South Africa vs Sri Lanka, 2nd ODI, Preview: Hosts look to continue the vengeance in the 50-over format

They may consider replacing Vishwa Fernando with either of Kasun Rajitha or Isuru Udana.

Published - 05 Mar 2019, 13:44 IST | Updated - 05 Mar 2019, 13:44 IST

2 Min Read

The win in the first ODI against Sri Lanka turned out to be a cakewalk for South Africa. This victory came as a huge sigh of relief, especially after the embarrassing defeats in the Test series. Skipper Faf du Plessis led his team from the front after promoting himself up the batting order. The 34-year-old registered his 11th ODI century in the process. Moreover, the Proteas didn’t even play their full-strength squad in the game with the likes of Dale Steyn and Andile Phehlukwayo warming the bench.

Beating all the odds and crushing the opposition that dominated you until a few days ago will give the home team a lot of confidence. For Sri Lanka, they never managed to find the right momentum. Batsmen threw away the good starts and the bowlers had hardly anything to defend. However, they will be eyeing at bouncing back soon and will want to prove that the Test wins were no fluke.

Team Combinations

South Africa

The Proteas might look to get back the players whom they’ve rested for the first ODI. Thus, if they choose to bring Andile Phehlukwayo in, only one player between Dwaine Pretorius and Wiaan Mulder can play. Also, they could opt to rope Dale Steyn back into the side in place of Kagiso Rabada as the latter needs some rest. The remaining line-up is expected to be the same and Anrich Nortje might get another opportunity.

Predicted XI: Quinton de Kock (wk), Reeza Hendricks, Rassie van der Duessen, Faf du Plessis (c), David Miller, Andile Phehlukwayo, Dwaine Pretorius/Wiaan Mulder, Dale Steyn/Kagiso Rabada, Imran Tahir, Anrich Nortje, Lungi Ngidi.

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka are likely to go in with almost the same eleven. With the World Cup not far away, they will back the current group of players to come good. Upul Tharanga and Niroshan Dickwella will have to deliver this time. Also, the expectations of the middle-order will be high. They will consider replacing Vishwa Fernando with either of Kasun Rajitha or Isuru Udana.

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

Focus will be on

Faf du Plessis (South Africa)

The South African skipper played a fine knock in the last match and proved himself with a blistering century. He will yet again be an important part of the batting line-up going forward. His captaincy was spot on in the first ODI and there will be a lot of eyes following him up keenly to see if he can exhibit greater levels of consistency.

Oshada Fernando (Sri Lanka)

Watching Oshada Fernando bat in the previous game was pleasing to the eye. It never seemed as if he was playing his debut game and has got all shots in the book. With a great technique, he could turn out to be an important member in the Sri Lanka line-up in the upcoming World Cup. It was unfortunate for him to have ended his innings with a suicidal run-out when he was one short of his maiden half-century. Fernando will hope to reach the landmark in the second ODI.