World Cup 2019, Match 35: Sri Lanka vs South Africa – Fantain Fantasy Cricket Tips

When Pakistan came back hard and strong to defeat New Zealand and introduce them to the first loss of World Cup 2019, it was a moment to rejoice for all those who were tired of the obvious teams winning all matches. It was the first time since 1987 that a Pakistan middle-order batsman scored a century in a World Cup. And Babar Azam was that hero.

And a good day for Pakistan. If they win the next two matches, they could be in the run for the Semi-finals. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka and South Africa face each other trying to bring a win to their rather dismal track record at the tournament so far. In the bigger picture, this match is rather inconsequential. But as a fantasy cricket player, every match counts. Here is all you need to read for both the teams before picking your Fantain XI.

Team News:

Sri Lanka

Once a terror in the International cricketing arena, Sri Lanka has been on a downward spiral for the past few years. It would take a complete revamping of the players to make a change in their form. In fact, if it weren’t for the rain; the team might have been much lower down the table.

Things looked up when Sri Lanka defeated the home team by 20 runs. The team came back after losing the top batsmen to score a very much defendable 232. The middle order was impressive with Angelo taking the lead.

Sri Lanka would like to exit the tournament with some pride. They are the Lions after all.

Predicted XI: Lasith Malinga, Angelo Mathews, Isuru Udana, Thisara Perera, Jeevan Mendis, Nuwan Pradeep, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dimuth Karunaratne (c), Kusal Perera (wk), Kusal Mendis, Avishka Fernando

South Africa

Having lost 5 matches out of 6 played, South Africa is in a much worse situation than Sri Lanka. They have shown that despite the presence of a few world-class players, the team cannot make progress in high-pressure tournaments such as the World Cup unless the players work together in a cohesive manner.

To be fair the side has been hit hard with injuries. Anrich Nortje. Dale Steyn. Lungi Ngidi.  And then the form. K Rabada was not able to deliver. The pace has not been sharp, considering the flat British Pitch. And then the batting. Even the experienced players have not made the most of their expertise. A very disappointing average by the top batsmen of the team is also one of the causes for the team’s lack of performance.

Predicted XI: Hashim Amla, David Miller, Imran Tahir, Faf du Plessis (c), Chris Morris, Quinton de Kock (wk), Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, Kagiso Rabada, Andile Phehlukwayo, Lungi Ngidi

Top Picks

De Kock and Der Dussen:  When the chips are down, it is up to experience to show up and perform.

Faf du Plessis: The captain might be fighting a lone battle but he has the ability to inspire the rest of his team to bring out the fire in them.

Imran Tahir: Having taken 10 wickets with a very good economy, Tahir is the bowler to rely upon

Dhananjaya de Silva: A decent score and 3 wickets against England, de Silva is the key player for both Sri Lanka and your Fantain Fantasy Lineup.

Fantain Fantasy XI:

Batsmen: Van Der Dussen, de Plessis, D Karunaratne, A Mathews

Bowlers: Imran Tahir, Malinga, Udana

All-Rounders: Andile P, Chris Morris

WK: de Kock, Kusal Perera

This is our Fantain Fantasy XI but you’re the real expert.