Nuwan Kulasekara had a memorable evening in Raipur as the right-arm medium seamer helped Sri Lanka Legends register an emphatic eight-wicket win against South Africa in second semi-finals of the continuing Road Safety World Series on Friday. The 38-year-old accomplished a five-wicket haul, the primary of the match, as Sri Lanka bundled out Jonty Rhodes’ South Africa for a paltry 125.
In response, Sri Lanka wrapped up the proceedings in simply 17.2 overs and can now tackle hosts India within the summit clash, which can happen on Sunday.
The match kicked-off with with Sri Lanka Legends skipper Tillakaratne Dilshan profitable the toss and welcoming South Africa to bat first. Proteas opener Morne van Wyk began the proceedings with a boundary, however failed to take care of the tempo as Kulasekra putting within the first over.
Kulasekra opened his account by dismissing Andrew Puttick on duck. After his dismissal Van Wyk added a strong 47 run partnership with Alviro Petersen. Farvez Mahroof offered Sri Lanka with the breakthrough as he dismissed Petersen on 27 and since his dismissal Proteas endured a large batting collapse.
Apart from Puttick, Kulasekra went on to scalp the wickets of Justin Kemp, Roger Telemachus, Makhaya Ntini, and Monde Zondeki.
In response, Sri Lanka opening pair comprising Dilshan and Sanath Jayasuriya obtained off to a sluggish begin, earlier than the previous was dismissed on 18. Jayasuriya was the second wicket to fall as he was dismissed on 18 in the identical variety of balls.
Upul Tharanga together with Chinthaka Jayasinghe guided the Lankan’s dwelling as the pair remained unbeaten on 39 (44) and 47 (25) respectively.
