1st T20I: Aiden Markram and Reeza Hendricks script 28-run win for SA vs SL in Colombo

South Africa returned to winning ways in style on Friday when they beat Sri Lanka by 28 runs in the inaugural T20 international in Colombo to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series at the R. Premadasa Stadium.

Electing to bat first, the Proteas posted 163 for 5 on the board in 20 overs with their top-three firing all cylinders but a middle-order failure resulted in them losing out on another 15-20 runs that they could have added.

Aiden Markram, who came in to bat at No.3, top-scored with 48 off 33 balls while Reeza Hendricks and Quinton de Kock made useful contributions of 38 and 36, respectively.

“It’s something new (batting in the middle order). But I suppose at the end of the day just getting some game-time is good. It’s been good, challenging. Obviously very different from South African conditions. Lots of experience in the back room makes it easier.

“In conditions like these, you’re going to bowl spin as much as you an. If there’s a need for me to bowl, I’d be ready for that opportunity. I’ve been putting in some work.

“But looking at how the guys bowled today, I think it’s best I just keep to the field. (World T20 squad) The guys who are selected there’s a bit of relief and obviously the guys not selected there’s a bit of hurt,” Player of the Match Markram said at the presentation.

The score proved to be enough for the Lankans, who were restricted to 135 for 6 with Dinesh Chandimal playing a lone hand of 66 not out from 54 balls while opening the innings while the rest failed miserably in their home conditions.

South Africa operated with 6 bowlers out of which Kagiso Rabada was the only one who didn’t taste any success. Bjorn Fortuin, Anrich Nortje, Keshav Maharaj, Tabraiz Shamsi and Dwaine Pretorius grabbed a wicket each to stop the hosts from getting anywhere near the target.

“I’m very happy, brilliant team performance all round. Everyone stuck their hands up when they needed to and made my life easier.

“I’ve always wanted to play T20 cricket for South Africa and I’ve got my debut at 31, but I feel 21. I’m just trying to do my bit and hopefully get a place in the T20 starting line-up (for the World Cup),” South Africa captain Keshav Maharaj said.

The second T20 international will take place at the same venue on Sunday, September 12.