A brilliant unbeaten century from captain Neil Brand set South Africa A in a strong position after the first day of their second four-day match against Sri Lanka A in Benoni. Brand's 122 not out from 243 balls, which included 11 fours and one six, anchored the South African innings as they closed the day at 316-7.
The match is crucial for South Africa A following their six-wicket defeat in the opening game in Kimberley. Besides Brand, contributions came from Tshepang Dithole (27), Marques Ackerman (37), Dewald Brevis (49), and Beyers Swanepoel (34) after losing the toss and being put into bat.
Brand and Dithole added 41 for the first wicket, but South Africa A quickly lost Dithole and Jean du Plessis (duck) in rapid succession. Ackerman then joined Brand for a 62-run third-wicket partnership, followed by the most significant stand of the innings, a 98-run fourth-wicket partnership between Brand and Brevis.
However, South Africa A's progress stalled as they fell from 202-3 in the 53rd over to their final score. Other dismissals included Mihlali Mpongwana (12), Rivaldo Moonsamy (11), and Swanepoel, with Migael Pretorius (nine not out) providing support to Brand at the close.
Sonal Dinusha was the standout bowler for Sri Lanka A, claiming 3-48.