Aravinda de Silva guides Sri Lanka home

Aravinda de Silva's unbeaten half century led Sri Lanka to a comprehensive six wicket victory over South Africa in the sixth and final group match of the Morocco Cup triangular tournament on Monday.

The result was irrelevant to the competition as both teams have already qualified - at Pakistan's expense - for Wednesday's final.

Chasing South Africa's modest 220 for six wickets, de Silva reached 50 from as many balls and was 77 not out from 74 when his side reached 221 for four in the 43rd over.

It was the first time in six group matches that the side batting second had won.

Sanath Jayasuriya once again gave his side a flying start with an explosive 47 from 48 balls including six fours and a six while Kumar Sangakkara provided stability to the run chase with a sedate 57 spanning 90 deliveries.

De Silva's one moment of fortune came before he had scored when a hook shot was dropped by Roger Telemachus at fine leg and palmed over the ropes for six in the same motion.

Earlier, Jacques Kallis provided the backbone to an uninspiring South African batting performance with a contribution of 84 from 125 deliveries. Opener Graeme Smith accumulated 40 and Lance Klusener a sluggish 39 not out while leg spinner Upul Chandana (3-32) maintained tight control throughout his 10 overs.

Both sides made wholesale changes for the match, with Sri Lanka resting Muttiah Muralitharan and Chaminda Vaas while South Africa rested paceman Allan Donald and even omitted wicketkeeper Mark Boucher whose gloves were taken by batsman Boeta Dippenaar.

Mail Cricket Editor