2136: I'd normally hang around to bring you the man-of-the-match award, but apparently they're looking for somewhere dry to stage it. I think we can safely expect it to go to Tillakaratne Dilshan for his excellent 106, with an honourable mention in dispatches for Ajantha Mendis (3-30).

As I mentioned, it's Pakistan v West Indies next up tomorrow, although our next live text commentary will be on Friday for England v Sri Lanka, when Ben Dirs will be in the chair. I hope you can join him - until then, it's thank you for all your emails, texts and 606, and it's good night from me - TTFN.

2128: That's it - it's all over, it's called off, Sri Lanka win by 55 runs on Duckworth/Lewis and take two points from the game.

2124: Sri Lanka are closing in on that D/L victory - because it's still chucking it down with rain. The cut-off point is 2145 BST, they've got to resume by then or call it off. But they may call it off sooner. Either way, it's going to be Sri Lanka on D/L.

2115: Oh, and if you didn't catch Blue Peter for the mattress dominoes world record attempt, you can watch it here on the BBC Sport website. It's not even UK-restricted or anything, you can have a good look. We're on the fifth floor of the circular building it's taking place in front of.

2104: If you're just joining us, I'm afraid we're in a rain delay while Sri Lanka prepare to close off a probable win against South Africa. Huge tarpaulins cover the ground, there's thunder and lightning in the air and no prospect of a quick resumption. Common sense would suggest that with Sri Lanka 55 or so runs ahead on Duckworth/Lewis, it could be agreed to award them the win at this stage. But the letter of the law says we've got to sit around and wait until there definitely can't be any more play...

From capricornRookie on 606: "Haven't the Lankans choked quite often as well since their last win of the World Cup?"

2054: Looking ahead to tomorrow's game between Pakistan and the "West Indies", Pakistan are set to be without captain Younus Khan because of a finger injury, with all-rounder Shahid "Boom Boom" Afridi standing in as skipper. Meanwhile, paceman Mohammad Asif could return after spending a year out serving a doping ban.

2047: The entire square and the bowlers' run-ups are now covered. We won't be restarting any time soon.

From Mihir, TMS inbox: "Did you notice that all the SA wickets to fall have been to bowlers whose last name starts with the letter 'M' - Mendis, Mathews, Malinga. Now if only Murali got into the act"

As someone with the initials MM, I'm happy to stick up for my fellow 'M's at every opportunity, Mihir!

From Dilshanwaheed on 606: "We don't need to remind ourselves that somehow Sri Lanka does make it at least to the semi-final if not to the final of most ICC events starting from 2003. They can never be ruled out at any time"

2040: Covers come on. Given that Sri Lanka are about 55 runs ahead on Duckworth/Lewis at this stage, let's hope they don't spend too much time messing around with the covers and all that for the rest of the evening. It's pretty clear who will win/should have won/have won this game (delete tense as appropriate).

37.4 overs - RAIN STOPPED PLAY - SA 206-7
Malinga to bowl the final powerplay over, Morkel powers an off-driven single. There's definite rain in the air as fans amble back into the shelter of the stands, and SA coach Mickey Arthur looks at the D/L tables. Let's hope he hasn't taken any advice from John Dyson. But I don't need to be a mathematician to tell you that South Africa are well behind at this stage. RVDM nurdles a single, Morkel adds two more but then as the rain is now pelting down, Umpire Taufel has no choice but to take the players off.

From Reginald Baker, London, TMS inbox: "'Small' is relative; the populations of Sri Lanka and Australia are almost identical"

37th over - SA 202-7
South Africa are still in a powerplay, but the wind is whipping up at Centurion as a large plastic bag flies across the pitch. The new batsman is Roelof van der Merwe, who's one of the "bowl left-arm, bat right-handed" brigade. Having waited all innings for an extra, we've got two in two overs as Mendis bowls a wide to Morkel, before the big left-hander brings up South Africa's 200 with a single. RVDM has a batting strike rate of well over 100 in both ODIs and T20 internationals, so this might be fun. He's off the mark with a single, Morkel adds another.

36th over - WICKET - Botha c Mathews b Malinga 21 - SA 198-7
Morkel takes Malinga on, aiming at mid-off but blasting him through backward point for four. A well-run single to extra cover brings Botha on strike, and he aims a big blast of his own which sails away for a first-bounce four over mid-wicket. Malinga sends down a wide - the first extra of the innings, incredibly - while Botha rides his luck with a flashing edge past the keeper for four. But Malinga has the last laugh when Botha skies a catch straight to mid-off - The Slinger raises both arms in celebration.

From Leo, London, TMS inbox: "Beware of Lions [32nd over] - probably someone from the South African tourist board giving a warning to anyone thinking of going on safari"

35th over - SA 184-6
And who can Sri Lanka get to bowl at the other end during this powerplay? The magic man Ajantha Mendis, that's who. South Africa are certainly showing the fact that they've never faced him before. Botha tries a reverse sweep which brings him a single. Morkel clears his front leg to smash a straight-driven four, then nudges one down to third man which the tumbling Slinger just prevents from crossing the boundary as four is turned into three.

34th over - SA 176-6
South Africa go for broke and take the batting powerplay while Morkel's in - so Sri Lanka recall Malinga, who's changed ends. He's increasingly difficult to get away at this stage of the innings - his three permitted boundary fielders for Botha are at third man, fine leg and backward square leg. But Botha proves a capable hitter as he launches one over mid-on for four. Some hesitation denies them an easy single to cover point, but Botha paddles a shorter ball to fine leg for one. 144 needed from 96 balls.

From Romesh, TMS inbox: "To Nigel (27th over), Sri Lanka may be a small country, but like many places in the sub-continent, absolutely obsessed with cricket. Down virtually any street you'll find kids playing with a tennis ball and a stick. Whenever you have that much public interest in a sport, you're bound to get some decent players. Maybe things like Ashes victories will produce some great future players for England?"

33rd over - SA 171-6
Botha and Morkel are really up against it now as Kulasekara returns. No sign of Morkel giving it the long handle yet - just three singles from the over, with the required rate now up over eight and a half.

From Baalaji, TMS inbox: "Sri Lanka is a small country and with the things happened to them in Pakistan, they have recovered and proved to be a matured team. If they continue to play like this, there is nothing that will stop them from winning the Champions Trophy"

32nd over - SA 168-6
Johan Botha is immediately off the mark with a nick down to third man for four, then rounds off the over with a single.

