Tony de Zorzi’s half-century and Andile Phehlukwayo’s three wickets were not enough as South Africa A suffered a 93-run loss to Sri Lanka A in Potchefstroom on Saturday.
All-rounder Phehlukwayo was first to impress after he claimed 3-38 in 10 overs, ripping through the visitors’ middle-order, though they still managed to amass 298-9.
In reply, De Zorzi recorded an attacking 53 off 48 balls (five fours, two sixes) as the hosts stuttered along and were eventually dismissed for 205 inside 37 overs.
There were starts for several other players too, but spinners Dushan Hemantha (3-34) and Wanuja Sahan (3-41) proved key with their six wickets ensuring Sri Lanka A stormed to a big win.
After winning the toss and bowling first, the hosts struggled to contain the Sri Lankan batsmen, who had Kamil Mishara (71 off 75 balls; nine fours, one six), Nuwanidu Fernando (97 off 101 balls; eight fours, one six) and Chamindu Wickramasinghe (55 off 39 balls; four fours, three sixes) to thank for their sizable total.
Barring Phehlukwayo’s excellent spell, which included going for 3.80 runs per over, all the other bowlers conceded more than five to the over that left the opposition well-placed at halfway.
The South Africans then lost key man David Bedingham for 13 early on, before captain Matthew Breetzke (28) helped rebuild alongside De Zorzi.
Dewald Brevis managed 39, and even though there were decent efforts by Meeka-eel Prince (24) and Eathan Bosch (32*), the home side lost wickets too regularly and were bowled out with well over 10 overs to spare.
Match two in the three-match series takes place on Monday at the same venue.
Photo: Lee Warren/Gallo Images
