The 28-year-old South African top-order batsman Reeza Hendricks scored a brilliant century in his debutant ODI, which was the third ODI against the hosts Sri Lanka at Pallekele on Sunday. While the South African skipper Faf du Plessis has felt remarkable on that innings, Hendricks was delighted after making an impact in his first ODI.
Hendricks came to bat at the no.3 position and scored 102 runs off 89 balls (8 fours and only six) as South Africa managed to score 363/7 in 50 overs after batted first. In reply, Sri Lanka was bundled out for 285 runs as the visitors won by 78 runs and Hendricks won the Player of the Match award. With this victory, South Africa has secured to win the five-match ODI series as they are leading the series by 0-3 after the third ODI.
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Skipper Faf du Plessis felt remarkable after observing Hendricks’ innings and he further hopes that the other young guys can count their opportunities in the upcoming matches.
Faf said on that after the game, “To see someone play like that on debut was remarkable. That’s the great thing about our batting line-up; we have guys putting their hands up every game and putting in match-winning performances. It’s about giving guys opportunities. We will try to do the same in the next two matches as well.”
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Meanwhile, the centurion Hendricks was delighted to making a contribution on his debutant ODI match. He has also felt tough to earn a chance in the present South African team.
The 28-year-old right-handed top-order batsman said, “I was very happy to make my debut and, most importantly, contribute for my team. It’s quite difficult to break through into this South African side, so I was quite fortunate and I managed to score some runs.”
On the other hand, Cricket South Africa (CSA) chief executive Thabang Moroe feels it is a good sign for the team prior to the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup, which is around 10 months to go.
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Moroe said, “This performance is one that augurs extremely well for our chances at next year’s World Cup and shows that our preparation and planning is right on target. We have an excellent mix of youth and experience in the squad.”
