Wisden
Sameer Four Nations Cup, third qualifying match

SOUTH AFRICA v SRI LANKA

At Nairobi Club, Nairobi, October 1. Sri Lanka won by two wickets. Toss: South Africa.

South Africa were uncharacteristically jittery on a less than satisfactory pitch - originally laid by the late Don Pringle, Derek's father - which helped the spinners. Ranatunga permed his bowlers magnificently and the Sri Lankans fielded like demons, Mahanama catching a screamer in the covers to dismiss Hudson. Cullinan rode his luck to play his shots and McMillan reverse-swept a six, but they were all out with eight overs to go. Sri Lankan openers Jayasuriya and Kaluwitharana raced to 69 in nine overs. At 130 for six, however, South Africa seemed to have regained control until Dharmasena batted thoughtfully to steer his side home.

Man of the Match: S. T. Jayasuriya.

© John Wisden & Co