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Hashim Amla’s century propels South Africa to a formidable 304/5 against Sri Lanka in 1st ODI

Hashim Amla was well supported by AB de Villiers.

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Hashim Amla scored 109 off 130 deliveries for South Africa © AFP
Hashim Amla scored 109 off 130 deliveries for South Africa © AFP

 

 

By R Vishal

Jun 6, 2014

Hashim Amla’s silky century along  with excellent support from AB de Villiers helped Proteas finish at a commanding 304 for five in 50 overs. On a placid batting wicket, the hosts’ bowlers were unable to make much of an impact and the batsmen made merry. Sri Lankan part time bowlers looked like they got back the initiative, but David Miller and Ryan McLaren’s late blitz took the score beyond 300.

 

Earlier, South Africa got off to a steady start through Amla and Quinton de Kock, but double strike rocked their boat. In came skipper De Villiers and he played a busy innings at the crease. Amla dropped anchor at this stage and was happy to give the flamboyant De Villiers the major share of the deliveries.

 

Their partnership put the Sri Lankan attack to the sword. However, South Africa yet again lost wickets in batches.Ajantha Mendis took regular breakthroughs despite being expensive. Just when the visitors’ hopes of posting a score over 300 were fading away, David Miller played one of his typical big-hitting innings towards the end.

 

Ryan McLaren lent good support to Miller and they reached 304. Sri Lanka will not be too perturbed as the wicket is excellent for batting and with their know-how, it is gettable on this Premadasa wicket.

 

Brief scores:

South Africa 304 for 5 (Hashim Amla 109, Ab de Villiers 75, David Miller36.; Ajantha Mendis 3 for 61) vs Sri lanka.

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(R Vishal is a journalist and alumnus of Asian College of Journalism. He can be followed on Twitter @vishhell)

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