South Africa vs Sri Lanka, 1st ODI: South Africa crush Sri Lanka by 8 wickets

After the disappointment of the Test series, South Africa cruise to an eight-wicket win in the first One Day International against Sri Lanka at Johannesburg on Sunday. It was a dominating performance by the hosts who bowled out Sri Lanka for a modest total and then chased down the target with ease.

South African captain Faf du Plessis won the toss and decided to field first. It was not a great start by Sri Lanka as they lost two early wickets of Niroshan Dickwella and Upul Tharanga. Kusal Perera and Fernando played some lovely strokes to help Sri Lanka to 59 for 2 at the end of 10 overs.

After the power play overs, Kusal Perera and Fernando continued to play attacking cricket. Imran Tahir dismissed Kusal Perera for 33 runs to end a 76 runs partnership for the third wicket. Fernando then was run out for 49.

Kusal Mendis and Dhanjaya de Silva put pressure back on South African bowlers with some lovely strokes. Mendis reached his fifty off just 55 balls while de Silva also showed positive intent. Imran Tahir dismissed de Silva to end the partnership. From 195 for 4, Sri Lanka lost their last 6 wickets for 36 runs and were bowled out for 231 in 47 overs.

Chasing the target of 232 runs to win, South Africa lost an early wicket of Reeza Hendricks. Quinton de Kock and Faf du Plessis took on the Sri Lankan bowlers with some lovely strokeplay. At the end of 10 overs, South Africa raced to 65 for 1.

South African captain Faf du Plessis reached his fifty off 51 balls while Quinton de Kock completed his fifty off 55 balls. Quinton de Kock was dismissed by Akila Dananjaya for a well-made 81.

Faf du Plessis and de Kock added 136 runs for the second wicket. South African captain Faf du Plessis continued his positive intent and reached century off 104 balls. van der Dussen remained not out on 32 and put on an unbeaten 82 runs for the 3rd wicket with his captain.

South Africa won the first ODI by 8 wickets and 67 balls to spare.

Brief scores: South Africa 232 for 2 in 38.5 overs (Faf du Plessis 112*, Quinton de Kock 81, Danajaya 1/52) beat Sri Lanka 231 in 47 overs (Kusal Mendis 60, BOP Fernando 49, Imran Tahir 3/26, Lungi Ngidi 3/60) by 8 wickets.