Sri Lanka overwhelm hapless S. Africa

Sri Lanka set the trend of the Morocco Cup when they became the third team to successfully defend the total and in the meantime surge to top of the points table with a comprehensive 93 runs victory over South Africa Thursday.

Veteran batsman Aravinda de Silva notched up his 58th half century in his 280th match while scoring a controlled unbeaten 77 to help Sri Lanka post 267 for seven after Sanath Jayasuriya had won the toss and didn't repeat the mistake of sending the opposition into bat.

Sri Lanka, needing to restrict South Africa under 213 runs to collect a bonus point, did even better when they dismissed them for 174 in 45 overs. South Africa were cruising nicely at 79 for two in 15 overs before they lost five wickets for 52 runs. Their last eight wickets fell for 95 runs.

Sri Lanka now have three points while Pakistan and South Africa are tied at two points each after the completion of first round in the double league contest. The second round action begins Saturday with Pakistan engaged in a double-header.

Paceman Dilhara Fernando provided Sri Lanka a double break-through when he snatched wickets of Nicky Boje and Jacques Kallis in a space of nine balls to reduce South Africa to 79 for three. But it was the wickets of Justin Ontong and Gary Kirsten off successve deliveries that turned the match on its head.

Ontong was picked by Upul Chandana and Kirsten was run-out on the following delivery after an excellent fielding effort by Marvan Atapattu. Kirsten finished as South Africa's top scorer with a 55 off 65 balls that contained seven boundaries.

Earlier, Sri Lanka showed urgency and purpose in their batting while posting 267.

Jayasuriya led from the front when he scored 49 off 58 balls with two fours and the three sixes that came in a space of 14 balls. Marvan Atapattu (35), Kumar Sangakkara (41) and Mahela Jayawardene (32) keep the momentum going. But it was de Silva who held the innings together and only cut lose in the slog overs. It was because of his efforts that Sri Lanka collected 70 runs in the last 10 overs.

De Silva faced 84 balls and only hit four boundaries as they concentrated on singles and twos by placing the ball in the gaps. He was later adjudged Man-of-the-Match.