Sri Lanka ‘A’ clinched a 2-0 series win over South Africa ‘A’ after Pawan Rathnayake’s explosive century powered them to a five-wicket victory on the final afternoon of the second unofficial Test at Willowmoore Park in Benoni. Rathnayake’s crucial knock helped seal the series in a dominant fashion for the visitors.
The right-hander plundered seven sixes and 11 fours in a sensational 67-ball innings to help the visitors chase down a 254-run target that was set following an earlier declaration by the hosts.
He was supported excellently by captain Pasindu Sooriyabandara, who hit 52 off 67 balls (6 fours) as the tourists followed up their six-wicket victory from the first match in Kimberley with another good win. They also won the one-day leg of the tour with a 2-1 scoreline.
The South Africans can at least feel proud of the way they went down fighting having earlier made a sporting declaration to give themselves a chance of victory.
They batted for just over 20 overs at the start of play, moving from their overnight 112 for three to 238 for nine thanks in the main to half-century by Dewald Brevis (74 off 75 balls, 5 fours, 4 sixes).
Jean du Plessis managed to add just three to his total and was out for 48.
The South Africans needed early wickets to stand a chance, but that failed to happen immediately after Nuwanidu Fernando (18) and Lahiru Udara (25) put on 44 for the first wicket, before both fell in quick succession to Prenelan Subrayen (3/108).
And when Janith Liyanage was dismissed a few overs later to leave the score on 63 for three, the charge was on for the hosts.
However, they could then do little to stop Rathnayake as he put the bowling to the sword with his world-wind innings.
Together with his captain, they put on 136 in only 17.3 overs to completely take the game away from the home side.
Although skipper Sooriyabandara was eventually removed by Beyers Swanepoel (2/30), the centurion remained firm to close out the game.
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