/ 24 October 2006

Pollock leads SA to vital win

Shaun Pollock took two early wickets as he set up South Africa’s 78-run victory over Sri Lanka in a low-scoring Champions Trophy Group B match on Tuesday.

Pollock dismissed Sanath Jayasuriya for three and Kumar Sangakkara for nought. He then ran out skipper Mahela Jayawardene for 36 as Sri Lanka were reduced to 78-5 before being bowled out for 141 in 39.1 overs while chasing 220 for victory under lights.

The former South Africa captain also caught tail-ender Muttiah Muralitharan at long-on for three.

Paceman Andre Nel took 3-41, including that of Tillakaratne Dilshan for 36, to dismantle the middle order.

A defiant half-century by AB de Villiers (54) and a quickfire eighth-wicket stand of 42 between Robin Peterson and Pollock guided South Africa to 219-9 after they were put in to bat in what was a must-win game for both teams. — Reuters