All-round South Africa Rout Sri Lanka

Colombo: Hashim Amla's 13th century in ODIs and a 151-run stand with captain AB de Villiers led South Africa to a convincing 75-run win in the first ODI against Sri Lanka at R.Premadasa Stadium, Colombo on Sunday.

Amla scored 109 including eight boundaries to take the Proteas to 304 for five in 50 overs after electing to bat first at R. Premadasa Stadium.

Legspinner Imran Tahir took three wickets while seamers Ryan Mclaren, Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel took two wickets each to dismiss Sri Lanka for 229 in the 41st over. Kumar Sangakkara top scored with 88 for the home team..

The South Africa bowlers leaked runs early on but bounced back strongly to seal the win.

Imran Tahir collected three wickets, Steyn, Morne and McLaren picked up two each. The agile South African fielding also deserves a special mention.

The Sri Lankan top-order got going but it was the South African bowlers who seized the crucial junctures. The game appeared to be in the balance when Sanga inaugurated the batting powerplay with a hat-trick of fours. However, Lahiru Thirimanne threw his wicket away instead of playing the support act to Sanga.

Earlier, Hashim Amla hit his 13th century in one-day international cricket and shared a 151-run stand with his captain AB de Villers to propel South Africa to 304 for five in 50 overs.

Amla scored 109 including eight boundaries and a six in his 86th game. De Villiers made 75 off 70 deliveries including five boundaries and a six.

South Africa made a steady but cautious start after choosing to bat, scoring 58 for the first wicket off 77 deliveries. Opener Quinton de Kock looked well-set before he chased a wide delivery from Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews to be bowled off the edge for 27.

Veteran Jacques Kallis, who is playing his first international in seven months, lasted just two deliveries and was out without scoring trapped lbw by Ajantha Mendis. He had last played for South Africa in December last year against India.

Kallis' dismissal brought Amla and De Villiers together and they provided the base for a challenging total.

Spinner Mendis picked up three wickets for 61 including those of Amla and JP Duminy (16) in 10 overs and raised hopes of a Sri Lankan recovery in the latter stages of the tourists' innings. But David Miller (36) and Ryan McLaren (22) shared an unbeaten stand of 55 runs for the sixth wicket to help their team finish on a high.

Brief scores
South Africa - 304/5 (Amla 109, de Villiers 75, Mendis 3-61)
Sri Lanka - 229 (Sangakkara 88, Imran Tahir 3-50)
Result - South Africa won by 75 runs
MOM - Hashim Amla (South Africa)

Scores	Upcoming	Results
South Africa vs Pakistan - 3rd ODI 4th Test - Australia v India - December 26-30, 23:30 GMT 1st Test - Zimbabwe v Afghanistan - December 26-30, 07:30 GMT 3rd ODI - Zimbabwe v Afghanistan at Harare Afghanistan won by 8 wickets (with 139 balls remaining) 3rd T20I - West Indies v Bangladesh at St Vincent Bangladesh won by 80 runs

Proteas to No 1 With Miadan Series Win [+]

The Castle Lager Proteas added Colombo 2014 to the defiant memories of Adelaide 2012 and Johannesburg 2013 as they fought their way to a tense draw in the final Test match against Sri Lanka at the Sinhalese Sports Club on Monday.

Proteas Requires 331 runs to Second Test [+]

South Africa need 331 runs to defeat Sri Lanka with nine wickets remaining after day four of the second Test ended with the hosts piling up a total of 229 runs in their second innings on a day that saw rain and bad lighting conditions.

Sri Lanka on Top Despite Amla Ton [+]

At the close of the third day Sri Lanka had scored 11/0 in their second innings in five overs for an overall lead of 150 runs after Amla 139 not out.

South Africa Batsmen Struggle Against Spinners [+]

The Castle Lager Proteas face an enormous test of both character and skill as they go about the job of fighting their way back into the second Test against Sri Lanka at the Sinhalese Sports Club, Colombo.

Jayawardene Century Give Sri Lanka Edge [+]

Former captain Mahela Jayawardene hit a classy unbeaten century to help Sri Lanka close on 305 for five on the first day of the second Test against South Africa on Thursday.

Sri Lanka Bat as Dickwella to Debut [+]

Sri Lanka have won the toss and have opted to bat in final Test against South Africa at Sinhalese Sports Club Ground, Colombo on Thursday.

South Africa Aim to Win First Series in Sri Lanka [+]

An upbeat South Africa will look to carry their winning momentum in the second Test against Sri Lanka beginning on Thursday.

Steyn, Morkel Bowl SA to Big Win [+]

Dale Steyn grabbed a match haul of 9-99 as South Africa thrashed Sri Lanka by 153 runs on Sunday on the fifth and final day of the first Test.

Sangakkara Keeps Alive Sri Lanka in Record Chase [+]

Kumar Sangakkara smashed his 49th half-century as Sri Lanka launched a fightback on the fourth day of the first Test against South Africa on Saturday.

Steyn Sets up Proteas For Decisive Lead [+]

Dale Steyn struck five decisive blows for the 23rd time in his stellar career to set the Castle Lager Proteas up for what should be a substantial first innings lead on the third day of the first Test match against Sri Lanka at Galle on Friday.