First a fast hundred from TM Dilshan, and later on rain and magical wave of Ajantha Mendis, South Africa was beaten in all parts of the game in the first match of Champions Trophy. On Tuesday (September 22), the host South Africa lost to Sri Lanka by 55 runs (D/L method) at SuperSport Park in Centurion. While Tilakratne Dilshan made a quick-fire 116 of just 92 balls with 16 fours and one six, Ajantha Mendis bagged three crucial wickets by giving away just 30 runs in 7 overs. Along with captain Graeme Smith, Mendis dismissed experienced all rounder Kallis and youngster Duminy. Malinga and Mathews supported Mendis and took away 2 wickets each at the expense of 43 runs. Energetic Dilshan was named Man of the Match for his valuable contribution with the bat.

Earlier in the game, with the fall of veteran openor Sanath Jayasuriya in the 3rd over, it seemed that South African captain Graeme Smith has taken the right decision by inviting the opponents to bat first. However, in-form openor TM Dilshan (106) and Sri Lankan captain Kumara Sangakkara (54) had different plan on their mind and shared a partnership of 158 runs in just 24.4 overs. Later on, former captain Mahela Jayawardene (77) with the help of T Samaraweera (37) took Sri Lanka past 290. Sri Lanka scored 319 runs in allotted 50 overs by losing 8 wickets.