South Africa vs Sri Lanka, 4th ODI, Preview: Proteas look to rejig their batting line-up in search of answers

Hashim Amla won't be a part of the last two games.

Published - 12 Mar 2019, 20:35 IST | Updated - 12 Mar 2019, 20:35 IST

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Three back-to-back wins for South Africa in the five-match series means that they have the cushion now to experiment with their players. With two more games to go in this series, a lot of questions still remain unresolved for the hosts. Their batting has only been all about Quinton de Kock and Faf du Plessis in this series. Rest of the men haven’t been able to perform to their full capacity causing an alarming concern.

Thus, this has prompted the management to make a few changes to their squad for the last two games. Meanwhile, batting has been the problem for Sri Lanka as well. No one has been able to be the x-factor for the team which is highly disappointing. It is important for the skipper Lasith Malinga to lead the team from the front and inspire everyone with his performances.

Team Combinations

South Africa

South Africa brought back Hashim Amla, JP Duminy, and Aiden Markram into their side. However, Hashim ruled himself out of the last two games due to family concerns. Markram has been scoring consistently in domestic cricket and should look to replicate his form at the highest level. Duminy, after all the injuries, proved his fitness by playing a professional game. He will add strength to the batting order and provide addition bowling option. Anrich Nortje is likely to come into the eleven replacing Tabraiz Shamsi.

Predicted XI: Quinton de Kock (WK), Aiden Markram, Faf du Plessis (C), Rassie van der Dussen, JP Duminy, David Miller, Dwaine Pretorius, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Imran Tahir.

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka could give Avishka Fernando another opportunity. Kusal Perera injured himself while fielding in the third ODI and Dhananjaya de Silva will replace him. The remaining side could be the same as it was in the last match. The management will look at bringing Vishwa Fernando back into the eleven in place of Kasun Rajitha. Angelo Perera might have to wait a little longer to make his debut.

Predicted XI: Niroshan Dickwella (WK), Avishka Fernando, Oshada Fernando, Kusal Mendis, Dhananjaya de Silva, Thisara Perera, Kamindu Mendis, Akila Dhananjaya, Lasith Malinga (C), Isuru Udana, Kasun Rajitha/Vishwa Fernando.

Focus will be on

Quinton de Kock (South Africa)

Quinton de Kock has been in scintillating form in this series. In just three games, he already mustered 296 runs at an average of almost 99. After missing out twice (once on 81, once on 94), he finally broke the shackles and registered a terrific ton in the third ODI. The wicket-keeper batsman will be eager to carry on with the good form.

Lasith Malinga (Sri Lanka)

The Sri Lankan skipper hasn’t been anywhere near to inspirational with his performances. In three games, he only managed to pick three wickets and went on to concede runs at a fair clip. Two of his wickets came while playing in favourable conditions in the second ODI. Malinga will have to step up and yield better performances in the upcoming game.