A remarkable career-best of 188 by David Bedingham helped South Africa ‘A’ end their three-match one-day series against Sri Lanka ‘A’ on a high with a five-wicket win at JB Marks Oval in Potchefstroom on Wednesday.

The Proteas batter struck 20 fours and five sixes in a fine 129-ball display that saw him carry his bat as the hosts chased down 309 with more than seven overs to spare.

‘Home side at least won back some pride’

Though the tourists were already 2-0 up in the series, the result ensured the home side at least won back some pride and confidence going into the red-ball leg of the tour starting at the weekend.

The home side bowled first for the third consecutive game at the start with the Sri Lankans winning the toss and batting at the toss.

Lahiru Udara (90 off 94 balls, 10 fours, 1 six), Nuwanidu Fernando (52 off 52 balls, 7 fours, 1 six) and Chamindu Wickramasinghe (70* off 54 balls, 3 fours, 4 sixes) all impressed with half-centuries for their side.

But there were some impressive showings with the ball too for the hosts, led by a four-wicket haul for Dewald Brevis (4/46). Dayyaan Galiem (1/22) and Trista Luus (1/34) also claimed a wicket apiece.

Faced with a mammoth target, Bedingham showed his class by delivering his best performance of the series and one that easily surpassed his previous best score of 152 in List A cricket.

He first put on an opening stand of 104 in just 9.1 overs with Tony de Zorzi (25), before adding 99 with captain Matthew Breetzke (36) for the second wicket. Those two partnerships left SA ‘A’ on 203 inside halfway and Meeka-eel Prince (31) offered his hand for the last important stand – 71 for the fourth wicket – to take the hosts home with 43 balls to spare.

OFM Sport