31.2 overs - WICKET - Boucher lbw b Mathews 26 - SA 163-6
There are some very excited Sri Lanka fans in the crowd, one of whom is holding up a banner saying "BEWARE OF LIONS". I suppose that's a maxim to be followed for life in general, not just cricket. Morkel adds another single, but as Boucher tries to step across his stumps, he's hit on the pad and he's gone. Boucher isn't happy at all as it hit his back pad, but he had stepped across so far that it hit him in line and would have hit the stumps... so you're out, son.

31st over - SA 162-5
Boucher (who, like Kallis, looks trimmer than he's been in the last year or two - maybe they've joined the same gym) guides Malinga down to long leg for one. But the Slinger is right on the money for the rest of the over, restricting Morkel to a quick single.

30th over - SA 160-5
Apparently it's raining in Jo'burg... but any rain interruption would well and truly cook South Africa's goose as they're well behind on Duckworth/Lewis. Interesting bowling change as Murali takes a rest after eight overs and Mathews returns. A beautiful cover drive brings Morkel his first four, but they can only add a couple more singles - 160 needed from 20 overs. But under the "double the score after 30 overs" theory... South Africa would win!

From Sportsfan87 on 606: "I think the best way to handle SL is to make them chase, they like to set a big score so the spinners can defend it with confidence, whereas if the other team bats first then the spinners are under more pressure to restrict the runs"

29th over - DROPPED CATCH - SA 154-5
After a Morkel single, Boucher bludgeons a pull shot through mid-wicket and is applauded by what appears to be identical twins watching in the crowd. He then rocks back to hit through gully, it's nearly another superb catch as Dilshan dives to his left, gets both hands to it but can't hold on. Another attempted big hit can't make it past the man at deep mid-on, and although they manage nine runs from the over, Boucher is clearly trying to take the attack to Malinga but there's still a long way to go.

28th over - SA 145-5
Safety first from Morkel against Muralitharan, squeezing a single to third man to get himself off the mark. Boucher guides a single off his legs, Morkel guides one to long-on, but they're slipping further and further behind the rate.

From Nigel, TMS inbox: "Sri Lanka have produced so many exciting cricketers over many years - a tiny country but so many stars. Why can't England consistently produce so many star players? The Lankans always do well in one-dayers and everyone loves watching them"

27th over - SA 142-5
New batsman is the big-hitting Albie Morkel, who can hit the ball for miles but is possibly not best suited to the sort of rearguard action South Africa need now. Boucher sways out of the way of a slower bouncer from Malinga, then immediately brings something to the attention of the two umpires. Umpire Gould examines the ball, which is almost totally green now, so fourth umpire Tony Hill brings on a 70s-style black briefcase with a set of used balls which are a bit whiter (and thus more visible) - Umpire Taufel chooses one, but Boucher doesn't seem to fare much better.

26.2 overs - WICKET - De Villiers c b Malinga 24 - SA 142-5
After a single from Boucher, ABDV tries to take on The Slinger, skies one in the air over mid-wicket and the safe hands of Mahela Jayawardene don't drop those!

From Somindra Dilruk, TMS inbox: "Mendis will bamboozle South Africa to win the first match in the Champions Trophy"

I think he's about halfway towards doing that already...

26th over - SA 141-4
Murali in for his sixth over, Boucher gets an inside edge which falls just wide of Sangakkara's despairing dive behind the stumps. Five uneventful singles from the over, the run rate is creeping up towards seven and a half runs per over.

From Jon in Derby, TMS inbox: "Mendis is clearly a genius but I think Angelo Mathews may just be a dirty rotten cheat (allegedly)! Check a replay of the Kallis 'dismissal'. I reckon he dropped it and I think he knew it too!"

25th over - SA 136-4
Mendis has 3-18 from five overs but is withdrawn from the attack to save some of his magic tricks for later. Replacing him is Malinga, who bowled just one over with the new ball - he removes his long-sleeved sweater but is bowling in a sleeveless one, and also has plenty of "bling" rattling around his neck. De Villiers square-cuts for a single, Boucher works a low full toss to fine leg for one. the halfway point is reached - Sri Lanka were 150-1 at this stage.

24th over - SA 134-4
It's saying something about the problems Mendis is causing South Africa when they're trying to get after Muralitharan. ABDV and Boucher keep plugging away with the singles, then there's a mix-up over a quick single but Murali can't gather the throw to the bowler's end cleanly. Should have been a run-out.

23rd over - SA 127-4
Boucher tries to force Mendis off the back foot and gets an edge, it sails past slip at the speed of sound (not even Mark Waugh with the reaction speed of Superman could take that one) and away for four. A square cut brings a single, ABDV steals the strike.

From TeleKemis on 606: "This generation's spin sensation will again take to the Hampshire tracks and I am delighted"

22nd over - SA 121-4
You couldn't make it up - a man with a fluorescent yellow/green cap holds up play by walking in front of the sightscreen, before Murali yells an lbw appeal against De Villiers. No dice from Umpire Taufel. ABDV adds a brace of twos, two singles round off the over and Murali has 0-31 from five overs.

21st over - SA 115-4
Mark Boucher in to face the hat-trick ball, and it squirms away through mid-wicket for two. Sri Lanka strong favourites now.

20.4 overs - WICKET - Duminy b Mendis 0 - SA 113-4
Brilliant, just brilliant from Mendis. No sooner has JP Duminy taken guard than he's deceived by his first ball from Mendis and chops onto his stumps!

20.3 overs - WICKET - Kallis c Mathews b Mendis 41 - SA 113-3
Kallis tries to force the pace against Mendis, but in trying to power one back past the bowlers, lofts it wide of mid-off and the leaping Angelo Mathews takes an excellent catch. Big wicket.

20th over - SA 113-2
More of the same from Murali the Kandy man (who can take a rainbow, wrap it in a sigh, soak it in the sun and make a groovy lemon pie). South Africa can only take five singles, the boundaries have dried up completely since Smith's dismissal.

19th over - SA 108-2
Mendis the mystery spinner is quickly through his over, the Proteas can manage just four singles. Meanwhile, down the other end of our office, it's all about the Carling Cup as Jonathan Stevenson's live text commentary gets under way. Have a look if you're interested, but don't forget about us...

18th over - DROPPED CATCH - SA 104-2
ABDV flicks Murali over the man at mid-wicket for two, which brings up the hundred for South Africa. But then he takes his life in his hands as he attempts the same shot, the leaping Dilshan gets both hands to it but doesn't time his jump well and can't hold on. They run one. Two more singles are added as South Africa try not to get bogged down with the spinners on.

17th over - SA 99-2
Kallis plays and misses at Mendis's "carrom ball", which is flicked between his thumb and middle finger. Both batsmen look keen to get off strike against him, just four singles from the over.

