ODI World Cup 2023, Match 4: South Africa vs Sri Lanka Match Preview

The fourth game of the ODI World Cup 2023 will feature a clash between South Africa and Sri Lanka at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on Saturday, October 7. Sri Lanka come into the game on the back of subpar performances in the warm-up games for the World Cup, and the side will be keen on improving against South Africa as they kick off their World Cup campaign.

Sri Lanka took on Bangladesh and Afghanistan in their two warm-up games but succumbed to a loss in both games. Furthermore, they lost against the Indian team in the summit clash of the recently concluded Asia Cup 2023 as well. As the World Cup approaches, it could be interesting to see how the side fares against South Africa.

On the other hand, South Africa has also not been able to accumulate positive results in the warm-up games as well. The Proteas took on Afghanistan and New Zealand in the warm-up games; the first game was abandoned, and South Africa lost their second warm-up game against New Zealand.

On the back of negative results in the warm-up games, the Proteas will look to put in a good showing against Sri Lanka as well in their first game of the World Cup.

SA vs SL Pitch and Conditions

The pitch at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi is one that is preferred by the spinners. A slow surface could be anticipated by the players, and the side batting second could have a major advantage in the game. Opting to bowl first after winning the toss can be a wise decision.

SA vs SL, Probable Playing XIs for ODI World Cup 2023, Match 4th

South Africa

Led by Temba Bavuma, South Africa will look to field their best possible lineup. The top order will depend on Quinton de Kock and Rassie van der Dussen, with the likes of Kagiso Rabada and Tabraiz Shamsi leading the bowling attack.

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 

Sri Lanka

Coming on the back of negative results in their recent games, it could be interesting to see how Sri Lanka bounce back as they gear up to kick off their World Cup campaign.

Kusal Perera, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dasun Shanaka (c), Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Dilshan Madushanka, Matheesha Pathirana.

SA vs SL Head-to-Head in ODIs