SA vs SL Live Score: South Africa is all set to face Sri Lanka in the Match 4 of the ICC ODI World Cup 2023. It will be the first fixture of both South Africa & Sri Lanka & will be eager to put up a strong show at the beginning of World Cup 2023. South Africa will be confident after winning their home ODI series against Australia. While Lankans look out of form after their dismal show in the Asia Cup 2023 final against India followed by poor performances in the Warmup fixtures.
The South Africans have enjoyed a good record against the Lankans in the last four years after winning seven of the nine games. With a strong batting lineup & a lethal bowling attack, they will aim to kickstart their World Cup 2023 Campaign against Sri Lanka on a winning note. 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 closely fought-contest between both teams.
SA vs SL Teams Preview
South Africa Preview
South Africa, led by the dynamic Temba Bavuma, enters the World Cup as one of the top contenders for the title. Despite facing disappointments in previous tournaments, the team’s recent victory against Australia in a home ODI series has injected confidence and renewed hope. Moreover, South Africa has enjoyed a favorable record against Sri Lanka over the past five years, which adds to their belief in a successful campaign.
The opening partnership of Temba Bavuma and Quinton de Kock will play a pivotal role in providing a strong foundation for South Africa. The Sri Lankan pace attack may not be among the world’s best, and Bavuma and de Kock will aim to exploit this advantage. However, the middle overs, when spinners come into play, will pose challenges. South Africa will rely on Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, and the in-form Heinrich Klaasen to navigate this phase. The explosive David Miller is expected to provide the finishing touch, ably supported by Andile Phehlukwayo.
South Africa’s strength lies in its quality pace attack, and they will look to Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi to strike early blows. The Sri Lankan top order has displayed vulnerability in recent matches, making early wickets crucial. In the spin department, Keshav Maharaj and Tabraiz Shamsi hold key roles in these conditions and must deliver consistently. Phehlukwayo and Markram will be essential in supporting roles to maintain pressure.
South Africa Predicted Playing XI:
- 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 Preview
Sri Lanka, captained by Dasun Shanaka, enters the World Cup with the tag of the weakest Sri Lankan team since the 1987 event. The team has faced a decade of cricketing struggles and no longer boasts the star-studded lineup of the past. However, Shanaka and his men are determined to face each game with a fighting spirit and make their presence felt on the world stage.
The opening partnership of Pathum Nissanka and Dimuth Karunaratne holds the key to Sri Lanka’s success. They face the daunting task of countering South Africa’s formidable pace bowlers. In the middle order, the team relies on experienced batsmen such as Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, and Charith Asalanka, who must build solid partnerships. The aggressive Shanaka is expected to contribute significantly, along with Dhananjaya de Silva in the lower middle order.
Sri Lanka’s hopes of troubling South Africa hinge on their pace bowlers, Kasun Rajitha and Dunith Wellalage, who must strike early to disrupt the opposition’s rhythm. In the middle overs, Matheesha Pathirana and Maheesh Theekshana will play crucial roles, especially against South Africa’s power hitters. Dhananjaya de Silva and Shanaka will provide vital support with their experience.
Sri Lanka Predicted Playing XI:
- 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
SA vs SL Pitch and Weather Conditions
The match will take place at the historic Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi, and the weather conditions are expected to play a significant role. Clear skies and a warm evening are in store for the players and spectators. However, the pitch at this venue tends to be on the slower side, which can make stroke-making challenging as the ball ages. Teams batting first will aim for a total of more than 320 runs to feel secure.
The Arun Jaitley Stadium is known for favoring batsmen who settle in, thanks to its fast outfield and shorter boundaries. Conversely, it offers little assistance to fast bowlers, while spinners tend to thrive. Dew could be a factor in the second innings, making it harder for bowlers to grip the ball.
Toss: To Bowl or To Bat?
With expectations of a flat surface and the potential dew factor later in the game, winning the toss and opting to bowl first to restrict the opponent to a manageable total before chasing it down could be the preferred strategy.
SA vs SL Match Prediction
Sri Lanka enters the game with low confidence, struggling with inconsistent batting performances. To overcome their challenges, they must address issues of batting collapses while facing a formidable South African bowling attack. South Africa boasts a strong batting lineup and a balanced bowling attack that can test Sri Lanka’s batsmen in both spin and pace. Despite cricket’s unpredictable nature, South Africa starts as the favorite in this encounter.
Prediction: South Africa to win!
Cricket enthusiasts worldwide can look forward to an enthralling contest as South Africa and Sri Lanka lock horns in this epic clash.
Also read, IND vs AFG Live Score, Asian Games 2023 Men’s T20I Final
