South Africa start impressively

Jacques Rudolph and Hashim Amla made centuries against the President’s XI, in Colombo, as South Africa begin their Sri Lanka tour positively.

Having put South Africa into bat, the President’s XI struck in the first over, when Nuwan Zoysa removed Boeta Dippenaar leg before on the fifth ball. This brought in Rudolph, who stayed in the middle until the last 40 minutes. He had scored 157 runs off 212 balls, before being removed by Upul Chandana, caught at short fine-leg by Jehan Mubarak.

Rudolph was doubtful to make it on the touring party, having suffered from poor form through the last few months. However, because of an injury to captain Greame Smith, he was picked as a cover. Now, though, he finds himself very much in contention to make it to the final XI for the first test, having showed a fine performance today.

Rudolph shared a 242-run partnership with Amla, who case to the wicket at 88-2 following Herschelle Gibbs’s dismissal. The bowling side went wicket-less during entire second session as Rudolph and Amla dominated the bowling. While Amla was steady at one end, Rudolph was the aggressor.

At close of play, Ashwell Prince, the stand-in captain, remained unbeaten at the crease, along with Amla.

South Africa 351 for 3 in 90 overs
JA Rudolph 157, HM Amla 128*