Rain helps Sri Lanka get a 2-0 lead over South Africa

Hashim Amla suffered a serious injury

South Africa are cursing the weather gods, again. Then some would say, ‘You’d think they’ll be used to Duckworth Lewis by now.’ But alas, South Africa have proven from time to time again (except the ICC Champions Trophy Quarter-Final against West Indies) that they never get on their good side.

Sri Lanka struggled, after Dinesh Chandimal won the toss and decided that his boys would bat first. Kumar Sangakkara, who scored 169 on Saturday, departed for 37 off Aaron Phangiso. Whilst Tillakaratne Dilshan and skipper Chandimal scored 43 apiece before rain cut Sri Lanka’s innings short by four balls.

Fast bowler Morne Morkel, finished on 3-34 and restricted the hosts to 223-9 from 49.2 overs with each South African bowler receiving a wicket. However, South Africa’s misery started in the 43rd over when Hashim Amla, who missed the first game due to a neck spasm, injured his knee while fielding at fine leg and was immediately taken to hospital.

Duckworth Lewis method took place as South Africa’s total was reduced to 122 off 29 overs. Robin Peterson opened the bat with Alviro Peterson but the former was soon bowled out by Malinga for 3. Rangana Herath took his 50th wicket when Faf du Plessis was caught behind as he ended with figures of 2-16 in his four overs.

David Miller and Ryan McLaren tried to keep up with the Duckworth Lewis method run-rate but kept on falling short between overs. Finally rain caused the game to be called off, thus handing Sri Lanka a 17 run victory.

Sri Lanka lead the five match series 2-0. The third match to be played on Friday the 26th July in Pallekele International Cricket Stadium.

Cricket South Africa released the full update on Hashim Amla’s condition on their website: “Hashim Amla sustained a Grade 1 strain to his left groin muscle. Hashim jarred his left knee into the ground while fielding, after which he reported discomfort in the pelvic and groin region. Injuries of this nature usually take 3-7 days to recover.”

Sri Lanka: Dinesh Chandimal (capt), Tillakaratne Dilshan, Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene, Upul Tharanga, Lahiru Thirimanne, Jehan Mubarak, Rangana Herath, Shaminda Eranga, Thisara Perera, Lasith Malinga.

South Africa: AB de Villiers (capt), Hashim Amla, Alviro Petersen, JP Duminy, Faf du Plessis, David Miller, Robin Peterson, Ryan McLaren, Aaron Phangiso, Chris Morris, Morne Morkel.