South Africa vs Sri Lanka, 1st ODI, Match Prediction – Weather Report, Pitch Conditions, Playing XIs and Live Streaming Details

The last three ODIs hosted by the venue went in favour of the chasing team.

Published - 02 Mar 2019, 18:17 IST | Updated - 02 Mar 2019, 18:17 IST

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A very people would have given Sri Lanka a chance of toppling South Africa in their own backyard. However, they soared above the expectations under the captaincy of Dimuth Karunaratne and managed to whitewash the Proteas 2-0. Hence, the Islanders would be high on confidence going into the five-match ODI series, which is scheduled to get underway tomorrow in Johannesburg.

After the shock defeat in the Tests, the Proteas won’t want another hiccup by any means. They won their erstwhile ODI series against Australia and Pakistan and would be keen to carry on with the winning momentum. The Lankans, on the other hand, were clean-swept by New Zealand in the overseas ODI series. With the visitors doing well, the upcoming series is expected to be a cracker.

Pitch and Conditions

The pitch at the New Wanderers Stadium has been a good one for batting and it remains pretty much the same throughout. Historically, the track has helped the team, batting second. The last three matches hosted by the venue went in favour of the chasing team. Therefore, it won’t spring much of a surprise if the teams opt to field first after winning the toss.

Team Combination

South Africa

In Hashim Amla’s absence, Reeza Hendricks would open the batting with Quinton de Kock followed by the calm and composed Rassie van der Dussen. Du Plessis would bat at four with the powerful David Miller next in. Andile Phehlukwayo and Dwaine Pretorius are the all-rounders. Dale Steyn, Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi are the pacers. The home team may not field Tahir and Shamsi together.

Probable XI

Quinton de Kock (WK), Reeza Hendricks, Rassie van der Duessen, Faf du Plessis (C), David Miller, Andile Phehlukwayo, Dwaine Pretorius, Dale Steyn, Imran Tahir/Tabraiz Shamsi, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi.

Sri Lanka

The left-handed duo of Upul Tharanga and Niroshan Dickwella are the openers. A lot would depend on the in-form Kusal Perera. The onus would also be on Oshada Fernando and Kusal Mendis in the middle order. With Thisara Perera lower down the order, the batting isn’t short of depth. Kasun Rajitha and Lasith Malinga are the fast bowlers. Dananjaya and Sandakan are the two specialist tweakers.

Probable XI

Upul Tharanga, Niroshan Dickwella (WK), Kusal Perera, Oshada Fernando, Kusal Mendis, Dhananjaya de Silva, Thisara Perera, Akila Dananjaya, Lasith Malinga (C), Kasun Rajitha, Lakshan Sandakan.