Twitter reactions: Avishka Fernando’s ton guides Sri Lanka to victory over South Africa in 1st ODI

[Brexiter]

Sri Lanka edged past South Africa in the first ODI of the three-match series at R. Premadasa Stadium on Thursday.

Opening batsman Avishka Fernando played a scintillating knock of 118 from just 115 deliveries to set up a morale-boosting victory for the hosts.

The Lankans posted 300-9 on the board in their allotted 50 overs after electing to bat first, with Fernando scoring his third ODI century.

The Proteas could manage only 286-6 despite their opener Aiden Markram scoring 96 off 90 balls and Rassie van der Dussen’s run-a-ball 59.

The second ODI will be played at the same venue on Saturday (September 04).

Brief scores: Sri Lanka 300-9 in 50 overs (Avishka Fernando 118, Charith Asalanka 71; Keshav Maharaj 2/30) vs South Africa 286-6 in 50 overs (Aiden Markram 96, Rassie van der Dussen 59; Akila Dananjaya 2/65) by 14 runs.

Here’s how Twitter reacted:

Thrilled for Avishka Fernando, a very exciting player with a huge future in all formats for @OfficialSLC.
Quality hundred to start the series ? #SLvSA #ODI

— Tom Moody (@TomMoodyCricket) September 2, 2021

Hundred for Avishka Fernando – 100* from 106 balls including 7 fours and 2 sixes – Terrific knock against a very good South African bowling unit – one of the exciting talent from Sri Lanka.

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) September 2, 2021

Congratulations to Avishka Fernando on a truly outstanding 100. His 3rd in ODI cricket. Well played young man.

— Roshan Abeysinghe (@RoshanCricket) September 2, 2021

Congratulations @OfficialSLC again well played @Avishka28 , charith and Great team work in the field guys!! Let’s keep it going #SLvSA

— Upul Tharanga (@upultharanga44) September 2, 2021

Third ODI century for Avishka Fernando. Upped the tempo after his half-century. Took only 31 balls from 50 to 100. pic.twitter.com/B6Cu63xYKE

— Rex Clementine (@RexClementine) September 2, 2021

That's a good win. A really good win for @OfficialSLC. Outstanding innings from @Avishka28 Little bit of luck with the Bavuma injury, but getting 300 at RPS should always be enough #SLvSA

— Shanaka Amarasinghe (@ShanakaScore) September 2, 2021

A promising partnership since school days. ?

Photo credits: ThePapare #SLvSA pic.twitter.com/To7Vs8mwrJ

— Sakun (@Sakun_SD) September 2, 2021

Avishka Fernando won the Man Of the Match award for his brilliant 118 runs.
Congratulations ? #LKA #SriLanka #SLvSA #Cricket pic.twitter.com/jJZnGc9pmA

— Sri Lanka Tweet ?? ? (@SriLankaTweet) September 2, 2021

A well deserved well played win for @OfficialSLC to start the series and SA tour…

now to keep the momentum going.. #SLvSA

— Ahamed Nishadh (@ahamednishadh) September 2, 2021

SRI LANKA WIN ?? Up the Lions ? #SLvSA

— Rob Lewis (@elitebandwagon) September 2, 2021

Avishka Fernando now has 5 ODI Player of the Match Awards which is most of any Sri Lankan player since 2015. All of Avishka's awards are since July 2019.#SLvSA

— Kausthub Gudipati (@kaustats) September 2, 2021

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