Mahela Jayawardene and Mohammed Yousuf scored half centuries while Virender
Sehwag showed glimpses of his vintage form as Asia XI posted a commanding
317 for nine against Africa XI in the first Afro Asia Cup One-Day
International here today.
Jayawardene, who made a match-winning hundred against New Zealand in the
World Cup semifinal in April, struck seven fours and a huge straight six
off debutant Morne Morkel in his 62-ball 65 after the Indian duo of Sehwag
(45) and Sourav Ganguly (32) provided a bright start with a half-century
stand for the second wicket.
Jayawardene also got involved in a near-century partnership
with Pakistan's seasoned batsman Yousuf (66 in 74 balls) as the duo consolidated
the good beginning provided by Sehwag and Ganguly, who was rested for the ODI
series in Bangladesh.
Sehwag played his pet slashes and off punches in his 42-ball
essay that contained seven fours and a six, while left-handed Ganguly started
scratchily before playing some pleasing drives to the cover region while striking
seven fours in his 29-ball knock.
The duo added 68 runs for the second wicket in only 49 balls
after the early dismissal of Lanka veteran Sanath Jayasuriya who opened
the innings with Sehwag. But both played on to lose their wickets just when
they looked good for a bigger score.
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