Sri Lanka vs South Africa, 4th ODI: Match Predictions – Who will win the match Sri Lanka or South Africa?

The fate of the ongoing ODI series between Sri Lanka and South Africa has already been sealed. The visiting team has taken an unassailable lead of 3-0 in the five-match series and the next couple of matches are nothing, but inconsequential. All three matches were one-sided as Angelo Matthews and Co had no answers to the questions frequently posed by both the Proteas’ bowlers and batsmen.

South Africa have made a jaw-dropping comeback following not such an impressive performance in the Test series. After bagging the ODI series, the visitors would now be keen to win the next encounter tomorrow at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium and inch one step closer to clean sweeping their opponents. However, they won’t be having the services of Faf du Plessis owing to his shoulder injury.

Pitch

The track in the previous match helped the batting team to a significant extent and it’s expected to behave similarly in the next encounter as well. 13 out of the 21 matches have been won by the team batting second. Albeit the Lankans couldn’t chase down 364 the other day, their lower order showed that the pitch didn’t have any demon and was easy enough to score runs without much fuss.

Team Combination

Sri Lanka

The Lankans have tried 14 players from their 15-man squad, yet they couldn’t find the most appropriate combination to get the better of their opponents. Prabath Jayasuriya, who is yet to pick up his maiden ODI wicket, is likely to make way for Lakshan Sandakan, who was sidelined after the first One-Dayer. The rest of the team is likely to remain same with Angelo Matthews as their captain.

Predicted XI

Upul Tharanga, Niroshan Dickwella (wk), Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis, Thisara Perera, Angelo Matthews (C), Dhananjaya de Silva, Akila Dananjaya, Suranga Lakmal, Lakshan Sandakan, Lahiru Kumara

South Africa

In du Plessis’ absence, Quinton de Kock, the wicketkeeper-batsman will captain the side in the remaining two matches. Rabada, who has had his injury concerns over the last few months, may be rested and replaced by Junior Dala, who is yet to don the national colours in the 50-overs format. Aiden Markram is presumed to take du Plessis’ place. Reeza Hendricks will also get another chance after his century.

Predicted XI

Quinton de Kock (C & wk), Hashim Amla, Reeza Hendricks, Aiden Markram, JP Duminy, David Miller, Wiaan Mulder, Andile Phehlukwayo, Junior Dala, Tabraiz Shamsi, Lungi Ngidi

Probable Top Performers

Kusal Perera- Sri Lanka, Quinton de Kock- South Africa

The prediction is for South Africa to win the match and take a 4-0 lead in the series.