Sri Lankan Cricketers Donate 25 Percent of Match Fees to Aid Former Cricketers

In a heartwarming gesture, Sri Lanka cricket team has decided to offer 25 percent of their match fee from the first One-day International against South Africa for the support of former cricketers who are facing economic hardships at the moment.

Sri Lanka’s performance in the first ODI might not have pleased their fans. However, their beautiful gesture towards some former players who are facing financial problems is bound to win each and every heart.

Angelo Mathews and his men have decided to donate one-fourth of their match fees to those cricketers who are struggling to meet the demands.

All the players who were a part of the match will share their fees with the Minister of Provincial Councils. The Ministry has set up a separate fund for the same cause. They also have the Local Government and Sports Faiszer Musthapha as partners in the initiative.

South Africa crush Sri Lanka:

The Proteas thrashed the hosts by five wickets to register their first win on the Island nation’s tour. Pacer Kagiso Rabada and spinner Tabraiz Shamsi bagged four wickets each to set up thumping win.

Rabada, whose figures read four for 41, inflicted the early damage while left-arm spinner Shamsi provided the late breakthroughs with his four for 33 as South Africa bundled out Sri Lanka for 193 under 35 overs.

Sri Lanka’s decision to bat first turned out to be a nightmare. They were reeling at 36 for five at one stage. At that time, it looked like they would not even reach the triple-digits.

However, Kusal Perera hit a 72-ball 81 to provide some respectability to Sri Lanka’s innings.

Kusal and Thisara Perera, who made 49, added 92 for the sixth wicket during a counter-attacking partnership before Shamsi ended the stand by dismissing the latter. Shamsi also dismissed Kusal to end the knock which was laced with 11 fours and a six.

In reply, South Africa were off to a wobbly start, losing Hashim Amla and Aiden Markram with just 31 runs on the board.

However, Quinton de Kock and captain Faf du Plessis scored 47 apiece to steady visitor’s chase during an 86-run stand. Jean-Paul Duminy then slammed 53 off just 32 to take the visitors home inside 31 overs.

The second match of the series will be played at the same venue on Wednesday (August 1). After donating the match fees to help former cricketers, Sri Lanka would like to come hard at the Proteas in the impending fixtures.