16th over - SA 95-2
Murali goes round the wicket to the two left-handers - apparently so he doesn't get too much turn when he's aiming for an lbw. Kallis and ABDV plunder some singles, there's a big shout against ABDV when he rather hides his bat behind his pad, but Umpire Taufel isn't interested.

Sorry, forgot to put the score on that last over, should be 92-2.

From SpeakingCivilised on 606: "Sri Lanka - Mexico of the subcontinent? They have characters like Fernando (who crossed the Rio Grande on that fateful night..) and Angelo (that shepherd boy who ran away with that rich girl..)"

15th over - SA 92-2
Wow, what an impact. Smith was booked in for bed and breakfast then, but Mendis - who'll I'll enjoy referring to as Hampshire's Ajantha Mendis next summer - completely deceived him. The new batsman is AB de Villiers, he's off the mark with a single. Kallis reaches 31 with another, but you sense that one delivery that dismissed Smith has completely halted the Proteas' momentum.

14.1 overs - WICKET - Smith b Mendis 58 - SA 90-2
New bowler is Ajantha Mendis, whose first ball has Smith totally bamboozled - he plays for the off-break, but it's a leg-break and knocks over his leg stump!

From Gray in Argyll, TMS inbox: "Just a thought for those out there following the game . Too many times we panic when a team starts chasing a total of more than 300 at the rate of a snail however, statistically chasing teams that have shot out of the blocks at a rate of knots have 70% of the time failed compared to an impressive 88% success for those who structure it well from the off"

14th over - SA 90-1
This might put the brakes on - Muttiah Muralitharan, who has a mere 511 ODI wickets to his name before today, comes on with his wily off-spin. He missed the recent tri-series, and after a single from Kallis, Smith brings up his fifty off just 40 balls with a well-placed four through mid-wicket. Having seen fine leg come up, Smith then sweeps, Murali half-appeals but it hit his bat firmly enough to sail away for four. Three more singles, and that's 12 off the over - reputations mean nothing when Smith is in this kind of form.

13th over - SA 78-1
Kallis cover-drives Mathews for a comfortable two, then he lofts it over the infield, can't quite time it but they run three. A slower ball is steered through the off side by Smith for four more, then he goes aerial again - but safely, and two more makes it 11 from the over.

12th over - SA 67-1
It's still Kulasekara, with a full nine overs of Malinga being kept up Sri Lanka's sleeve - and that's even before we get to the twin-spin threat of Murali and Mendis. Kallis dabs a single to third man, the more aggressive Smith punches one and calls for a quick run. Kallis reaches 23, a great stop by Samaraweera at short cover denies Smith. Better over from Kula.

From Dan, TMS inbox: "Re: England getting stuck in a lift. Surely an hour is the longest period the England middle order has gone without somebody getting out recently. Maybe it's a good omen rather than bad"

11th over - SA 64-1
As has become the norm for fielding sides, Sri Lanka take the fielding powerplay immediately - and persist with Mathews, who has 1-17 from his first four overs (Kulasekara has 0-38 from five). Kallis pushes a gentle single, Smith straight-drives another, but Kallis nicks the strike as the drums start up again.

From Andre, TMS inbox: "South Africa compromised the bowling with having a huge amount of batting! Let's see if they can come back like they did against Aus in the best ODI back in March '07 chasing down 434"

10th over - SA 61-1
Sri Lanka may have to think about a change of bowling as Smith crashes Kulasekara for another four through the covers. Once more, Sanga's response is to stand up to the stumps - and Smith goes aerial, hoisting a huge six over mid-wicket! It's difficult to set a field to this man when he's in this form - he smacks another four through mid-off to bring up the fifty stand.

9th over - SA 47-1
Not to be outdone by his partner, Smith advances down the track a couple of steps before powerfully cover-driving Mathews for four, then steering one to the long-off boundary. Sangakkara then stands up to the stumps to keep Smith in his crease, and when he tries to force one through third man, the prowling Tillakaratne Dilshan picks up and throws in an instant, and Smith has to do well to dive back into his crease. He pushes the last ball of the over for a quick single, Malinga's throw just misses the stumps at the bowler's end. Smith has 26, "Shark" Kallis has 19.

8th over - SA 38-1
A pulsating drum-beat is striking up between overs, but South Africa haven't quite found their rhythm yet. Kulasekara still has those two catchers at short point and short cover in for Kallis, but even they can't stop him blasting another four - his fourth.

7th over - SA 33-1
In fact, Smith has removed his armguard completely as he straight-drives Mathews for a single. There's not much seam movement out there, but when Mathews strays with a leg-stump half-volley, Kallis executes another pleasant on-drive. He's right out of the coaching manual so far.

From Justice-4-Dimi (Benham the centurion!) on 606: "Kallis isn't going to drop anchor, not with that asking rate. Expect him to play his shots at a run a ball"

6th over - SA 28-1
Classy cover drive brings Kallis four, then some good fielding by substitute fielder Chamara Kapugedera (not sure who he's on for) restricts him to a single to third man. Smith jabs a single, then it looks like he's calling for a replacement armguard. There's no slip in for Kallis but two catchers looking to cut off any more of those cover drives - but the all-rounder then goes the other way, forcing a four through mid-wicket.

From Tom (should be researching my PhD), Leicester, TMS inbox: "RE: 'the turgid middle overs', I would make a rule that says the batting side has to take their powerplay some time between the 20th and 35th over, if it isn't taken by then the 36th-40th (inclusive) overs become the batting powerplay. This stops the batting side taking the powerplay in the last 10 overs which are usually quite eventful anyway"

5th over - SA 18-1
Kallis nudges Mathews for a single, Sangakkara shuffles his field for the left-handed Smith. It's just singles at this stage for the experienced Proteas pair, but the required run rate has crept up from six towards seven.

From Craig, TMS inbox: "Not necessarily so Andrew (2nd over), it could have been a lift stating 16 people, but if among the England boys you had Bresnan and Sidebottom then I can quite easily imagine it overloading"

Sidey's not as, ahem, burly as Bresnan! Unless you mean that his hair could take up a lot of room!

4th over - SA 15-1
New batsman is Jacques Kallis, back in his regular number three slot after opening with Smith in the World Twenty20, which is probably the last time he picked up a bat in a competitive game before tonight. Kulasekara applauds his fielders as they race round to deny Smith any quick singles. Big cheers from the Centurion crowd as Smith on-drives for two before whipping one off his legs through mid-wicket for four.

