Sri Lanka vs South Africa, 3rd Match, Group B - Live Cricket Score, Commentary

Series: ICC Champions Trophy, 2017 Venue: Kennington Oval, London Date & Time: Jun 03, 10:30 AM LOCAL

In the Champions Trophy, every game is effectively a knockout affair, and South Africa's record in such pressure games is well-known. © Getty

PERFECT START: To kickstart their campaign with a 96-run would have been everything that Soouth Africa hoped. And they pulled it off in grand style at the Kennington Oval over Sri Lanka who were bowled out for 203 in a chase of 300.

South Africa seemed out of ideas at the start of Sri Lanka's innings with the openers off to a fiery start who added 69 in quick time. Rabada handed Upul Tharanga a life in his second over, which the Sri Lankan captain made the most of with a half-century, but it was only a matter of time before South Africa sprung back into the game with quick wickets. Dickwella, who took on the role of an aggressor departed first, which caused a flurry of wickets. Imran Tahir being the designated wicket-taker that he is, came into his own with four as the Sri Lankan chase lost all semblance of momentum and derailed eventually.

Kusal Perera resisted the South African attack, holding his end while wickets fell at the other, but it was all too much for Sri Lanka as they succumbed to a 96-run loss in the end.

South Africa bounced back brilliantly from a spot of bother owing to some brilliant fielding. AB de Villiers started things off with a brilliant catch and a run out. Tahir followed it up with a direct throw himself. They were sharp in the field, cut down runs, bowled tight lines and kickstarted their Champions Trophy campaign in a way that would have pleased them. As for Sri Lanka, there's much lacking.

Tahir pipped Amla for the Man of the Match award for his figures of 4 for 27. Much deserved. Showed once again why he's the top-ranked ODI bowler. Class act.

Thank you for joining us today in a brilliant South African win. Do join us for game 4 - the big one - India vs Pakistan. Goodbye!

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Huge challenge for Sri Lanka vs Sth Africa at the Oval 😬 Do love the underdog! So c'mon you Lankan lads...give it a slap! 👏

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Lakmal coming in from the other end.

PLAY TIME: Amla and de Kock in the middle. Lasith Malinga to kickstart proceedings.

Playing XIs: Sri Lanka: Upul Tharanga(c), Niroshan Dickwella(w), Kusal Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal, Kusal Perera, Chamara Kapugedera, Asela Gunaratne, Seekkuge Prasanna, Suranga Lakmal, Nuwan Pradeep, Lasith Malinga

South Africa: Quinton de Kock(w), Hashim Amla, Faf du Plessis, AB de Villiers(c), David Miller, Jean-Paul Duminy, Chris Morris, Wayne Parnell, Kagiso Rabada, Morne Morkel, Imran Tahir

TOSS: Upul Tharanga wins the toss, opts to field. Angelo Mathews still unfit. Playing XIs coming up shortly.

CONDITIONS: Shaun Pollock says overcast conditions and the pitch might assist pacers. 280-290 is what he reckons. What do you think?

South Africa have the edge being in great form, while Sri Lanka have won only 13 of their 34 completed ODIs since the 2015 World Cup and since the retirement of Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene.

South Africa have won the last seven encounters between the two sides, and when Sri Lanka were beaten 5-0 by the side earlier this year the gulf in class became a little embarrassing, writes Tristan Holme in his preview.

Hello, welcome to our coverage of the third game of the ICC Champions Trophy 2017 between Sri Lanka and South Africa at the Kennington Oval in London.

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