Perera lifts Sri Lanka to 165-7 against South Africa

CHITTAGONG: Sri Lanka set a moderate target of 166 for South Africa in their Group-1 match of the Super Ten Series in the fifth World Twenty20 here at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium on Saturday.

Sri Lanka captain Dinesh Chandimal won the toss and elected to bat in their first match in the tournament.

Despite losing two early wickets, Sri Lanka always maintained a run rate above seven as opener Kusal Perera kept hopes high with his brilliant batting.

He made 61 off 40 balls hitting six fours and three sixes and later Angelo Mathews also contributed a useful 43 from 32 balls with three boundaries and a six.

Sri Lanka reached 165 for seven at the end of the twentieth over.

Leg-break bowler Imran Tahir was the most successful bowler for South Africa grabbing three wickets for 26 runs while fast bowlers Morne Morkel and Dale Steyn claimed two wickets each.