Sri Lanka 'A' win by four wickets to take series 4-1 [September 27 2008]

Thilina Kandamby and Rangana Herath turned a certain defeat in to a memorable win as Sri Lanka 'A' beat South Africa 'A' by four wickets in their fifth and final one day 'international' played in Benoni on Sunday.

Chasing a victory target in 295 in 50 overs, Sri Lanka slumped to 94 for 6 in the 20th over before Kandamby and leg spinner turned batsman Herath shared an unfinished 203-run partnership for the seventh wicket in 28.3 overs to win with ten balls to spare.

Put in to bat on a perfect batting strip at Willowmoore Park, South Africa made a commanding 294 for 7 in 50 overs with Vaughn van Jaarsveld (106 off 103 balls) and Alviro Petersen (114 off 136 balls) making centuries in their 208-run partnership for the third wicket.

But Kandamby set pace for a gallant Lankan fight back scoring a majestic 128 off 125 balls with one six and 13 fours. Herath, better known as a slow orthodox bowler, played a superb supporting role as No.8 batsman, making 88 not out off just 76 balls including nine boundaries.

Sri Lanka 'A' which wrapped up the series beating the hosts in Friday's fourth game, extended their series win margin to 4-1 to end the month-long tour on a high note.

Chief scores:

South Africa 'A': 294 for 7 in 50 overs.(Vaughn van Jaarsveld 106, Alviro Petersen 114, Suranga Lakmal 2 for 61, Isuru Udana 2 for 50).

Sri Lanka 'A': 297 for 6 in 50 overs (Tharanga Paranavithana 28, Thilina Kandamby 128 n.o. Rangana Herath 88 n.o, Wayne Parnell 4 for 54).