JP Duminy scored a half century. (Reuters)
Sri Lanka vs South Africa 1st ODI highlights: South Africa’s chase of 194 saw a few bumps on the road. But against sheer determination and masterful strokeplay from JP Duminy, the hosts had to eventually bow down. Duminy scored his 26th ODI fifty to take Proteas to a 5-wicket win in the first ODI. The innings started off with a setback with Hashim Amla and Aiden Markram being dismissed on back-to-back deliveries by Akila Dananjaya. Skipper Faf du Plessis and Quinton de Kock stitched a solid partnership, before both the batsmen were dismissed in quick succession. David Miller was too dismissed by Suranga Lakmal. But Duminy kept his cool and steered the visitors for an easy victory, with 19 overs to spare.
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FOUR! A beautiful stroke from JP Duminy finishes things off and South Africa have defeated Sri Lanka by 5 wickets. Duminy completed his 27th ODI fifty as South Africa bounce back from a forgettable Test series.
GONE! Suranga Lakmal has dismissed David Miller. He calls for a review, but it goes to Umpire's call and he has been given OUT. Miller departs on 10. SA 172/5
WICKET! Lakshan Sandakan strikes and skipper Faf du Plessis also misses out on his half century. South Africa starting to lose wickets now. Edged and caught at slips by Angelo Mathews. SA 129/4
WICKET! Quinton de Kock plays a silly short and gets dismissed for 47. He charged up on a spinning delivery from Akila Dhananjaya and hit a shot that went miles up in the air then was caught by Suranga Lakmal, who avoided a collision with a teammate. SA 117/3
20 overs are up and South Africa are cruising towards the win now. Quinton de Kock and Faf du Plessis have stitched a strong partnership going and the Proteas have reached 112/2.
South Africa have crossed the 100-run mark with Faf du Plessis and Quinton de Kock steering the visitors towards an easy victory. Still need 94 to win though.
The first powerplay is up and South Africa are playing at a good run rate of 6. The Proteas have reached the total of 60/2 in 10 overs. Still need 134 to win with 8 wickets in hand.
Akila Dananjaya pitches it short and Fad du Plessis sweeps it for a four. Powerful hit from the Proteas captain and he brings up 50 for South Africa. Du Plessis is looking really good at the moment and the chase is appearing to be an easy one for now.
We are back after the break - Akila Dananjaya is with the ball and skipper Faf du Plessis is with the bat. SA 37/2
The players break for Lunch, South Africa are 37/2, need 157 to win off 264 balls
But what an over! Amla and De Kock were cruising before this over and Du Plessis might as well have been thinking of an afternoon snooze at the start of this over. Just two balls later he is out on the crease, facing Dananjaya's hat-trick delivery.
And Dananjaya is now on a hat-trick. Markram plays all around a googly, takes it squarely on the pads and can walk straight back without another thought. As plumb as they come.
Akila Dananjaya strikes and South Africa are now 31/1
Hashm Amla and Quinton de Kick give a fiery start to South Africa's chase. In 2 overs, South Africa have taken their total to 13/0. Still need 181 runs to win,
WICKET! Tabraiz Shamsi strikes and he dismisses Lahiru Kumara as Sri Lanka is bowled out for 193. South Africa need 194 to win.
WICKET! Kagiso Rabada dismisses Suranga Lakmal with a short delivery. Lakmal tried to duck but get a top edge from the bat as the ball travelled behind to Quinton de Kock's gloves. SL 189/9
WICKET! Kusal Perera's brilliant innings comes to an end with a brilliant catch from David Miller. He has literally no one to blame but himself. Tried to be cheeky, went for a reverse sweep against Tabraiz Shamsi and gave his wicket. He deserved a century today. SL 179/7
WICKET! Tabraiz Shamsi strikes and Akila Dananjaya has to walk back. Slower delivery from the left-armer and Dananjaya has just directed the ball towards his own stumps. SL 166/7
We are at the halfway mark of Sri Lanka's innings and the hosts are currently set at 158/6. With 25 overs and 4 wickets still to go, Sri Lanka could still a challenging total for the Proteas to chase.
This has been a good fight from Sri Lanka who have now climbed from 36/5 to 150/6. Much credit has to be given to Thisara Perera for scoring runs at fast pace and relieving pressure from Kusal Perera, who is now going hammer and tongs at every ball.