The last few days have not been a smooth ride for South Africa. Quinton de Kock's refusal to take the knee created a stir. However, things fell in place after de Kock offered an apology, and agreed to kneel ahead of the match. He will be back in the side as an opener when South Africa take on Sri Lanka, on 30 October.
Both sides recently met in a T20I series, on Sri Lankan soil, which South Africa clean swept 3-0. De Kock was South Africa's best batter in that series. Keshav Maharaj, who debuted – and led – in that series, has now cemented his spot as a second spinner, alongside Tabraiz Shamsi.
South Africa will head into the contest off an eight-wicket win over West Indies. Maharaj bowled a frugal spell in that match, conceding just 24 runs and picking up two wickets to boot.
Reeza Hendricks, who was a late addition as a replacement for de Kock, scored 39 in 30 balls, and is likely to retain his place in the playing XI. Heinrich Klaasen is likely to make way for him.
Sri Lanka, on the other hand, were let down by their batting unit. Against Australia, they totalled 154/6 in 20 overs. Their openers have done well in phases, but not as a pair. Pathum Nissanka has failed to score anything substantial ever since his half-century against Ireland. Dushmantha Chameera and Lahiru Kumara (48 in three overs) were expensive against Australia.
The spin duo of Maheesh Theekshana and Wanindu Hasaranga will be the key to Sri Lanka's success in this match. Theekshana will look to exploit de Kock's weakness against off spin.
Betway Fantasy Tips
- Shamsi has so far picked up 29 wickets this year, and he shouldn't be ignored.
- Hasaranga has been among the most productive players for Sri Lanka. You can even make him captain.
- Among wicketkeepers, pick both de Kock and Kusal Perera.
Probable XIs
South Africa: Temba Bavuma (c), Quinton de Kock (wk), Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Reeza Hendricks, Dwaine Pretorius, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Anrich Nortje, Tabraiz Shamsi
Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera (wk), Charith Asalanka, Avishka Fernando, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Wanindu Hasaranga de Silva, Dasun Shanaka (c), Chamika Karunaratne, Dushmantha Chameera, Lahiru Kumara, Maheesh Theekshana
Blitzpools Fantasy Team
Quinton de Kock (vc), Kusal Perera, Aiden Markram, Charith Asalanka, Rassie van der Dussen, Dwaine Pretorius, Wanindu Hasaranga (c), Anrich Nortje, Maheesh Theekshana, Tabraiz Shamsi, Keshav Maharaj