CT 2017: South Africa v Sri Lanka, Game 3 – Match Result Predictions

The 3rd match of the ICC Champions Trophy will feature South Africa take on Sri Lanka at the Kennington Oval in London. The two previous matches in the tournament have produced high-scoring encounters. The last game on this ground also witnessed both teams scoring in excess of 300. There are high chances that this clash will also see something of that sort. Both sides are well equipped to live up to the standards set by the earlier teams.

The Proteas will enter the tournament after losing the 3-match ODI series against England. The result of 2-1 in the favor of England does not give an indication of how well South Africa played. A bit of luck on their side could have had the same result in their favor. Nevertheless, they have to move on from the loss and make the most of what lies ahead. They haven’t managed to win big ICC Events but this year, with the side they possess, they could just go the distance.

Sri Lanka, on the other hand, walk into the tournament with the tag of being the underdogs. They don’t have too many big names in the squad and are still going through the transition phase. In the 2 warm-up matches, they managed to amass scores of 318 and 356 while batting first. But on both occasions, the opposition chased the total down which shows that the bowlers haven’t backed up the good work done by the batsmen. Not too many give Sri Lanka a chance to make it to the semi-final but the team can’t be taken lightly at any stage.

Here is what Crictracker predicts for the game:

Scenario 1: South Africa wins the toss

Toss prediction: South Africa will choose to bowl first

First innings score prediction: 300-310

Result prediction: South Africa will win the match by 7 wickets with 2 overs to spare

Scenario 2: Sri Lanka wins the toss

Toss prediction: Sri Lanka will choose to bowl first

First innings score prediction: 350-360

Result prediction: South Africa will win the match by 40-50 runs

Head to Head Record

Overall: Total Matches – 65, South Africa Won – 34, Sri Lanka Won – 29, No Result/Tied – 2

Matches in England: Total Matches – 4, South Africa Won – 3, Sri Lanka Won – 1

There is not too much in it when it comes to the head to head record in ODI cricket between the two sides. But the conditions in England will favor the South African side more than Sri Lanka’s. On paper, the Proteas appear stronger and if they play to their potential, they shouldn’t have too much difficulty in winning their first match of the Champions Trophy.

Playing Combinations

South Africa:

South Africa have one of the best opening pairs in the tournament. Hashim Amla brings in the calmness and Quinton de Kock provides the exuberance of youth. The powerful trio of Faf du Plessis, AB de Villiers and JP Duminy would play a key role in the middle-order. David Miller and Chris Morris can cut lose during the slog overs. All the bases seem to be covered in the batting line-up and if they all chip in, they will be able to achieve just about any target.

The pace department would be led by the 22-year-old Kagiso Rabada. He struck form in the last match of the ODI series against England where he bagged 4 wickets. Wayne Parnell was a touch expensive but his ability to bowl at the death and slight expertise with the bat can put him in the XI. Andile Phehlukwayo might get a nod ahead of Morne Morkel due to his batting skills. The choice between Imran Tahir and Keshav Maharaj will be tough but the latter might get an edge ahead due to the decent run against England.

Predicted XI: Hashim Amla, Quinton de Kock(wk), Faf du Plessis, AB de Villiers(c), JP Duminy, David Miller, Chris Morris, Wayne Parnell, Andile Phehlukwayo, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj

Sri Lanka:

The batting line-up did well in the 2 warm-up matches. Niroshan Dickwella got two good starts and Upul Tharanga slammed a hundred against New Zealand. The number 3 batsman Kusal Mendis also found some form. A lot will depend on the experienced duo of Dinesh Chandimal and Angelo Matthews as they are the best batsmen in the side and need to put in consistent performances throughout the tournament. The power hitters Asela Gunaratne and Thisara Perera will play the role of the finishers.

The big worry lies in the bowling department. They’ll be glad to have the services of Lasith Malinga but there is no doubt about the fact that he is well past his peak. Nuwan Pradeep has had a good time so far in the country and will be expected to lead the attack. Suranga Lakmal is experienced and needs to bring in every bit of it. Then the spinner’s slot is expected to be occupied by Lakshan Sandakan given the surprise element he brings with chinaman bowling.

Predicted XI: Niroshan Dickwella(wk), Upul Tharanga, Kusal Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal, Angelo Matthews(c), Asela Gunaratne, Thisara Perera, Suranga Lakmal, Nuwan Pradeep, Lasith Malinga, Lakshan Sandakan

The South African side looks a lot more explosive and balanced than the Sri Lankan. The Proteas have some heavily experienced personnel in the team which could well be the deciding factor in the clash between the two sides.

South Africa are powerful in all the departments of the game and the clear favorites to win the match.

You can follow the live scores of the match here

Do let us know your predictions in the comments section below.