Sri Lanka and South Africa will be up against each other in the first T20I of the three-match series at R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, on Friday (10 August). The ODI series ended with a scoreline of 2-1 in favour of the hosts.
Cricket South Africa (CSA) earlier confirmed that Keshav Maharaj will continue to lead the side in T20Is as well. This is going to be the first-ever T20I appearance for Maharaj. They will be boosted by the comeback of Quinton de Kock.
De Kock will open the innngs, alongside Aiden Markram. Reeza Hendricks, who replaced the injured Temba Bavuma, is likely to retain his place at No. 3. Hendricks notched a half-century in the second ODI. Anrich Nortje and Kagiso Rabada will lead the pace attack.
For Sri Lanka, this is going to be the dress rehearsals for ICC T20 World Cup. There have been a few positive signs for them ahead of the showpiece event. Wanindu Hasaranga and Dushmantha Chameera have cemented their position in the side. Charith Asalanka's performance with the bat has been encouraging.
Kusal Perera is likely to feature in the opening clash. He will open the innings with Avishka Fernando. Kamindu Mendis, Asalanka and Dhananjaya de Silva forms the crux of the middle-order.
Betway Fantasy Tips
- Among bowlers, pick Tabraiz Shamsi, Dushmantha Chameera and Kagiso Rabada.
- Heinrich Klassen and Quinton de Kocshould be two wicket-keepers of the side.
- Avishka Fernando, Aiden Markram and Charith Asalanka are idea batting options.
Probable XI
Sri Lanka: Kusal Perera, Avishka Fernando, Kamindu Mendis, Dhananjaya de Silva, Charith Asalanka, Dasun Shanaka (c), Wanindu Hasaranga, Dushmantha Chameera, Chamika Karunaratne, Praveen Jayawickrama, Maheesh Theekshana
South Africa: Quinton de Kock, Aiden Markram, Reeza Hendricks, Rassie van der Dussen, David Miller, Heinrich Klassen, Tabraiz Shamsi, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Bjorn Fortuin, Anrich Nortje
Prediction:
South Africa to take an early 1-0 lead in the series.
Blitzpools Fantasy Team
Quinton de Kock (c) , Heinrich Klassen, Aiden Markram, Dasun Shanaka, Avishka Fernando, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Wanindu Hasaranga (vc), Tabraiz Shamsi, Dushmantha Chameera, Kagiso Rabada
