Sri Lanka A v South Africa A, One-day tri-series, Colombo
Rudolph takes South Africa A to final
Cricinfo staff
September 27, 2005
South Africa A 235 for 6 (Rudolph 66, Ontong 60) beat Sri Lanka A 234 (Maharoof 58*, van der Wath 2-49) by four wickets Scorecard
South Africa A booked their place in the final of the tri-series with a convincing four-wicket victory over Sri Lanka A at Colombo. Jacques Rudolph, with 66, and Justin Ontong's 60 eased the South Africans to a win with 16 balls to spare.
Choosing to bat first, Sri Lanka could only manage 234 for 9 in their 50 overs, as Dale Steyn, Monde Zondeki and Johan van der Wath applied the brakes and never allowed Sri Lanka to get away. A partnership of 50 between Farveez Maharoof (58*) and Gayan Wijekoon (26) ensured they reached a score of reasonable respectability, having at one stage stumbled to 119 for 7.
South Africa's target was reached without considerable alarm, with Rudolph and Ontong both striking fifties in a partnership worth 108. Sajeewa Weerakoon took three of the six wickets to fall, but was treated with disdain by the South Africans and conceded 55 runs from his 10 overs.
South Africa's coach, Vincent Barnes, paid tribute to his players. Speaking to reporters at the end of the match, he said: "I was very impressed with the way the middle order batted and dominated the spinners on a spin-friendly wicket. Jacques and Justin were outstanding."
South Africa A face New Zealand A tomorrow, in what will be the dress rehearsal for Saturday's final at Colombo.
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