From Pete in N. Yorks, TMS inbox: "RE: SpeakingCivilised (48th over) - nearly fell off my chair at thought of England 'going berserk'! Don't forget that SA got out of a 400+ mess against the Australians at a ground just a couple of miles north of Centurion not that long ago!"

3rd over - WICKET - Amla b Mathews 2 - SA 9-1
Interesting move by Sri Lanka - Malinga's off after one over, possibly for a change of ends, and Angelo Mathews joins the attack. He keeps it tight against the prodigiously-bearded Amla, who then drags one back onto his stumps trying to force it through the covers!

From Andrew Spratt, TMS inbox: "Re: James Anderson's Twitter - I bet that the lift stated "8 persons only"! Hope that kind of incompetence isn't an omen"

2nd over - SA 9-0
Right-arm seamer Nuwan Kulasekara takes the second over - and although he's been top of the world ODI bowling rankings for a while, I can't see his name without thinking of the rock group Kula Shaker. Are they still going? Amla nudges his first ball to fine leg for a single, they add two more singles and it's a steady but unspectacular start by the Proteas.

1st over - SA 6-0
Lasith Malinga takes (or rather slings) in the new ball, and Cap'n Smith gets his side under way by pushing a two through mid-wicket. The second slip is taken out - and with the predictability of night following day (eveen in a day-night match), Smith gets a thick edge through the now-vacant second slip area for four.

1743: While we wait for the South Africa innings, I just thought I should point you in the direction of some preview material on the site you may not have spotted. There's a team guide, a pictorial brief history of the Champions Trophy and an interview with ICC general manager of cricket David Richardson about the current state of 50-over cricket. Remember, there's no Herschelle Gibbs for South Africa as he has a rib injury, so Hashim Amla will open with Graeme Smith.

From Stuart, finishing work for the day in Rochester, TMS inbox: "At long last, some one-day cricket actually worth rushing home for. Why oh why can't England produce this sort of batting display… brilliant from Sri Lanka"

From Anonymous, via text on 81111: "Branded chokers before we even get to bat. How quickly the English forget their 6-1 drubbing at home"

1714: Right, give the page a cheeky little manual refresh and you'll see South Africa's target appear above. We're going to take a break between innings, but make sure you join us for the hosts' reply.

50th over - WICKET - Mathews b Steyn 15 - SL 319-8
Mathews clubs the penultimate ball to long-off, non-striker Muttiah Muralitharan scampers back for the second run and makes his ground. Mathews steps back to work the last ball away and is castled by a perfect yorker. So, South Africa will need 320 to win - but Sri Lanka may feel they could (or should) have got about 20 more.

49.4 overs - WICKET - Kulasekara run out 1 - SL 317-6
Steyn to bowl the last over - his first ball has Mathews swishing and missing. A slower bouncer is worked to fine leg for a single to bring new batsman Nuwan Kulasekara on strike. He steers his first ball for a single, then Mathews clubs the fourth ball of the over to long-on, they come back for a second run in a bid to get Mathews back on strike, and Kulasekara is well short at the bowler's end.

England fast bowler James Anderson on Twitter: "Now in Johannesburg. Very warm. An eventful start to the trip - 12 lads trying to fit in one lift and getting stuck for an hour!"

49th over - WICKET - Kandamby c Duminy b Parnell 6 - SL 314-6
Last over of the batting powerplay - Mathews and Kandamby can only manage singles off the first three balls as Parnell fires it into the blockhole, then left-handed Kandamby gives himself room to blast a four through the covers, where there's no boundary sweeper. But then Parnell picks up another wicket when Kandamby chips another catch to Duminy on the edge of the circle at mid-wicket.

From Tim, Glasgow, TMS inbox: "Re: Mr Davies [42nd over], what a brilliant yet simple idea! I would tune in for the middle overs alone for the sheer entertainment value of a Ponting bouncer!"

48th over - SL 307-5
Mathews is a capable striker of the ball with a strike rate of 70.85 in ODIs and 129.26 in Twenty20 internationals. He steers Steyn for two through square leg, before a well-run three gives Kandamby the strike - and he's bang in form, having made 42 not out, 15, 91 not out and 66 in his last four ODIs against Pakistan, New Zealand and India (twice). He's off the mark with a single, Mathews steps across and forces the last ball to fine leg for one to keep the strike.

From SpeakingCivilised on 606: "SA team has a solid batting line-up, but the 300+ chase is almost impossible without Gibbs. SL has a strong and balanced bowling unit. Now then, if SA lose this and NZ or England go berserk in one of the upcoming matches, SA will be out of the competition with two losses!"

Not that it would make them chokers or anything, of course...

47th over - SL 300-5
New batsman is Thilina Kandamby, who's the non-striker. Angelo Mathews, who came in at the fall of Jayawardene's wicket, gets a leading edge to force the hat-trick ball through the covers for two before driving the last ball to long-on for one.

46.4 overs - WICKET - Samaraweera c Van der Merwe b Parnell 37 - SL 297-5
They crossed on the catch, Samaraweera tries an unorthodox heave but it sails unerringly to RVDM at third man. Parnell on a hat-trick!

46.3 overs - WICKET - Jayawardene c Duminy b Parnell 77 - SL 297-4
Parnell's got to find his radar now if South Africa are to put the brakes on. Jayawardene edges a single to third man, Samaraweera adds another but then the former skipper holes out to cover.

46th over - SL 295-3
After a single from Samaraweera, Steyn bangs one in short and wide at Jayawardene, who hammers it through point for four. A single takes him to 71, Sam (I hope he won't mind me calling him that for brevity) steers another to reach 36. Another full toss is spanked through extra cover for a first-bounce four by the impressive Jayawardene, who then tips-and-runs a quick single to Duminy at cover but his throw misses the stumps - as most of South Africa's have today. Another productive over for the Lankans.

From Tim Haveron Jones, Maidenhead, TMS inbox: "So deep has my boredom grown with 50-over cricket in the last few years that I haven't been following the text comms on the Eng v Aus series - so I don't know if this subject has been covered much. But I suggest that the 50-over game needs either to be completely scrapped in favour of T20 double-headers - OR we need to go down the route, suggested by Sachin Tendulkar no less, of having four innings of 25 overs each. In theory that would guarantee a full day of attacking cricket, lots of runs and lots of wickets"

45th over - SL 283-3
Finally, umpire Ian "Gunner" Gould signals the batting powerplay, which will last for overs 45, 46, 47, 48 and 49. Parnell to bowl. Jayawardene keeps the score ticking with a straight-driven two and a single, then Samaraweera is "caught" at square leg... off a no-ball! They run one, and the no-ball earns Jayawardene a free hit - and he's "caught" at wide mid-on on the edge of the circle, running through for a quick single. So, two catches off successive balls and no wickets... Jayawardene rounds off the over by stepping across and jabbing the ball from a foot outside off stump, through long leg for four - then bashing a full toss to the same area for another four, his sixth. 15 off the first batting powerplay over, and that's also the century partnership.

