Rabada, Shamsi star in SA win
30 July, 2018
Bowlers Kagiso Rabada and Tabraiz Shamsi starred on Sunday in South Africa's five-wicket hammering of Sri Lanka in the first one-day international, some consolation for a disappointing tour.
They claimed four wickets each to help bowl out Sri Lanka for 193, a total the visitors passed in just 31 overs to take a 1-0 lead in the five-match series.
South Africa's chase depended on an 86-run third-wicket stand between Quinton de Kock and skipper Faf du Plessis, who both hit 47. Off-spinner Akila Dananjaya struck at crucial moments to get three wickets but Jean-Paul Duminy ensured a swift chase with his 32-ball unbeaten 53.
But it was a superb opening pace spell from Rabada and Shamsi's career-best figures of 4-33 with his left-arm wrist spin that led South Africa to their first victory of the tour after being swept aside in a two-Test series.
"Feels much better to be chatting as a winning captain," du Plessis said afterwards.
"In the Test series we didn't play well. There is a new group of players for the ODIs. I also thought we've learnt lessons, had good discussions and put pressure on their spinners by taking a few risks."
After the recent defeats, du Plessis said South Africa were now looking forward to the rest of the tour.
SCORES IN BRIEF
Sri Lanka: 193 all out in 34.3 overs (K Perera 81, T Perera 49; Rabada 4-41, Shamsi 4-33)
South Africa: 196 for 5 in 31 overs (De Kock 47, Du Plessis 47, Duminy 53 not out; Dananjaya 3-50)
Result: South Africa won by five wickets.