SA v SL, 2nd ODI Preview: Feeble Sri Lanka hopes to bounce back in Durban

A massive defeat at the Newlands in Cape Town ensured that the Sri Lanka team now has to take steps to ensure that there are no more beatings such as that. However, despite all of that, the Lankans will be certainly hoping that they also ensure that their star performers on the day will certainly come up trumps such as Kusal Mendis and other such players.

As far as AB de Villiers and his South African unit would be concerned, the fact of the matter is that they have impressed quite a bit with both bat and ball, making life difficult for their opponents each time they face up to their might. Moreover, the Lankans have not lost in Durban yet while the Proteas have won their last four matches on the bounce, something that will play on the minds of one and all.

Prelude

The backdrop of the second ODI at Durban witnesses the Lankans on perhaps their worst ever losing streak in ODIs while South Africa’s surge also culminates with the return of AB de Villiers. This return has done wonders while the spotlight on the Kolpak deals that some of the players have signed has taken the backseat at the moment. With history clearly expecting a South African win, it would seem rather easy to pick a favorite. However, cricket is a funny game wherein anything can happen.

A disjointed and discombobulated Lankan unit

Following the absence of Angelo Mathews via injury, the Lankans are in a massive spot of bother. Of course, the reinforcements such as Dinesh Chandimal and Upul Tharanga are certainly present as both backup and reinforcements, but the fact remains that the rest of the batsmen have simply failed to step-up and make a make a mark for themselves. Kusal Mendis and Dhanajaya de Silva will also be looking to take the saddle of responsibility in the grand scheme of things as well.

South Africa

The side that won at the Newlands in Cape Town is expected to be the same that will start once again at Kingsmead as well. Kagiso Rabada and Wayne Parnell will once again be itching to make their way right through the Lankan batting order while Farhaan Behardien is also expected to get his chance yet again. Quinton de Kock will have the spotlight on him while a few records look to be broken with both the bat and the gloves.

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka however, will be looking to make their mark in the ODI series after impressing quite a bit in the T20I series as well as clinching a win. The manner in which they were beaten in the first match ensures that there will be a long and hard discussion on who needs to come into the side. Lahiru Kumara, who impressed quite a bit in the Test series will be expected to make a start on the day.

Probable XI

South Africa:

AB de Villiers (C), Quinton de Kock (WK), Hashim Amla, Faf du Plessis, JP Duminy, David Miller, Farhaan Behardien, Wayne Parnell, Kagiso Rabada, Imran Tahir, Andile Phehlukwayo

Sri Lanka:

Upul Tharanga (C), Dinesh Chandimal (WK), Niroshan Dickwella, Sandun Weerakkody, Kusal Mendis, Dhanajaya de Silva, Asela Gunaratne, Nuwan Kulasekara, Jeffrey Vandersay, Suranga Lakmal, Lahiru Kumara

StAttack:

1. Nuwan Kulasekara requires 6 wickets to complete 200 ODI wickets. He will become only the fifth player to complete this feat for Sri Lanka.

2. Sri Lanka has not played at Kingsmead Durban since 2003. The last time they played here, the D/L method came into the picture to ensure that the match was tied. However, Sri Lanka has not won a single match at this venue.

3. As for South Africa, they have won all of their last four matches at this venue. The last time they lost an ODI here was against Pakistan in 2013.

4. Kagiso Rabada requires 6 wickets to complete 50 ODI wickets.

5. Quinton de Kock requires three dismissals to complete 100 ODI dismissals. AB de Villiers requires 2 to complete the same. However, it is highly unlikely that he will take this route.

6. The youngster de Kock also requires 116 runs to complete 3000 ODI runs. If he manages this, he will also add to his 11 centuries, something that not many wicketkeepers have done in the past.