From Hemant Dabasia, TMS inbox: "To solve the middle stage of the innings crisis, how about making each bowler bowl with the weaker hand. Or blindfolding the fielders"

44th over - SL 268-3
Finally the tarp's down and Sri Lanka can continue nibbling at Kallis for more singles. But I'm not jumping on the bandwagon by claiming they should have taken the powerplay earlier - if you look back, I wanted them to take it in the 16th over! Jayawardene brings up his 50th ODI fifty in style with a hoisted six over extra cover. Samaraweera hooks, it's in the air... but safely in the gap at mid-wicket and they run two.

1632: The delay continues, to the frustration of batsmen, fielders, spectators and text commentators alike. It looks like the sightscreen has broken - there's no way to remove the sponsor's logo from behind the bowler's arm, and some ground staff are now trying to affix a large black tarpaulin over the offending logo. I say "offending", it's an ICC official sponsor, but surely the whole point of having adverts on the sightscreens depends on them being able to "wibble" round promptly at the start of a new over? As if it holds up the game for 20 minutes or so like now, it's self-defeating.

From Thomas Moffatt, Douglas, Isle of Man, TMS inbox: "Re: James, Ascot [26th over] - England don't just win when they are underdogs, they'll either blunder over the line when they play the minnows or make a complete hash of it! Zimbabwe, when they had a competitive unit, regularly got the better of England; I remember Bangladesh, Canada and Namibia from past World Cups; the Irish lads gave them a scare a few weeks back; and we won't mention what happened in the first game of the World T20, it was enough to make Frank Spencer cringe"

43.1 overs - SL 258-3
Well, this is strange - strike bowler Steyn now won't be able to take his full quota of overs, he has four left as Kallis returns to bowl the 44th. He can mix up his pace well, although there's a very long delay after Jayawardene works the first ball for a leg bye - sightscreen problems?

From nigeweir on 606: "The runs are coming and this first match is going to get a score much higher than 300. Not sure the South Africans can get out of this mess. This Sri Lankan team is absolutely superb"

43rd over - SL 257-3
Still no powerplay taken, have they forgotten? Samaraweera steps to the off side to flick a four over his left shoulder, although I can't class that as a true "Dilscoop". Morkel's over yields three other singles, plus there's a Bopara/Shah-style mix-up which sees one batsman stranded in mid-pitch, but South Africa can't take advantage.

42nd over - SL 250-3
Samaraweera and Jayawardene knock Botha around for a two and four singles, although Samaraweera can't despatch a full toss to leg and misses the ball. Jayawardene has 45 from 43 balls, Samaraweera has 24 from 36.

From Mr Davies, Turgid opening batsman, TMS inbox: "To solve the problem of the turgid middle overs what about between the 21st and 30th overs each over is bowled by a different player expect the wicketkeeper? Which would guarantee some big hitting off the likes of Strauss, Dilshan and Ponting? As an opening batsmen I always liked the friendly 'everyone gets a bowl' matches but thought reversing the batting order was always a step too far!"

Er, Dilshan has 47 ODI wickets, he's a bit more than just a part-timer!

41st over - SL 244-3
It's eyes down for the last 10 overs - Sri Lanka are clearly discussing whether to take the powerplay, but decide not to just yet - so Albie Morkel returns for only his third over. Jayawardene helps the first ball down to fine leg for four, more good hustling between the wickets brings a couple of well-run twos.

From Adam Norburn, TMS inbox: "Re: Alex Coe's comment on the 'turgid middle overs' being livened up by a 'Shah-erplay' [see 37th over], from what I've seen over the last few weeks most of England's overs are used up on a 'Shower-play'!"

40th over - SL 234-3
Sri Lanka keep pushing the singles against Botha to bring up the fifty stand from 64 balls. When Jayawardene sweeps, than man Steyn sticks out a boot on the boundary rather than attempting another dive, and they run two. Some other cricket news just in - England's all-conquering women have named their squad to tour the West Indies in early November, and wicketkeeper/batter Sarah Taylor has been rested ahead of their subsequent tour of India and next spring's World Twenty20. Her place goes to Kent keeper Tamsin Beaumont.

39th over - SL 227-3
The luckless Parnell sees Jayawardene inside-edge just past his stumps and out of the reach of Boucher the poucher for four. Jaya scrambles a two to fine leg - three more singles make it nine from the over.

From Alex, disappointed at the end of his cricket season, in Holland, TMS inbox: "Mark, re the Windies' crisis, I find myself agreeing with the strikers. However, their board is bonkers in another way. Why not ask Sir Viv et al to don the shirts once again? Surely people would rather fork out for a bunch of has-beens (some of the world's greatest, at that) than watch a bunch of never-will-bes?"

38th over - SL 218-3
Kallis has Cap'n Smith in as a solitary (but wide) slip as Samaraweera forces a single off his legs, Jayawardene looks for two but is sent back. The former skipper then whips one through square leg for four, Dale Steyn dives at full stretch but misses the ball and his trousers partially come down as he lands. To add injury to insult, Steyn looks like he's injured his left shoulder in the field, he's holding it gingerly and the physio comes round to have a word. But he can throw from the deep with no problems, so it shouldn't hamper his bowling. Sri Lanka's right-handed pair keep plugging away with the singles.

From hortonforeng on 606: "If Sri Lanka don't get 300 then they would be severely disappointed! I reckon they should be looking at 350 with what they have left, but I have been proved wrong before (many many times)"

37th over - SL 210-3
Wayne Parnell is back for his sixth over, Jayawardene and Samaraweera are trying to force the pace with some quick singles. They still have a powerplay in reserve.

From Alex Coe, TMS inbox: "Re: 21st over, 'How do you improve the turgid middle overs' - I don't know about that but an obligatory five-over spell where the batsmen are not allowed to communicate with each other would level the playing field for England a bit. It could be named the 'Shah-erplay'"

36th over - SL 206-3
Smith rotates his bowlers again as the newly-slimmer Jacques Kallis returns, and Samaraweera steers a single to third man before Jayawardene works one to fine leg. Another good, tight over by Kallis.

