Disciplined bowling and Aiden Markram’s quick innings of 48 runs helped South Africa beat Sri Lanka by 28 runs in the first Twenty20 International on Friday.
Markram’s 33-ball knock guided South Africa to 163/5 on aggregate as they restricted Sri Lanka 135-6 to lead the three-match series 1-0 in Colombo.
Captain and left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj led the bowling with impressive figures of 1-19 in his T20I debut and leveled the Sri Lankan batting despite a career-best unbeaten 66 by Dinesh Chandimal.
Maharaj, who was appointed captain after the first ODI after the injury of regular captain Temba Bavuma, said, “I always wanted to play T20 cricket for South Africa and I made my debut at the age of 31, but I am 21 years old. I’m feeling.” Last week.
“I am just trying to do my job and hopefully find a place in the T20 starting line-up (for the World Cup).”
Markram set up the victory with his attacking innings of one four and two sixes in South Africa’s total after electing to bat first.
Openers Quinton de Kock (36) and Reeza Hendrix (38) put on a 73-run stand before losing their wickets to leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga.
Markram added 65 off 35 balls for the fourth wicket with David Miller, who scored 26 off 15 balls to attack the opposition bowlers.
Sri Lankan captain and medium pacer Dasun Shanaka broke the partnership with Markram’s wicket in the final over to halt South Africa’s bounce.
Avishka Fernando was run out for 11 and Maharaj dismissed Bhanuka Rajapaksa lbw.
Chandimal then played a brilliant innings to record his sixth T20I half-century and surpassed his previous best of 58. He hit five fours and two sixes in his 54-ball innings.
Shanaka said, ‘We should adjust to the conditions and win the match.
“We are trying to play the best team to win the series, but I would also like to give more chances to the players.”
The second match is on Sunday at the same ground.
get all IPL news and cricket score Here
.