South Africa, riding on Hashim Amla’s record breaking 25^th ODI century, racked up a challenging 299/6 in front of Sri Lanka at the Kennington Oval, London.

It was yet again a batsman dominated day though not entirely from the bowling side’s perspective who made a reasonably good comeback after being made to struggle for wickets initially.

The South African’s, after being to bat first by Sri Lanka’s stand-in skipper Upul Tharanga, showcased a see-saw performance. Amla’s support played a vital role in the final score which could have been far less in case he had failed.

South Africa’s opening wicket stand was slow and short lived. Quinton de Kock, after a 42 ball 23, was the first to depart after nicking a catch to Dickwella off Nuwan Pradeep’s bowling in the 13^th over. The placid wicket, however, ensured Sri Lanka could not take any further advantage of the early dismissal.

Faf du Plessis joined Amla and the duo quickly transformed into immovable objects, adding up 145 runs for the 2^nd wicket smoothly. It was a straining experience to be a bowler during those overs, as they got no reasonable purchase off the pitch or in the air.

Yet, Sri Lanka, through their intent and discipline, managed to create a turnaround. The frustration could not bog them down, as they maintained a tight grip on the run flow. Eventually, the breakthrough arrived, not one but two, in the space of just five deliveries spread over two overs.

in the 33^rd over, off the 4^th delivery, Pradeep intervened again, and snapped Du Plessis, to break the stand. In the following over skipper AB de Villiers miscued a shot off leg-spinner Prasanna and handed a simple catch in the covers region.

The twin strike caused a slight slowdown. A cautious Amla, chose a more conservative approach, as he came closer and closer to his 25^th century. Miller tried opening his arms but was unable to fully flourish.

Amla eventually completed his century in the 42nd overs off the 3rd delivery to earn the distinction of becoming the fastest to 25 ODI tons. (151 innings). The Lankans, however, fetched Miller off the very next ball. To make things worse, Amla got himself run-out in the following over bringing an end to his fabulous knock.

Sri Lanka’s seam bowling trio – Lakmal, Pradeep and Malinga, did not loosen the strings at all. South Africa cold add only 78 came off the last 60 balls, including a four and a six off the last two deliveries in the final overs from JP Duminy, at the loss of three wickets.

Sri Lankan bowlers did an impressive job by staying at par with the opposition and have given a small bright chance to their batsmen to win the game.