The three-match ODI series between Sri Lanka and South Africa will get underway on 2 September, at R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo. While Sri Lanka are at 11th in the ODI Super League points table with two wins in 11 games, South Africa are just ahead of them, after winning twice in five completed matches.
Sri Lanka have lost their last four ODI rubbers, though they enjoyed a 2-1 series win in their last limited-overs series, T20Is against India last month. South Africa have not been in great form either. They won once in their last four ODI assignments and drawn twice.
Sri Lanka have recalled Dinesh Chandimal and Nuwan Pradeep, who last played in West Indies this March. They may still be benched for the series opener, as Dasun Shanaka is unlikely to flirt with the winning combination from their last match against India. Charith Asalanka and Wanindu Hasaranga, who had been excellent in that series, will be in focus.
South Africa will be without Quinton de Kock in the ODIs. Janneman Malan, who enjoyed his last trip in Ireland in the 50-over format, will open with captain Temba Bavuma. They will heavily rely on Rassie van der Dussen and Aiden Markram, as David Miller will miss the series due to a hamstring injury.
Lungi Ngidi has opted out for personal reasons, but South Africa’s bowling unit, featuring Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje and Tabraiz Shamsi, has one of the strongest cores in world cricket. This is going to be an interesting contest between them and Sri Lanka, who bat deep.
Head to Head
South Africa have met Sri Lanka 77 times in ODIs. They have won 44, and lost 31.
Betway Fantasy Tips
– Bet on South Africa if they bat first. Make Malan captain.
– Hasaranga can produce good value with both bat and ball. Make him vice-captain.
– Include the S0uth African trio of Rabada, Nortje, and Shamsi. They are genuine wicket-taking options.
Probable XIs
Sri Lanka: Dasun Shanaka (c), Minod Bhanuka (wk), Avishka Fernando, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Dhananjaya de Silva, Charith Asalanka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamika Karunaratne, Akila Dananjaya, Dushmantha Chameera, Praveen Jayawickrama.
South Africa: Temba Bavuma (c), Heinrich Klaasen (wk), Janneman Malan, Aiden Markram, Rassie van der Dussen, Kyle Verreynne, Dwaine Pretorius, George Linde, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Tabraiz Shamsi.
Prediction
South Africa should win this match.
BlitzPools Fantasy XI
Minod Bhanuka, Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, Charith Asalanka, Dasun Shanaka, Janneman Malan (c), Wanindu Hasaranga (vc), Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Tabraiz Shamsi, Chamika Karunaratne.
