Sri Lanka Vs South Africa, Match Preview
Sri Lanka used spin well to choke the South African team, similar to how New Zealand are currently struggling in Bangladesh. While the struggle was nowhere near as bad in Sri Lanka, the idea of using spin to choke teams in the subcontinent is gaining ground. While the bowling was good, Sri Lanka will be pleased with the way they batted and put up a score of 301. The performance was a clear improvement and helped them secure points in the ODI Super League. While the batting was great the way the bowling held its cool under pressure is another admirable point in the Sri Lanka team.
There are signs of the Sri Lankan side improving after they did well against India recently and South Africa now. They seem to be getting back to winning ways and will be hoping to take this confidence into the World Cup qualifiers.
South Africa were not too far away from victory themselves, fighting till the end and losing by fourteen runs. The bowling was expensive but the batting looked good up front. Aiden Markram was brilliant while Malan also did a good job at the top.
South Africa however have another issue to contend with. Captain, Temba Bavuma has been ruled out of the series with a finger injury. With Quinton De Kock and David Miller not on tour the side is more experienced and will have to work hard to find themselves in the series. Keshav Maharaj is going to lead the side and he has an experience of twelve ODIs.
Sri Lanka Vs South Africa, Team News
Sri Lanka are unlikely to mess with a winning competition. The top-order did a good job and with the batting coming good, Sri Lanka will look to give the current combination a decent run.
South Africa are without Temba Bavuma and in his place Reeza Hendricks seems like the ideal replacement.
Sri Lanka Vs South Africa, Predicted XIs
Sri Lanka (possible): 1 Avishka Fernando, 2 Minod Bhanuka (wk), 3 Bhanuka Rajapaksa, 4 Dhananjaya de Silva, 5 Charith Asalanka, 6 Dasun Shanaka (capt.), 7 Wanindu Hasaranga, 8 Chamika Karunaratne, 9 Akila Dananjaya, 10 Dushmantha Chameera, 11 Praveen Jayawickrama
South Africa (possible): 1 Janneman Malan, 2 Reeza Hendricks, 3 Aiden Markram, 4 Rassie van der Dussen, 5 Kyle Verreyne, 6 Heinrich Klaasen (wk), 7 Andile Phehlukwayo, 8 Keshav Maharaj (capt.), 9 Kagiso Rabada, 10 Anrich Nortje, 11 Tabraiz Shamsi
Sri Lanka Vs South Africa, Players to Watch out for
Avishka Fernando
Avishka Fernando was spectacular in the first ODI. He set the tone for Sri Lanka his success is crucial if Sri Lanka are to put runs on the board. Early on, Fernando had the tendancy to get out after a solid start but seems to have overcome his issues in the last few games. With three good scores behind him, Fernando is in good form and will look to take the attack to the South African bowlers again.
Tabraiz Shamsi
With the side short of experience, South Africa will likely turn to the likes of Tabraiz Shamsi in the hope that he sets the game up for them with the ball. He has only played twenty-eight ODIs but his experience in T20 Cricket and franchise Cricket will come in handy as Sri Lanka look to come back. Shamsi is currently the number one T20 bowler but struggled in the first ODI. Going by his hunger, Shamsi will be eager to fightback in the upcoming fixture and break the game open in the middle-overs for South Africa.
Sri Lanka Vs South Africa, Pitch and Conditions The pitch will assist the spinners and bowlers who can mix up their pace again. Batting first will be a better option as contending with a slow surface will be difficult on a slow pitch. Thunderstorms are expected so there could be rain delays over the course of the game.
