
Bhanuka Rajapaksa (0).
“It’s a new role. Getting some game time has been good. Away from South African conditions is a good challenge as well. There are a lot of experienced heads in our changing room, and they make it easier,” said Markram after receiving the ‘Player of the Match’ award.
Here is how Twitter reacted:
Players to make their T20I debut as a captain and take a wicket off their first ball:-
Paras Khadka?? v HK, 2014
Keshav Maharaj?? v SL, today
#SLvSA — Kausthub Gudipati (@kaustats)
September 10, 2021
South Africa (163/5) won the 1st T20i cricket match by 28 runs against Sri Lanka (135/6).
Dinesh Chandimal 66*
#LKA #SLvSA #SriLanka pic.twitter.com/qJBN6KpBxD — Sri Lanka Tweet ?? ? (@SriLankaTweet)
September 10, 2021
? RESULT | ??
#Proteas WON BY 28 RUNS
Keshav Maharaj's men get off to a great start and claim victory in the series opener.
#SLvSA #BePartOfIt pic.twitter.com/CnpZtd5V0F — Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA)
September 10, 2021
Career-best score for Dinesh Chandimal in T20Is. ?
#SLvSA pic.twitter.com/n411r0Mr0t — Sri Lanka Cricket ?? (@OfficialSLC)
September 10, 2021
South Africa take 1-0 series lead ?
A disciplined effort helps them to a 28-run victory in the first T20I in Colombo.
#SLvSA |
https://t.co/x51ZP0c9Os pic.twitter.com/Vvn4kbN69G — ICC (@ICC)
September 10, 2021
Great bowling performance once again from SA and they win the 1st T20I by 28 runs
Captain Keshav Maharaj the pick of the bowlers with 1-19 on debut!
#SLvSA — ThePoppingCrease (@PoppingCreaseSA)
September 10, 2021
T20I debut, captaining the team and picks a wicket in the first ball – Dream come through for Keshav Maharaj.
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns)
September 10, 2021
South Africa won the 1st T20I comprehensively.
#SLvSA Scorecard:
https://t.co/cqENtQ2VVg pic.twitter.com/f7NWttIW0v — CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ)
September 11, 2021
Did any of you see how
@Mickeyarthurcr1 was having a chat with Charith Asalanka after he got out? That's how you groom a young player. They will do wonders with experience.
#SLvSA — Randula Fernando (@randuler)
September 11, 2021
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