South Africa vs Sri Lanka, 1st ODI, Preview: Islanders look to emulate their success in the shorter format

Oshada Fernando could be handed his maiden ODI cap.

Published - 02 Mar 2019, 16:11 IST | Updated - 02 Mar 2019, 16:11 IST

3 Min Read

Post the India-Australia match, the cricket fans will continue to stay entertained as South Africa face Sri Lanka on Sunday. Although there might not have been great expectations on this five-match ODI series a few days ago, the kind of cricket the visitors played in the Tests brings about a great deal of excitement. The Lankans played an amazing brand of cricket in the practice game against the South Africa Invitation XI.

They managed to chase down 305 runs in 41 overs and all the batsmen had a great outing. Thus, the Asian team will be a confident unit heading into the series opener. They are only scheduled to play two ODIs against Scotland and then the warm-up games before the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019. Therefore, it is apparently their last chance to figure out the best combinations heading into the mega-tournament.

For the Proteas, this is the last set of ODI games they play before the World Cup. The side just about managed to win the series against Pakistan 3-2. They more or less have their combinations settled. This is the opportunity for them to press the peddle and bring out some dominating performances and get some belief under their belt going forward.

Team Combinations

South Africa

Hashim Amla isn’t a part of the squad for the first three ODIs. So, it would be Quinton de Kock who will open along with Reeza Hendricks. Rassie van der Dussen, Faf du Plessis and David Miller will take the responsibility of the middle-order. The home team might play both Andile Phehlukwayo and Dwaine Pretorius in the first game. Dale Steyn, Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi will be the bowlers along with either Imran Tahir or Tabraiz Shamsi.

Predicted 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

Sri Lanka also has made plenty of changes to their squad for the last ODI series against New Zealand. Upul Tharanga will be back opening the innings. However, the veteran has got to be on his toes given that there is some stiff competition from Avishka Fernando. He could be opening with Niroshan Dickwella while the Kusal brothers will continue in the middle-order. Oshada Fernando could be handed his debut while off-spinner Akila Dhananjaya is back in the mix.

Predicted XI: Upul Tharanga, Niroshan Dickwella (wk), Kusal Perera, Oshada Fernando, Kusal Mendis, Dhananjaya de Silva, Thisara Perera, Akila Dhananjaya, Lasith Malinga (c), Kasun Rajitha, Lakshan Sandakan.

Focus will be on

Rassie van der Dussen (South Africa)

A late bloomer in international cricket, Rassie van der Dussen has made great inroads in ODI cricket. He looked great in his first five games with 241 runs at an average of 120.5. The 30-year-old is a potential game changer and is pretty much a part of South Africa’s World Cup plans. This will be a critical series for Dussen.

Kusal Perera (Sri Lanka)

Kusal Perera played one of the greatest Test innings just a few days ago. He is hitting the ball well and seems to be in a great frame of mind. He will have a crucial role to play in this series along with Kusal Mendis. Perera has got to work on his consistency if he is to evolve as one of the regular match-winners for Sri Lanka.