South Africa will start its campaign in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 as they take on Sri Lanka in the 4th game. It is the first game for both teams, and they will be eager to put up a strong show. South Africans will be confident after their series win against Australia at home. At the same time, the Lankans must come out of the Asia Cup debacle and poor performances in their warm-up games.
The South Africans have enjoyed a good record against the Lankans in the last four years, winning seven of the nine games. With a stronger batting line-up, the side will fancy its chances in this game. The conditions in India will favor the Sri Lankans, and they will look to make the most out of this advantage. It is the first game for both teams, and we expect a close contest.
THE VENUE FOR SOUTH AFRICA-SRI LANKA GAME
Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi, is a good venue for batsmen who get their eyes set on. The fast outfield and smaller boundaries allow them to score runs quickly. The wicket is slow, and there isn’t much for the fast bowlers. The spinners enjoy good support from the wicket and have a good record.
Average 1st Inns scores: 223
Average 2nd Inns scores: 203
TEAM PREVIEW
SOUTH AFRICA
Temba Bavuma’s team is one of the title contenders. It may be a blessing in disguise for the side that has had to bear disappointments after starting as one of the favorites. They defeated Australia in the last ODI series at home, which will boost the side’s confidence.
They have boasted a good record against Sri Lanka in the previous five years, and Bavuma would like his players to take confidence from this and start their campaign on a solid note. Openers Temba Bavuma and Quinton de Kock will look to deliver a strong start as the Lankans don’t have the best pace attack in the world.
The middle overs will be tricky when the spinners get into the act, and the side will need a good show from the trio of Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, and Heinrich Klaasen, who is in good form. David Miller is a great finisher, and he must strike the ball cleanly and add quick runs with Andile Phehlukwayo.
The side boasts of a quality pace attack, and they will expect early wickets from Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi, as the Sri Lankan top order has looked slightly unsettled in recent matches. Keshav Maharaj and Tabraiz Shamsi are key bowlers for the side in these conditions and must bowl well. Phehlukwayo and Markram must do well in the supporting role.
EXPECTED XI OF SOUTH AFRICA v SRI LANKA
Temba Bavuma (c), Quinton de Kock (wk), David Miller, Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen, Andile Phehlukwayo, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Keshav Maharaj, Tabraiz Shamsi
SRI LANKA
Dasun Shanaka’s side has seen a lot of lows on the cricket field off late . Their cricket has struggled in the last decade, and the side that once boasted of champions lacks the kind of matchwinners we have seen in the past. The Lankan skipper must take each game as it comes, and he would like to see a spirited show from his players.
Pathum Nissanka must prove himself on the world stage and deliver a good start with Dimuth Karunaratne, as the South African pacers will trouble them. In the middle order, the side has a lot of experience, and they will need good shows from Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, and Charith Asalanka, who must build partnerships. Shanaka is a good hitter, and he must score runs with Dhananjaya de Silva in the lower middle order.
Kasun Rajitha and Dunith Wellalage complement each other, and the pair will have to hunt early wickets to trouble the South Africans. Matheesha Pathirana and Maheesh Theekshana must do well in the middle overs, as their opponents have good strikers who can take away the game quickly. Dhananjaya de Silva and Shanaka must use their experience in the supporting role.
EXPECTED XI OF SRI LANKA v SOUTH AFRICA
Dasun Shanaka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Kusal Mendis (wk), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Kasun Rajitha, Matheesha Pathirana
PREDICTION FOR THE MATCH
Sri Lankans come into this game with their confidence low. Their batsmen have been inconsistent, and the side must overcome the habit of batting collapses as they face a strong bowling attack. South Africans have a strong batting line-up and a bowling attack that will test the Lankans in both spin and pace departments.
Match Prediction: South Africa to Beat Sri Lanka and Open their Account in the World Cup.