South Africa v Sri Lanka, 1st ODI: 5 Talking Points

The first ODI between South Africa and Sri Lanka concluded in a crushing win for the former at Port Elizabeth, a ground that is not exactly considered to be the best of venues as far as results go for the hosts. However, on the day, they were immensely clinical on the day as they were the beneficiary of an impressive 8-wicket win. While there was indeed a man-of-the-match from South Africa, the manner in which they played was simply amazing. In a nutshell, they were amazing and this was indeed a complete performance as well.

As far their opponents were concerned, it was yet another case of being rather predominantly on the back foot. Apart from Kusal Mendis, none of the batsmen managed to make a mark on the match in the grand scheme of things. AB de Villiers marked his return with a few knocks to the fence coupled with a win to begin his return. Here are five talking points from the recently-concluded encounter.

1. Parnell removes openers without much problem

With the ‘Kolpak raid’ on the South African players denuding the Proteas of a few quality players. However, despite the absence of Kyle Abbott, it was Wayne Parnell who eventually stepped up for his side to ensure that a few wickets would fall. He was also responsible for laying a foundation for the hosts when he went ahead and dismissed both openers. While the dismissal of Niroshan Dickwella was indeed one that was clearly something amazing given the form the latter has been in, it was clear that makeshift opener Sandun Weerakkody was dismissed in a much more pedestrian manner.

2. Kusal Mendis and Dinesh Chandimal pick up the pieces

Kusal Mendis, as he has done in the recent Test matches went ahead and began to dig the Lankans out of the hole they were in. Of course, he was joined by his captain Dinesh Chandimal at the other end as the duo began to take the attack to the opposition before Chandimal eventually lost his wicket on the day. While Chandimal lost his wicket after scoring 22, it was Kusal Mendis who went ahead and slammed Sri Lanka’s only half-century of the encounter as he went ahead and amassed 62 before he was trapped leg-before by Imran Tahir.

3. Dhanajaya de Silva remains solid amid plethora of dismissals

Dhananjaya de Silva then went ahead and began to bat in the same aggressive manner that he did. Of course, it was somewhat of a problem that de Silva was facing given the fact that the South Africans were picking wickets at regular intervals, but the 26-year old managed to keep his wicket till the end. He was one of three Lankan players who managed to impress with a score of 28 before he too fell once again to the impressive Wayne Parnell. The Lankans managed just the 181 runs in 48.3 overs batted.

4. Amla and de Kock begin strongly

Hashim Amal and his opening partner Quinton de Kock opened the batting with some terrific results. The manner in which they batted was simply amazing given the fact that the Sri Lankan attack was pretty pedestrian, to say the least. However, the fact remained that they took the bull by the horns and quite literally as they did and ensured that the South Africans were in perhaps the best position to secure a win. The 71-run partnership between the openers Amla and de Kock ensured that the Proteas would secure a win eventually.

5. Proteas coast to easy victory

AB de Villiers made his comeback into the grand scheme of things when he not only secured the win but also helped himself to a bevy of runs as an 8-wicket win was ensured. While Amla went ahead and helped himself to a half-century, his feat was trumped by Faf du Plessis, the man who stepped down from his post following the return of de Villiers. In the end, it was the South Africans who ensured an 8-wicket win with 15 odd overs remaining.