ODI World Cup 2023: South Africa's strongest predicted playing XI against Sri Lanka

The fourth game of the ODI World Cup 2023 will feature a clash between South Africa (SA) and Sri Lanka (SL) at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on Saturday, October 7. South Africa will be keen on putting in a good performance and clinching their first game.

The side failed to get positive results in the warm-up games as they lost to New Zealand by seven runs (DLS) while their game against Afghanistan was washed out. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka lost both their warm-up games as Bangladesh beat them seven wickets while Afghanistan by six wickets (DLS). Both the teams will be hopeful that the story will be different in the main round of the World Cup. 

Here's South Africa’s predicted XI against Sri Lanka:

Openers: Temba Bavuma (c), Quinton de Kock (wk)

Skipper Temba Bavuma will be leading from the front for the Proteas. Opening the innings, Bavuma will look to propel his side to a thundering start against Sri Lanka. With 1367 runs in 30 ODIs, Bavuma has proven himself on the biggest stage and he will look for the best version of himself in the tournament.

Wicketkeeper-batter Quinton de Kock will be alongside Bavuma, opening the innings. De Kock could prove to be one of the most influential players for South Africa as he carries with him a vast amount of experience having played 145 ODIs and scored 6176 runs for his team.

Also Check: Most Runs in ODI World Cup 2023

Middle Order: Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller

South Africa’s middle order is a force to be reckon with. The experience of Rassie van der Dussen will help the side stabilise itself. With 1874 runs in 49 ODIs at an average of 56.78 runs, van der Dussen’s performance could be key for the Proteas.

One of the most brilliant batters in the side, Aiden Markram, will look to perform at the peak of his abilities as well. He is one of the most in-form batters for the side, with 515 runs in his last nine games. Markram will be a virtual leader on the field and could be one of the highest run-getters.

The duo of Heinrich Klassen and David Miller will look to power through the Proteas’ innings. With 1323 runs in 41 ODIs, Klassen has established himself as one of the most consistent middle-order batters in the format. On the other hand, Miller’s repertoire with the bat is something that needs no introduction.

All-rounder: Marco Jansen

Bowling all-rounder Marco Jansen could come out to be one of the most important players for South Africa. With 15 wickets in his last 10 games, Jansen has been in superb form with the ball. He is just as efficient with the bat as well.

Bowlers: Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi, and Lungi Ngidi

Boasting a perfect blend of both pace and spin attack, South Africa’s bowling lineup completes the squad and provides them with the best chance of going far into the tournament. The 33-year-old Keshav Maharaj will look to put in his best spells and get breakthroughs as quickly as possible. Having played 31 ODIs for South Africa so far, Maharaj has taken 37 wickets at an economy of 4.69.

Kagiso Rabada requires no introduction. With his lethal pace, Rabada has terrorised even the best batters in world cricke and has taken 144 wickets in 92 ODIs. He will look to add to his tally in the World Cup and responsibility on his shoulders increases in the absence of Anrich Nortje, who has been ruled out of the tournament with an injury.

Also Check: Most Wickets in ODI World Cup 2023

Star spinner Tabraiz Shamsi could be yet another player who could make a big impact for South Africa in the tournament. Shamsi has taken 12 wickets in his last six matches, and he will look to keep up his performances on Indian pitches.

Lungi Ngidi has established himself as one of the best players in the side. With 78 wickets in 48 ODIs, he is another important player in South Africa's ranks with ample of experiece.

South Africa’s predicted XI: Temba Bavuma (c), Quinton de Kock (wk), Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi, and Lungi Ngidi