South Africa beats Sri Lanka, Faf shows how it is done

An unbeaten 175-run stand between Hashim Amla and Faf du Plessis helped South Africa cruise to an easy win over Sri Lanka in Durham on Friday.

South Africa captain Faf du Plessis gestures to Hashim Amla as he is deemed not out after the review during the match against Sri Lanka in Durham on Friday.

Sri Lanka’s hopes of making it to the World Cup semifinals turned gloomy in an otherwise sunny day as it went down to South Africa by nine wickets at the Emirates Riverside on Friday.

After falling prey to seamer Dwaine Pretorius' — who came in for Ngidi Lungi – three-wicket haul, Sri Lanka failed to restrict the opposition as an unbeaten 175-run stand between Hashim Amla and Faf du Plessis secured South Africa’s second win of the competition and some pride. 

In a venue hosting its first World Cup match, the modest target of 203 could have been tricky as Lasith Malinga removed Quinton de Kock early.

However, Amla (80) and du Plessis (96), playing with the luxury of chasing a small total, got into their groove and ensured an easy win for their team.

As it happened

Sri Lanka coach Chandika Hathurusingha’s fear of a South Africa “fightback” came true as the islanders lost its captain Dimuth Karunaratne for a duck. Kusal Perera (30) and Avishka Fernando (30) offered some stability as the Lankans scored better than run-a-ball (67) in the first 10 overs.

But Pretorius, featuring in his second World Cup game, removed both men to cripple the Lankans. He had ample support from Chris Morris (3-46) and Kagiso Rabada (2-36).

An unbeaten 85 against England had raised Angelo Mathews’ stocks, but he, too, failed, scoring just 11.

A late rally from Jeevan Mendis and Thisara Perera was not enough as the Proteas bowlers kept things tight to continue the side’s domination over the islanders. South Africa has won 16 of its last 18 meetings with Sri Lanka — including a 5-0 clean-sweep at home in March.

Sri Lanka’s defeat weakens its quest for a semifinal spot, handing over the advantage to England, Pakistan and Bangladesh.

It will need to win its next two games against the West Indies and India and then pray to come on the right side of all the permutations and combinations.

Pradeep doubtful for Windies clash There is still no clarity over the availability of Sri Lanka pacer Nuwan Pradeep, who missed Friday's World Cup fixture against South Africa with a bout of chickenpox. "We don't know much about it yet. We will take a call on him in case he taile to recover before the game against West Indies," Sri Lanka captain Dimuth Karunaratne said. After going down to South Africa at the Riverside on Friday, Sri Lanka takes on West Indies at the same venue on Monday.