Amla, du Plessis propel South Africa to 96-run win
Hashim Amla scored his 25 ODI hundreds in 11 fewer innings than any previous batsman had managed it
ESPNcricinfo staff
04-Jun-2017
Hashim Amla became the quickest batsman to 25 ODI hundreds • Getty Images/ICC
A 145-run stand between Hashim Amla and Faf du Plessis, for the second wicket helped South Africa, who announced themselves as strong title contenders, outclass Sri Lanka by a massive 96-run margin in their opener of the Champions Trophy at Kennington Oval on Saturday.
Sri Lanka had lost five ODIs against the Proteas this year and they hoped to reverse the trend on Saturday, but the experienced Amla and du Plessis ran the show, after they were put in to bat at the toss. Amla, who notched up his 25th ODI ton, was cautious to begin with as his side lost opener Quinton de Kock in the 13th over. Sri Lanka's opening attack impressed on a surface that was on the slower side.
However, after getting his eye in, Amla and du Plessis began to capitalize. Amla hit five fours and two sixes in his 115-ball 103, while du Plessis took 70 balls to score his 75. The duo scored at 6.74 runs in the 21.3 overs that they batted together. The partnership helped South Africa amass 299 in their innings, which proved enough to overturn Sri Lanka, who managed just 203 in reply.