Oshada Fernando guided Sri Lanka A to a six-wicket win against South Africa A in the first four-day match in Kimberley.
The right-hander, who scored 122 in the first innings, made a vital 80 off 122 balls (12 fours) on day four, to carry his side to their 174 target and a 1-0 series lead.
He was there at the start of proceedings when the visitors resumed on 34-1, ensuring his side held their nerve after suffering an early blow when Codi Yusuf (2-29) dismissed Nuwanidu Fernando for a seven-ball duck.
That left the score on 36-2 and with the door open for the hosts.
But Oshada and captain Pasindu Sooriyabandara (22) dug in by sharing a stand of 46 in just over 16 overs for the third wicket to take their side to 82, before the skipper was bowled by Prenenlan Subrayen (1-34).
Janith Liyanage joined Oshada and the pair continued to thwart the home side as they added 66 for the next wicket to all but seal the game.
By the time the latter was unseated by Migael Pretorius (1-38) only 26 more runs were needed and Sonal Dinusha got 14 of those runs to carry the Sri Lankans safely home.
The second match begins in Benoni on Sunday.
Photo: Danie van der Lith/Gallo Images
