Zoysa sinks South Africa

South Africa's dismal tour of Sri Lanka continued today as the ever-improving Nuwan Zoysa's five-wicket burst put the hosts 2-0 up. The 37-run margin of defeat flattered the visitors as they were never in with a chance chasing Sri Lanka's modest 213.

After lambasting his players and threatening resignation following their Test series defeat, South Africa's coach Eric Simons could hardly have been inspired to change his mind following tonight's display. Several times in the match the tourists were in control, but on each occasion they failed to provide the knockout blow. The batting, moreover, was in disarray, and only a futile half-century from Shaun Pollock brought the total to respectability.

Sri Lanka elected to bat first on a dry Premadasa pitch, but failed to gain the early advantage as Jayasuriya fell to Pollock for just 9. Gunawardene hit Dawson out of the attack, only to be dismissed by his replacement Ntini's first ball, attempting to glide it down to third man. Ntini continued to find movement off the pitch, inducing an edge from Atapattu, whose promising innings was cut short on 28 to leave the hosts 69/3.

Neither Jayawardene (0) nor Dilshan (5) troubled the scorers as Klusener and Kallis got in on the act to have Sri Lanka teetering at 86/5. Upul Chandana strode out to bat, having earlier been assaulted by members of the Sri Lankan army following a traffic incident prior to the game. Along with Sangakkara, he set about rebuilding the innings. Graeme Smith had clearly intended for the Sri Lankan innings to die a slow death rather than land the killer blow, as the bowling and fielding lacked aggression and the batting pair dealt mainly in ones and twos.

The folly of South Africa's approach was evident as Sangakkara and Chandana lifted the total past 150. Sri Lanka looked primed for a total in excess of 220, but Sangakkara (63) then Vaas (7) were runout in the closing stages of the innings. Kallis, the most successful of the South African bowlers, snared Lokuarachchi and removed Zoysa with the final ball to finish with figures of 20/3. Chandana remained unbeaten for a composed 61, his fifth ODI half-century.

Though Sri Lanka had brought in the spinner Rangana Herath for Maharoof, it was the pace bowlers who enjoyed the better part of proceedings throughout the day. The lack of pace in the pitch, coupled with the nagging accuracy of Zoysa and Vaas, contributed to Gibbs' dismissal, bowled attempting a half-pull off Zoysa. Nicky Boje was sent in as pinch-hitter ahead of Kallis with mixed success, managing two fours in one Zoysa over before skying the next ball to Dilshan at point for 14.

Zoysa's next ball accounted for the South African captain (14), playing away from his body and edging onto his leg stump. Trouble turned to disaster five balls later, as Jacques Kallis was trapped LBW without scoring to a ball possibly pitching outside leg. At 37/4, Pollock was sent in ahead of the better-credentialled Boucher and Klusener, as well as promising young batsman Jean-Paul Duminy. He lost his partner, however, as Zoysa struck again in the 8th over of his spell, having Rudolph caught behind for 4.

Zoysa's first five-wicket haul in ODI's reduced South Africa to 40/5, effectively ending their hopes of a win. Pollock (54) and Klusener (40) revived the innings somewhat but never entertained thoughts of a victory. South Africa succumbed eventually to the gentle off-spin of Tillakeratne Dilshan, who took four wickets to add to his two prior to today.

The win put Sri Lanka within a win of clinching the 5-match series, extending South Africa's run of defeats to seven. With the ICC Champions Trophy just weeks away, a dramatic return to form is necessary for the Proteas to be considered a serious title-contender.

SRI LANKA 213 for 9 in 50 overs
KC Sangakkara 63 (83), UDU Chandana 61* (92); JH Kallis 20/3 (6)
SOUTH AFRICA 176 all out in 48.5 overs
SM Pollock 54 (78); DNT Zoysa 26/5 (8), TM Dilshan 52/4 (9.5)

Man of the Match
DNT Zoysa (Sri Lanka)

Sri Lanka win by 37 runs and lead the 5-match ODI series 2-0


Posted by Adam