The 4th Match of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 will be played between Sri Lanka and South Africa at Delhi. The Lankan Lions have tasted success of winning the world cup, but way back in 1996. Meanwhile the proteas always come close and then fail to get the job done. Maybe this time, they will look to have a positive start and try getting the job done. Following is the preview of South Africa vs Sri Lanka today match in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023.
South Africa vs Sri Lanka Today Match Preview
Sri Lanka is the only former world champion side, who made their way into the 2023 World Cup by playing the qualifiers first. Lankan Lions recently were the runners-up of Asia Cup 2023. However, that defeat in the final of Asia Cup was an embarrassing one as they were bowled out for just 50. Sri Lanka have also lost both of their warmup games prior to their world cup opening game.
South Africa have had good preparations for the world cup 2023. They are coming in this world cup after winning the ODI series against Australia at home, 3-2. South Africa’s first warmup was washed out due to rain, while in the 2nd warmup game, they got shades of 1999 World Cup semi-final as they lost by just 7 runs due to the DL method. South Africa have got ample preparation and have a good balanced unit for the tournament.
The Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi supports the spinners more. We cannot expect a massive total as only twice the 300 run mark has been crossed in ODIs at this venue. Sri Lanka will be in trouble as their lead spinner Maheesh Theekshana is out of this game and there will be additional responsibility of Wellalage and Dhananjaya de Silva. South Africa have got both of their lead spinners in, Keshav Maharaj and Tabraiz Shamsi. They also have the option to use Aiden Markram’s spin.
South Africa and Sri Lanka, both sides are quite fearless, however, South Africa have taken calculated risks, while Sri Lanka has looked more of a reckless side. In this game, South Africa will begin as the favorites.
South Africa Expected Playing XI
South Africa have got a full strength side. Marco Jansen, Gerald Coetzee and Kagiso Rabada will be the pacers while Maharaj and Shamsi will form the spin attack.
Temba Bavuma (C), Quinton de Kock (wk), Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Marco Jansen, Gerald Coetzee, Tabraiz Shamsi, Keshav Maharaj and Kagiso Rabada.
Sri Lanka Expected Playing XI
Sri Lanka will miss out on Theekshana and he will likely be replaced by Dushan Hemantha.
Kusal Perera, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dasun Shanaka (C), Dunith Wellalage, Dushan Hemantha, Dilshan Madushanka and Lahiru Kumara.
Sri Lanka vs South Africa Head to Head Record
In World Cups, Sri Lanka have managed to beat South Africa only once while they have suffered 4 defeats. One game in world cup history ended as tie between these two sides. Overall in ODI cricket, Sri Lanka has defeated South Africa 33 times, while South Africa have defeated them 45 times.
Players to watch-out for
Aiden Markram and Temba Bavuma have been in remarkable form in ODI cricket lately at the top of the order. Both are averaging 70+ with the bat in their last 8 games. Marco Jansen has been their key bowler with 15 wickets in last 10 ODI games. Amongst the other batters, David Miller and Heinrich Klaasen also displayed carnage in the home series against Australia.
For Sri Lanka, Kusal Mendis and Patthum Nissanka hold key with the bat. Both average 40+ in their last 10 ODI games with the bat. Kusal Perera has also been brilliant lately. He recently scored 91 against Pakistan in the Asia Cup and scored 158 against Afghanistan in the warmup. With the ball, Matheesha Pathirana has taken 14 wickets in last 9 ODI matches and he is the leader of their pace attack.