From Rich, Gloucestershire, TMS inbox: "Re: Dan in Manchester [29th over]. So on the one hand we lose because the ECB imposes a schedule with too many games, but on the other hand England lose because they don't play as many ODIs as sub-continent sides? So I guess you're saying there's too much cricket... Or not enough"

35th over - SL 204-3
RVDM whips through his last over at the cost of four runs - he finishes with figures of 10-0-42-0. And some more entertainment news - never mind the West Indies' player dispute, there's also one within the ranks of the Sugababes. Just like the West Indies, they now have no-one left from their original line-up in their current squad.

34th over - SL 200-3
Steyn takes a rest with four more overs up his sleeve - Smith wants to get through more spin before the batting powerplay is taken, so Botha returns for his seventh over. After the singles continue, Jayawardene uses his experience with a well-placed late cut for four, and then nicks the strike with a single to bring up the mighty 200 for his side. Time for the compulsory ball change.

33rd over - SL 192-3
Van der Merwe is quickly through his penultimate over but Jayawardene and Samaraweera plunder five singles between them. Meanwhile, there are all sorts of fun and games going on at the ground - some kids are abseiling down a giant soft drinks bottle.

From Mr Angry, Shrewsbury, TMS inbox: "Re: Dan in Manchester [29th over]. I tend to agree with your principle, but on this occasion I am too angry with the players when it comes to one-dayers and feel entitled to moan. Be fair - we've been rubbish at ODIs for some time. However, I am far angrier with the ridiculous schedule imposed by the ECB and ridiculous England ticket prices"

32nd over - SL 187-3
Steyn keeps it tight as the Proteas look to put the squeeze on, just three singles and a wide are added to the score. And I've been asked to pass on some other big news from today... if you haven't heard, Chas and Dave have split up. Presumably there may be a minute's silence at Tottenham's next match.

31st over - SL 183-3
The accepted wisdom is that you can double the score after 30 overs to make an "acceptable" ODI total, but the boot is on the other foot now that Sri Lanka have lost both their in-form batsmen, and they may regret not taking the batting powerplay while both were in. RVDM continues for his eighth over, Jayawardene pushes a single and Samaraweera is off the mark too.

30th over - SL 181-3
New batsman is Thilan Samaraweera, who's celebrating his 33rd birthday. Great to see him fully recovered and back in international cricket having been shot in the leg when Sri Lanka's team bus was attacked in Lahore earlier this year. He plays out the rest of a wicket maiden from Steyn.

From Anonymous, via text on 81111: "I certainly hope the England boys are watching and learning from this. Who am I kidding though, probably playing five-a-side footy!"

29.1 overs - WICKET - Dilshan c Morkel b Steyn 106 - SL 181-3
With Duminy having done his job, he's off after one over and Steyn returns for another blast - the first ball of his new spell is short outside off stump, and Dilshan uppercuts it straight down the throat of Morkel, who sinks to his knees in relief at third man.

29th over - SL 181-2
New batsman is former captain Mahela Jayawardene, who completes a very experienced top four in Sri Lanka's line-up. He and Dilshan exchange singles, before Dilshan unleashes a brilliantly-timed cover-driven four. It just beats the diving AB de Villiers, who's usually so predatory in the covers.

From Dan, Manchester, TMS inbox: "We do love a good moan as England fans don't we? The ODI series was meaningless compared to the amazing Ashes win, and we are only a couple of players away from a side which can compete. Most of our key players were shattered thanks to the ludicrous schedule and then the media and the fans did their bit and suddenly we're no-hopers. Sub-continent teams in particular will always whip us at one-day as they play so much of it. Try getting behind the team for a change?"

28th over - WICKET - Sangakkara c & b Duminy 54 - SL 174-2
South Africa introduce their third spinner, off-break merchant JP Duminy, but Dilshan arrogantly blasts his first ball for four through extra cover to push this stand past 150. The opener steers Duminy for two through the covers and another four wide of short third man, this has woken the crowd back after a rather sleepy spell. Then, they're on their feet to applaud him as he forces a quick single off his legs to bring up his third ODI century off just 87 balls. But Duminy, so often a partnership-breaker, has done his job as Sanga gets a leading edge and pops him a return catch.

27th over - SL 163-1
Are the spinners going to bowl straight through here? Looks like it - oh, for a maverick powerplay, the equivalent of a Joker card in It's A Knockout. Finally we have our first boundary for seven overs (count 'em) as Dilshan executes a perfect orthodox sweep shot for four. Added to the regulation four singles, that's eight off the over.

26th over - SL 155-1
Sangakkara reaches his 50th ODI fifty from 69 balls with a delicately-placed single off Botha. The predictable four more singles are added, both sides seem on cruise control.

From James, Ascot, TMS inbox: "England only ever win as underdogs. They were underdogs for the Ashes which allowed them to win won. Thereby becoming favorites for the ODIs which they lost terribly. Thereby becoming underdogs here"

25th over - SL 150-1
Dilshan reaches 80 as he whips a single to long-on, it seems pretty pedestrian from Sri Lanka but you have to admit it, England would kill to reach 150 at the halfway stage of an ODI innings with only one wicket down.

From Gordon, Washington CC, via text on 81111: "Why do all international teams have hitters up the order who happen also to be proper batsmen except us?!"

24th over - SL 146-1
Botha enters his fifth over, more steady accumulation from the Sri Lankan pair. Once more, they feel taking two singles each from a Botha over is par for the course.

From Stefan, The Netherlands, TMS inbox: "I just can't shake the feeling that Bopara and Shah are going to come on any moment and ruin a decent start'"

23rd over - SL 142-1
Left-armer RVDM continues with his accurate spell - just three singles from the over. You know the drill. He has 0-12 from four overs.

From Oli, Jersey, via text on 81111: "The excitement created by Dilshan proves there is a place for the 50-over game, you just need to know how to play it!"

22nd over - SL 139-1
Sanga punches a single past the bowler, Dilshan chops one to third man and it's strike rotation rather than crash-bang-wallop. Mind you, if they were to take the batting powerplay sooner rather than later, presumably that would force Smith to take the spinners off.

From Grim, Up North, TMS inbox: "Have England left yet? If not they should stay at home and save the air fares - somewhere between no chance and absolutely no chance!'"

21st over - SL 134-1
RVDM continues to wheel away - his over yields three singles and a couple of leg byes. We've clearly reached the "turgid middle overs" which some commentators feel are the worst part of 50-over ODIs - but how do you change it? Allow bowlers to bowl more than 10 overs?

