South Africa’s ICC Champions Trophy campaign got off to a good start as they defeated Sri Lanka by 96 runs at The Kennington Oval, London on Saturday.

After being put into bat, the Proteas were slow off the blocks but a brilliant 145-run partnership for the second wicket between Hashim Amla and Faf du Plessis saw them take control.

Amla was especially brilliant, notching up his 25th ODI century, becoming the fastest batsman to get to that mark. The 34-year-old was well supported by du Plessis who scored 75.

An unbeaten 20-ball 38 from JP Duminy in the latter part of the innings helped South Africa end with a total of 299-6 from their 50 overs.

Nuwan Pradeep was the most impressive of the Sri Lankan bowlers, picking up two wickets for 54 runs in his 10-over spell.

In reply, Sri Lanka got off to a great start with openers Niroshan Dickwella [41 from 33 balls] and Upul Tharanga [57 from 69 balls] putting on a 69-run stand which came from just 50 deliveries.

The introduction of Imran Tahir proved to be a vital moment in the game as the leg-spinner ripped through Sri Lanka’s middle-order. Tahir went on to pick up four wickets and was named as the Player of the Match for his efforts.

Kusal Perera put on a bit of a fight, scoring an unbeaten 44 but it was far from enough as Sri Lanka were bowled out for just 203.

BRIEF SCORES

South Africa 299-6, 50 overs [Amla 103, du Plessis 75, Pradeep 2-54] beat Sri Lanka 203 all out, 41.3 overs [Tharanga 57, Tahir 4-27, Morris 2-32] by 96 runs.

Player of the Match – Imran Tahir.