Tillakaratne Dilshan's superb century and Ajantha Mendis's fiery three wicket haul helped Sri Lanka register a 55-run victory over South Africa via Duckworth Lewis method in the rain-affected first match of the ICC Champions Trophy here.
Sri Lanka started their campaign on a perfect note as they first amassed 319 for eight in 50 overs after being invited to bat first and then put up a disciplined bowling performance to prevent South Africa from upstaging them.
Chasing 320 to win, skipper Graeme Smith hit a defiant 58 en route his 81-run first wicket stand with Jacques Kallis (41) to raise hope of a successful run chase but Mendis soon picked up three crucial wickets to spoil South Africa's dream.
Rain also added to South Africa's woes when play was called off because of torrential rain with Albie Morkel (29) and Roelof van der Merwe (3) at crease and scoreboard reading 206 for seven in 37.4 overs at Supersports park on Tuesday.
Earlier, Sri Lanka produced a brilliant batting display with Dilshan leading the peck with a blistering 92-ball 106, followed by Kumar Sangakkara (54), Mehala Jayawardene (77) and Thilan Samaraweera (37).
Chasing a daunting total, South Africa lost opener Hasim Amla (2) in the third over when he dragged Angelo Mathews onto his stumps but Smith (58) and Kallis (41) made sure that they don't lose any more wicket.
Soon Lasith Malinga accounted for De Villiers as the right-hander miscued one to give an easy catch to Jayawardene and after sometime Mark Boucher (26) and Johan Botha (21) also followed him to the hut.
Albie Morkel (29) tried his hand but couldn't do much as the match slipped out of their fingers.
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