From capricornRookie on 606: "Fielding in Centurion at night is a nightmare. If Sri Lanka want to win this, they must get 350-plus and pray SA get a horrible start"

20th over - SL 129-1
A loud hooter outside my window signals the start of the Mattress Dominos. If you want to know the result... then watch Blue Peter. No spoilers here, you understand. Back at Centurion, Sangakkara pulls a short ball from Botha for four, and they add three more singles - this stand is now worth 113.

19th over - SL 122-1
Van der Merwe tosses it up as Dilshan and Sanga only pick up one single apiece.

From Johnners68, Dublin, TMS inbox: "Re: the finger licking fans [5th over], could it be said that they're having a 'Picnic at Hanging Box'"

18th over - SL 120-1
Sangakkara flicks Botha for a single, the momentarily becalmed Dilshan - now wearing a cap as I predicted - helps one round the corner to fine leg for one. They then add one more apiece.

From Wild Bill, TMS inbox: "What odds on Sri Lanka to break the world record against England at the same ground where Aus and SA shared 872 runs?"

17th over - SL 116-1
Some Zulu dancers provide entertainment during the drinks break - this being an ICC event, there are of course sponsor logos splashed over their shields and costumes. And we now have spin from both ends as left-arm spinner Roelof van der Merwe comes on as the sixth bowler. Dilshan jabs a single before signalling to the dressing-room for something. A cap, possibly? Sanga guides a single past mid-on, two more singles and that's a better over for the hosts.

From ATB, Worcester, TMS inbox: "Have drawn West Indies in the office sweepstake. Which was nice. Anyone know what the odds are on them winning if England are 16/1? Might be worth a cheeky fiver. Maybe not £100 though. Money to burn, some people"

16th over - SL 112-1
No batting powerplay just yet, though - and South Africa turn to spin in the shape of off-tweaker Johan Botha. Some good hustling from Sri Lanka (and a careless error from Botha, who fails to field the ball cleanly as it's returned to the bowler's end) brings Dilshan three more, Botha spins in a wide and then a no-ball. For the free hit, Sanga tries a Kevin Pietersen-style switch hit, it skies into the air and is "caught" at third man (would be fine leg to a right-hander), but as you can only be run out off a free hit and not dismissed in any other day, they run one. Dilshan adds another before pausing for a well-earned drinks break. He has 67, Sanga has 27.

From Albert, TMS inbox: "Sri Lanka to put one over SA. But India to take the lot"

15th over - SL 105-1
Sanga does well to rotate the strike in favour of the on-song Dilshan, but Kallis, bowling at about 80mph, looks like the one man capable of putting the skids on this run rate. Dilshan punches a single to mid-off to keep the strike - and if I were Sri Lanka, I'd be half-tempted to take the batting powerplay now - they could be out of sight if Dilshan can tee off for another five overs.

From Tom, Cirencester, TMS inbox: "So if this was England we would be about 22-4 off nine overs. I do hope that our boys are watching this and realising that you can actually play some decent shots and put pressure on the bowling side, instead of allowing pressure to build on ourselves and then deciding to give the opposition some catching practice"

14th over - SL 103-1
My attention is briefly drawn away from the game - looking out of the fifth-floor window next to me, there's an astonishing sight down on the ground here at BBC TV Centre. Apparently it's a world record attempt for Mattress Dominos (like human dominoes, but with a mattress behind each person to break their fall and knock over the next mattress in line). Bizarre. Dilshan brings up his 17th ODI fifty from 38 balls with his 11th four, then straight-drives a no-ball from Morkel back past him for four, earning himself a free hit! And he shows exactly what to do with a free hit - hoists it over cow corner for six! 16 from the over, and South Africa have problems.

From Colin, Newport, TMS inbox: "Kallis medium pace? You are only kidding, right Mark? He regularly touches 90mph and still has probably the best bowling action in the world. Collingwood is medium pace, Malcolm Nash was medium pace, Kallis is fast-medium at least"

13th over - SL 87-1
Dilshan crashes Kallis for another four through point. He has 44 from his first 33 balls. he then gets lucky as he attempts a hook but miscues the ball through the vacant slip cordon for four.

From Adam in York, TMS inbox: "No group containing this current England team can be deemed the 'Group of Death' no matter how strong the opposition. I'm just glad we're not in the same group as the 'West Indies Volunteers XI' as that impending defeat may be the straw that breaks the camel's back regarding my support of the England one-day team, and there have been a fair few straws in the last few years!"

12th over - SL 79-1
Parnell takes a rest as Smith turns to fourth seamer Albie Morkel, who may well be eyeing up these short boundaries when he comes in to bat. Dilshan square-cuts over point before guiding a single off his legs, and the singles are flowing as freely as the beer may be at Centurion this afternoon.

From John in rainy Manchester, TMS inbox: "Think it would be a good plan for us to tell the rest of the world that England also have a 'player dispute' situation. Would be better than admitting we had been spanked in the easiest group by our full strength team. Freddie and KP's absences can't be blamed for everything"

11th over - SL 72-1
With Dilshan and Sangakkara looking well set and going at seven an over, it's a brave decision by Proteas captain Graeme Smith to take the fielding powerplay, which means he can only have three fielders outside the circle for the next five overs. But Kallis keeps it tight for his skipper as just two singles come from the over.

From loopyrugbyfan77on 606: "Early days yet, but I wonder if Smith is worried? His three best bowlers, and probably most reliable are going for nearly 8, 11 and 6.5 respectively per over!"

10th over - SL 70-1
Parnell to continue against Dilshan, I wonder if that's a mistake, the right-hander dabs a single and then Sangakkara executes a clinical push back past the bowler for a well-run three. With fine leg up, he strokes another four off his legs and that's already the fifty stand up for these two. Another single from Sanga, Parnell has 0-39 from five overs.

From Rob Amos, London, TMS inbox: "The first eight overs has been more exciting than the entire England v Aus ODI series. This is how to start a limited-overs innings. England have to learn from this"

9th over - SL 62-1
With South Africa clad in similar tight green shirts to those they wore in the World Twenty20 in England, I have to report that Jacques Kallis looks like he's stayed off the pies for a while, he's noticeably trimmer than earlier this year and comes on as first change with his right-arm medium pace. Dilshan and Sanga plunder some ones and twos, while the skipper executes a perfectly-timed clip for four off his legs and forces another boundary through mid-wicket. With fast outfields and not particularly long boundaries, we should see plenty of fours and sixes on this ground. Maybe that's the idea.

