South Africa will lock horns against Sri Lanka at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi on Saturday in their World Cup 2023 opener. Both teams will seek a winning start to their campaign in a big and long tournament. While South Africa is in fourth place in the ICC ODI rankings, Sri Lanka occupies the seventh position in the standings.
We look at the current form, head-to-head, players to look out for, and squads of both teams in our match preview.
Current form for South Africa: W W W L L
South Africa made an inspiring comeback against Australia to win by 3-2 after losing the first two matches recently. The likes of Quinton de Kock, Heinrich Klaasen, Aiden Markram, David Miller, and Temba Bavuma were among the runs for the Proteas against Australia. Moreover, Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada, and Keshav Maharaj delivered with the ball.
Current form for Sri Lanka: L W L W W
Sri Lanka recently made it to the finals of the Asia Cup but they could not put up a fight against India. The Island country needs to be more consistent and they will aim to come up with a collective effort. However, their fast bowling unit could be their Achilles Heel throughout the tournament.
Head to Head: Matches: 80, Won by South Africa: 45, Won by Sri Lanka: 33, Tied: 1, NR: 1.
South Africa holds a clear advantage against Sri Lanka in H2H.
Players to look out for: Quinton de Kock, Heinrich Klaasen, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Temba Bavuma, Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada, and Keshav Maharaj will be important players for the Proteas.
Dasun Shanaka, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana, Kusal Mendis, Dinuth Wellalage, Dhananjaya de Silva, and Charith Asalanka will be the key players for Sri Lanka.
South Africa squad: Temba Bavuma (c), Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock, Reeza Hendricks, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Andile Phehlukwayo, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi, Rassie van der Dussen, Lizaad Williams.
Sri Lanka Squad: Dasun Shanaka (c), Kusal Mendis (vc), Kusal Perera, Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dushan Hemantha, Maheesh Theekshana, Dunith Wellalage, Kasun Rajitha, Matheesha Pathirana, Lahiru Kumara, Dilshan Madushanka
Travelling reserve: Chamika Karunaratne
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