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| Sunday, 21 August 2005 |
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Sri Lankan pair shine for Asia XI DURBAN, South Africa, Aug 20 (AFP) Sri Lankan batsmen Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene hit polished half-centuries for the Asia XI in the second Afro Asia Cup match against an Africa XI at Kingsmead Saturday. The Asia XI, needing a victory to stay in with a chance of winning the three-match series, made 267 for seven after winning the toss. The left-handed Sangakkara made a boundary-studded 61 off 70 balls, hitting nine fours and a six. By contrast, the right-handed Jayawardene's 52 off 72 balls included only two boundaries, a four and a hooked six off Monde Zondeki which raised his half-century. Thomas Odoyo of Kenya was the most successful African bowler, taking three for 45 with his medium-paced deliveries. He and Africa XI captain Shaun Pollock were the only bowlers to send down their full quota of ten overs. Sangakkara and India's Virender Sehwag (38) put on 91 for the second wicket off 101 balls after Shahid Afridi had played a typical innings, hitting the first ball he faced from Heath Streak for six over cover then playing across the line to be leg before off the next delivery. Pakistanis Yousuf Youhana and Asia XI captain Inzamam-ul-Haq made 42 and 38 not out respectively, but the Asia XI were unable to accelerate in the second half of their innings after reaching 140 for three after 25 overs. Both teams showed changes because of injury. Star South African all-rounder Jacques Kallis was ruled out of the Africa XI team with a back muscle strain suffered when loading his luggage onto a van Friday, while Indian leg-spinner.Anil Kumble could not play because of a hamstring strain. The Asia XI, beaten by two runs in the first of three matches at Centurion Wednesday, bolstered their batting by selecting Jayawardene in place of Kumble. Zimbabwe's Streak was picked for the Africa XI after missing the first match because he was playing in a Test against New Zealand. Justin Ontong of South Africa was dropped. Justin Kemp, who played as a substitute in Centurion, was picked for the starting line-up, with Steve Tikolo dropping down to become the nominated substitute. Jacques Rudolph played in place of Kallis, while Zondeki played ahead of Dale Steyn in a swop of fast bowlers. As was the case at Centurion, the ground was less than half full for a match played out of South Africa's normal cricket season. |
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