Jason Smith scored a great century against Sri Lanka Emerging to put his side on the front foot on day one of their first four-day match.
Smith’s 124 off 127 deliveries led SA Emerging side to 352-6 (83 overs) at stumps at Senwes Park on Sunday.
His remarkable ton (four fours and four sixes) was vital in continuously moving the innings forward even as wickets fell. He was the only batsman to surpass the 50-run mark after a number of near 50’s from Leus du Plooy (46), Simon Khomari (43), Sibonelo Makhanya (30) and Karabo Mogotsi (30).
The Western Province all-rounder solidified vital partnerships of 50, 81 and 61* with captain, Marques Ackerman (16), Rivaldo Moonsamy (17) and current batting partner Patrick Kruger (28*). Sri Lanka’s Keshan Wijerathne (2-64) and Amila Aponso (2-82) were the leading wicket-takers with two apiece, while Rumesh Buddika and Sanjaya Chathuranga contributed one each.
Smith is pleased with his performance and hopes to bat on until as long as his team needs him on day two.
‘Once I got myself in, I thought it (the wicket) was really nice to bat on,’ he said. ‘I like playing against spin, especially earlier on, coming in. I just looked to play straight, hit sweepers and take as little risks as possible.
‘It’s gonna be another big day at the office, we hope to declare around Lunch or just before Tea, depending on where we are with the score and hopefully we can go in and take a few Sri Lankan wickets.’
On his century, he said:
‘I’m feeling really good with my batting at the moment, I’m not taking anything for granted, I’m just going to try keep the form going.’
Jason Smith has scored 691 runs and taken 22 wickets in 17 first-class matches.
Photo by Duif du Toit/Gallo Images
