END OF OVER:50 | 3 Runs | SL: 203/9 | RR: 4.06
- Maheesh Theekshana10 (26b)
- Praveen Jayawickrama2 (4b)
- Kagiso Rabada8-0-46-0
- Wiaan Mulder1-0-3-1
6.03pm So here's the thing. South Africa would be happy with the target. But so would Sri Lanka, especially after being 166 for 8. One thing is for certain, spinners and change-of-pace fast bowlers are best placed for success on this deck. Also the first time that South Africa have bowled 40 overs of spin, seven more overs than their previous record of 33. What Sri Lanka will be disappointed with is the manner some of their batters got out: Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga and Dinesh Chandimal to some extent. Keshav Maharaj was top of his game with the reviews, George Linde provided control, and Tabraiz Shamsi was unlucky not taking more than two wickets today. But Sri Lanka have two men to thank for the total of 203. Charith Asalanka nearly got his third-straight fifty in the series, making 47, and Dushmantha Chameera with his rearguard batting to ensure Sri Lanka last the whole 50 overs. We'll be back in 30 minutes with the second innings. I have a funny feeling this game is going down to the wire. Both sides will be aching for the win, remember neither has won an ODI series in 18 months!
Geoff Edwards: "Did Maharaj get his sums wrong? Why did we have such strange bowling changes at the end?" -- I think he was hoping that SL fold before the 47th over so that they didn't need Andile or Wiaan. After that didn't happen, he was forced to use the sixth and seventh bowler.
Last over. Rabada. Economy of over six for him today.
END OF OVER:49 | 3 Runs 1 Wkt | SL: 200/9 | RR: 4.08
- Maheesh Theekshana8 (22b)
- Praveen Jayawickrama1 (2b)
- Wiaan Mulder1-0-3-1
- Andile Phehlukwayo1-0-10-0
AkilJ: "I know it looks like SA got this in the bag but with what the pitch has been doing, SL's spinners might surprise.....well, i hope so at least "
PVD Chameera c Malan b Mulder 29 (52m 39b 3x4 0x6) SR: 74.35