In the opening match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2009, the host South Africa faces Sri Lanka at the Centurion Park. The hosts were successful with the toss in this first game and elected to field first against the building up Lankans. However, Kumar Sangakkara said he would have batted first if he had won the toss.
With the 50-over format under debate, this ICC Champions Trophy needs a good start. And the two teams that are clashing today are expected to bring back the momentum.
Sri Lanka lost their super power Sanath Jayasuriya in the 3rd over of the game but still the other opener Dilshan played extraordianry shots and brought back new energy to this 50-over format game.
Until 45th over, the Lankan Captain Sangakkara, Dilshan and Jayawardane have helped with batting and have helped team’s score raise to 283/3.
Dilshan scored 106 from 92 balls and Steyn took 2 wickets. Steyn got the precious wicket of Dilshan and Jayasuriya, while Duminy took the wicket of Sangakkara. Samaraweera joined Jayawardane after Dilshan got out and has been maintaining the momentum left by Dilshan.
Teams:
Sri Lanka: Kumar Sangakkara, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Sanath Jayasuriya, Mahela Jayawardene, Thilina Kandamby, Chamara Kapugedera, Nuwan Kulasekara, Lasith Malinga, Angelo Mathews, Ajantha Mendis, Muttiah Muralitharan, Dammika Prasad, Thilan Samaraweera, Upul Tharanga, Thilan Thushara.
South Africa: Graeme Smith, Johan Botha, Hashim Amla, Mark Boucher, AB de Villiers, Jean-Paul Duminy, Herschelle Gibbs, Jacques Kallis, Albie Morkel, Makhaya Ntini, Wayne Parnell, Robin Peterson, Dale Steyn, Lonwabo Tsotsobe, Roelof van der Merwe.
