Rudolph, Amla hammer centuries

by Ranjan Anandappa

Jacques Rudolph (157) and Hashim Amla (128 n.o) provided the ideal start for the touring South Africans in their tour opener against a Sri Lankan 'A' team as both completed centuries as the tourists piled up an impressive first day score of 351 for 3 at the end of the first day in their three day match at the Colts grounds Havelock Park yesterday.

The feature of the South African batting was the highly productive 242 run stand for the third wicket between Jacques Rudolph and Hashim Amla who provided the backbone of the visitors innings.

It was a blessing in disguise for the visitors as the Sri Lanka 'A' captain Avishka Gunawardena won the toss and invited South Africa to bat on a pitch which appeared to be a good one for batting with a fast outfield.

South Africa although losing opener Boeta Dippennar leg before to fast bowler Nuwan Zoysa with the scoreboard reading 5, which justified Gunawardena's decision for a moment, but Herschelle Gibbs and Rudolph steadied the innings with a 83 run stand for the second wicket when Gibbs was out caught by Vandort off left arm leg spinner Herath for 38. Gibbs had faced 48 deliveries and struck six fours in his innings.

Then, both Rudolph and Amla formed an effective left and right hand batting combination to frustrate the home team, batting with growing confidence. The pair was unseparated at lunch bringing the score from 88 for 1 to 111 for 2 with Rudolph completing a well struck unbeaten 52.

Hashim Amla got into his strides soon after lunch and along with his senior partner Rudolph added 126 runs in the post lunch session in 29 overs bringing the score from 111 to 237 for 2 at tea. Gunawardena switched his bowlers from one end to the other in a desperate effort to separate the third wicket pair, but Rudolph and Amla seemed to be firmly entrenched.

The Sri Lanka 'A' bowlers at last got the needed breakthrough when Rudolph turned one on to the leg side and Mubarak accepted the catch. But, by that time the Rudolph - Amla association had added 242 runs for the third wicket in 366 deliveries. Rudolph's workmanlike innings had 16 fours and a six utilising 326 minutes and facing 212 deliveries, while Amla's unbeaten knock had 14 fours and a six after facing 241 balls.

SOUTH AFRICA 1ST INNINGS Boeta Dippennar lbw b. Zoysa 1 Herschelle Gibbs c.Van dort b. Herath 38 Jacques Rudolph c. Mubarak b. Chandana 157 Hashim Amla not out 128 Ashwell Prince not out 15 Extras (nb 7, w1, 2lb, b2) 12 TOTAL (for 3 wkts in 90 overs) 351

FALL OF WICKETS: 1-5, 2-88, 3-330.
BOWLING: Nuwan Zoysa 9-2-79-1, Ruchira Perera 13-0-49-0, Akalanka Ganegama 11-1-60-0, Rangana Herath 26-3-86-1, Upul Chadana 21-2-90-1, Jehan Mubarak 6-0-26-0, Thilan Samaraweera 4-1-7-0.