An unexpected yet emphatic triumph in the Test series has boosted the visitors Sri Lanka with a lot of confidence. Now, with loads of momentum by their side, Sri Lanka will take the field in Johannesburg for the first ODI which will be played tomorrow, i.e. March 03.
The hosts have a lot of work to do, after their poor show in the Test series they have gone for some transitions in their squad with the biggest omission being Hashim Amla who has been left out due to poor form. Right-arm pacer Anrich Nortje who impressed one and all in the Mzansi Super League is the new face in the side which has retained the likes of Rassie van der Dussen and the all-round duo of Dwaine Pretorius and Wiaan Mulder who returned with good performances in the series against Pakistan have been retained in the squad.
Ahead of this tour, Sri Lanka were struggling with both red and white ball but a historic turnaround in the Test series has given them a lot of confidence and they would be expecting the same in the limited-overs as well. Sri Lanka have dropped some big names from their setup while Akila Dananjaya and Isuru Udana have been named in the squad to change their fortunes.
Head to Head in ODIs
Total ODI’s played: 71
South Africa won: 38
Sri Lanka won: 31
No Result: 01
Tied: 01
Where – The Wanderers, Johannesburg
When – 1:30 PM IST, March 03, 2019
Sri Lanka:
South Africa:
Sri Lanka:
Niroshan Dickwella, Upul Tharanga, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Oshada Fernando, Thisara Perera, Dhananjaya de Silva, Akila Dananjaya, Isuru Udana, Kasun Rajitha, Lasith Malinga. (Doubt: Vishwa Fernando)
South Africa:
Reeza Hendricks, Faf du Plessis, Aiden Markram, Quinton de Kock, Rassie van der Dussen, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Kagiso Rabada, Andile Phehlukwayo, Tabraiz Shamsi, Dwaine Pretorius. (Doubt: Imran Tahir, Willem Mulder)
The X-factors:
The Proteas limited overs batting has was exemplary in their last home series against Pakistan. The likes of Quinton de Kock, Reeza Hendricks, skipper Faf du Plessis and the man who played two match-winning knocks in the series against Pakistan Rassie van der Dussen will be the considerable choices here.
The visitors batting will revolve around the likes of Kusal Perera who was exceptional in the Test series, Kusal Mendis and wicket-keeper Niroshan Dickwella. Thisara Perera and Andile Phehlukwayo are the reliable picks in the all-rounder’s department as they are the sure-shot selection here.
Lungi Ngidi is making a comeback in this series, Sri Lankan skipper Lasith Malinga and Akila Dananjaya are the bowlers who look all set to feature here. Among others, Kagiso Rabada, Kasum Rajitha are safe to bet on.
Risky Picks:
Note: Make SL vs SA Dream11 Team as per your discretion from the squad listed above and team news.