Sri Lanka Vs South Africa, Kotla, New Delhi - ICC Men's CWC 2023; Match Preview
Sri Lanka only made the ICC Men's CWC 2023 after winning a gruelling Qualifier Tournament. They also reached the final of the recently concluded Asia Cup but were battered by India in the finals. South Africa are coming off a come from behind 3-2 series win against the Aussies.
Sri Lankan batting has left a lot to be desired recently beginning from their abject collapse in the Asia Cup final. They will hope dashing opener Kusal Perera is fit to start else Dimuth might open who is a waste of space in this format. Nissanka needs to carry on and play a long innings. Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama and Charith Asalanka shore up the middle order and have all been in good form recently. Dasun Shanaka needs to step up with the bat after a string of low scores recently.
The bowling too has had its ups and downs with the injuries not helping either. Hasaranga and Chameera are out and Theekshana has just joined the team after coming back from injury. Two out of Kumara/ Pathirana/ Madhushanka will probably start along with the young sensation Wellalage. Dasun, Dananjaya and Asalanka need to chip in with the ball as well.
The Proteas batting has looked very good with QDK and Bavuma making big runs against Australia while Markram, Klassen and Miller scored heavily in the series as well. Van der Dussen is likely to slot in at number 3.
The Protea bowling line up like a little thin, at least on paper. Rabada and Ngidi should start along with the tall left arm pacer Marco Jensen. Maharaj and Shamsi should be their spin options with Markram more than capable to chip in with the ball as well.
Key Battles: Sri Lanka vs South Africa
Kusal Perera and Pathum Nissanka Vs Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi
Temba Bavuma Vs Dilshan Madhushanka
Heinrich Klassen and Aiden Markram Vs Dunith Wellalage
With each game likely to be very important in order to secure a semi final spot, this match already becomes very important for both South Africa and Sri Lanka. A slip up here and tougher tests in England, Australia, India await. Both teams will want to start with a win to ease into the long tournament.
Probable Sri Lanka XI
Kusal Perera, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Dananjaya de Silva, Dasun Shanaka, Dunith Wellalage, Dushan Hemantha, Maheesh Theekshana, Kasun Rajitha/ Dilshan Madhushanka, Lahiru Kumara
Probable South Africa XI
Quinton de Kock, Temba Bavuma, Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klassen, David Miller, Marco Jensen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Tabraiz Shamshi
Top 5 Fantasy Picks for Sri Lanka v South Africa at Kotla, New Delhi
Kusal Mendis
Quinton de Kock
Charith Asalanka
Dunith Wellalage
Marco Jensen
The match will start at 02.00 PM IST (streamed live on Disney Hotstar app & on TV on Star Sports 1)
Who will come out on top in this mouth watering clash?
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