From Koyomi on 606: "South Africa and Sri Lanka are favourites to get through to the semis from the group. but England and NZ will be watching this match and looking for weaknesses in either side so that they can take advantage when they play them"

8th over - SL 51-1
Dilshan continues his early assault, whacking Parnell for another four before unleashing his signature "Dilscoop" at a slower ball, kneeling down to scoop the ball straight back over the keeper's head for four while ducking his helmet out of the way! A single allows Sangakkara to join in the fun, square-driving the increasingly ragged Parnell for four to bring up fifty for his side. The left-armer sends down a ropey legside wide, and that may be the last we see of him for a while.

From Su-Yang Klotz, TMS inbox: "I put £100 yesterday on England winning the tournament at 16/1, so if they do somehow end up winning it I'll be off to South Africa... for the Football World Cup!"

NB BBC Sport does not endorse gambling, particularly on England (except the women's cricket team, who are a pretty good bet these days).

7th over - SL 37-1
South Africa are still pursuing an off-side line of attack, so anything veering towards the leg side is punished by Dilshan, who flicks consecutive boundaries off his legs and looks in great nick already, tickling a single to third man.

6th over - SL 28-1
Dilshan picks up Parnell's length well, blasting him for four through mid-wicket before knocking a quick single to Johan Botha at mid-on.

From Jason, Cambridge, TMS inbox: "On the 'group of death', maybe Group B should be the 'group of suicide'; after all, England, South Africa and the Kiwis have all been known to self-destruct in tournaments before... (maybe the Kiwis do this more in rugby)"

5th over - SL 23-1
Bizarrely, there are a few fans watching this game from a box suspended from a crane, where they are no doubt consuming plenty of grub supplied by the well-known fast food manufacturer whose name is emblazoned all over the hanging box. I won't tell you which one, but on an unrelated note, Dale Steyn is finger-licking good as he sends down a maiden to Sanga.

From placey1 on 606: "This would be a good start for a Twenty20, but the way SL are playing they could be all out for 250 in 34 overs"

4th over - SL 23-1
Sangakkara guides Parnell for a single to third man, Dilshan avoids a wide.

From Mark Eamon Stratton, TMS inbox: "Here in South Africa the excitement for this tournament is very high. We fully expect to win this one, to confirm our status as the number one side in the world! And no mentioning of choking please!"

3rd over - SL 21-1
Leftie replaces leftie as captain Kumar Sangakkara strides to the crease. He's off the mark with a single. Dilshan fences and misses like a man trying to swat an errant fly, but connects with another well-placed cover drive which sails through the quick outfield to the boundary.

2.2 overs - WICKET - Jayasuriya lbw b Steyn 10 - SL 16-1
Steyn tests Jayasuriya with a bouncer, then traps him on the front foot trying to force to leg... and he's gone!

2nd over - SL 16-0
Jayasuriya has the physio on to spray his hand between overs - Wayne Parnell to take the second over, and although the TV captions describe him as "right-arm slow medium", I can assure you he's left-arm fast-medium. He burst onto the scene at the World Twenty20 showing an uncanny ability to bowl tightly at the death, and also impressed during a brief spell with Kent this summer. But when he strays with his line, Jayasuriya aims an aggressive square cut which sails for four between cover and mid-off, before a more conventional drive finds the same boundary. Parnell then sends one down which starts wide and swings away, and a single completes an expensive over.

1st over - SL 6-0
Sri Lanka have played a lot of ODIs recently, including a tri-series with New Zealand and India - and the in-form Dilshan begins proceedings with a firm cover-driven four. A single brings the veteran Jayasuriya on strike - he has a large plaster across the v-neck of his shirt, and prods a single to third man.

1328: Dale Steyn to take the new ball for the hosts. Sri Lanka are opening up with Tillakaratne Dilshan, ready to "Dilscoop" the ball over the keeper's head at a moment's notice, and the seemingly ageless Sanath Jayasuriya, who's into his fifth decade. Umpires are Australia's Simon Taufel and England's Ian Gould - let the contest begin.

1326: Teams out on the field at Centurion for national anthems.

1325: Even though this is a mini-tournament with 15 games to dash through in a fortnight, there's another important nettle to grasp. Although there are only two groups, I'm pretty sure we have to designate one as the "Group of Death". So, is it Group A, with three strong teams (Australia, India and Pakistan) and a side I recently saw describes as the "West Indies Volunteers XI", or Group B, with South Africa and Sri Lanka, along with New Zealand and some team who's just been beaten 6-1 in an ODI series?

From Paul in Lancs, TMS inbox: "I'm so relieved that there's some proper cricket coming up, however one-day like. Following the Eng-Aus stuff has been like reading the Barchester Chronicles while waiting for the Thackeray to arrive in the post. And then there's the test series to come - EM Forster at last"

1319: Just a quick advisory - I'm afraid there's no Test Match Special for this tournament. There will be updates every 15 minutes during England's games on BBC Radio 5 live, while we'll be bringing you text commentaries on selected games - this one, all England's games, India v Pakistan, and the semi-finals and final. But it means we need you to get involved more than ever before - e-mail tms@bbc.co.uk (with "For Mark Mitchener" in the subject line), text 81111 (with "CRICKET" as the first word, so it doesn't get mixed up with football, F1 or Radio 1), or use 606.

1315: Here are the full teams:

South Africa: Graeme Smith (capt), Hashim Amla, Jacques Kallis, AB de Villiers, JP Duminy, Mark Boucher (wk), Albie Morkel, Roelof van der Merwe, Johan Botha, Wayne Parnell, Dale Steyn.

Sri Lanka: Sanath Jayasuriya, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Kumar Sangakkara (capt & wk), Mahela Jayawardene, Thilina Kandamby, Thilan Samaraweera, Angelo Mathews, Nuwan Kulasekara, Muttiah Muralitharan, Lasith Malinga, Ajantha Mendis.

1308: South Africa are playing two spinners, Roelof van der Merwe and Johan Botha, so that tells us the pitch should take spin. That will suit their opponents, who after all have the genius Muttiah Muralitharan and his protege Ajantha Mendis in their side.

1305: South Africa's Graeme Smith wins the toss and puts Sri Lanka in first. He fancies his chances of chasing down a target.

1300: Afternoon, everyone - and a very warm welcome to the ICC Champions Trophy 2009. With the organisers hoping to sprinkle a little magic from the two successful World Twenty20 tournaments in the last two years - while minimising the slow, drawn-out atmosphere that pervaded the 2007 World Cup.

So, we have 15 games of 50-over one-day international cricket over the next fortnight, contested by what should be the elite eight ODI teams. "Should" being the operative word, as West Indies' continuing player dispute means they've brought another patched-up squad - but we can still expect some keenly-fought encounters. Such as today's opening morsel - hosts South Africa against Sri Lanka.