CWC 2019: SL vs SA Preview – Hopeful Lankans in search of light

Sri Lanka came to this World Cup with absolutely no hopes but were benefitted largely by the rain gods. Their crushing victory against England (only their second win) put them back into contention for the semi-finals spot. With 6 points in 6 games, the Lankans can still potentially make the semis if they win all their remaining ones. Of course, they are heavily dependent on how other teams perform.

South Africa have nothing to lose. And nothing to win either. They would’ve just packed their bags and gone home by now if it wasn’t for the rules. But there are 2 more games to play before their miserable World Cup campaign comes to an end. 6 losses in 7 matches and a solitary win against Afghanistan – it has been a forgetful tournament for the Proteas. All that’s left is ‘playing for pride’.

Match Info

Sri Lanka vs South Africa, 35th Match

Riverside Ground, Chester-le-Street (03:00 PM IST)

This will be the first World Cup match at Chester-le-Street. Sri Lanka will play their next game at the same venue.

Head-to-Head

The head-to-head numbers between both teams are skewed in favour of South Africa, and that’s probably the only positive they can take from here. They have won 3 of the 5 matches they’ve played against Sri Lanka in World Cups. The Lankans only have one win, while one match was tied.

Team News

Sri Lanka

It’s been a week since the Sri Lankan cricket team sent fans all over the world into frenzy mode by upsetting hosts England. They are now well-rested, rejuvenated and ready to go. Even the ICC has shown their support, approving their request to continue wearing their ‘lucky’ yellow kit. Considering the fact that Sri Lanka face the West Indies and India in their last two fixtures, this becomes an even more important match to win for the Islanders. Mathews showed great courage with the bat against England, while Lasith Malinga’s inspired spell led them to a stunning victory. Sri Lanka will be happy with the performance of their stalwarts but will hope the rest of the team comes together to conjure up another match-winning result. They’re likely to stick to their winning combination from the last game against England unless last-minute injuries surface.

South Africa

The mood in the Saffers camp is just the opposite. Their experienced campaigners didn’t turn up at all throughout the tournament. Their captain, Faf du Plessis indirectly kept blaming the IPL for the injuries and loss of form of his players. They’re coming off a humiliating loss against Pakistan in their previous encounter. Back home, the repercussions of a horrific World Cup outing are going to be manifold. Whatever it is that has cast a spell on them, it’s certainly not a happy team. And on Friday, it can either push them into a black hole or bring out their winning side. They close out their World Cup campaign against Australia, so a win here against Sri Lanka would lift their spirits at least, if not the hopes of getting their hands on the elusive trophy. Not that it makes a mighty difference, but they can try and shuffle the playing XI to an extent and play with a free mind.

Key Battles

Faf du Plessis vs Thisara Perera – 46 runs from 57 balls, 3 dismissals, S/R: 80.7

Probable XI

Sri Lanka: D Karunaratne (c), K Perera (wk), A Fernando, K Mendis, A Mathews, J Mendis, Dhananjaya de Silva, T Perera, I Udana, L Malinga, N Pradeep

South Africa: H Amla, Quinton de Kock (wk), Faf du Plessis (c), A Markram, Russie van der Dussen, D Miller, A Phehlukwayo, C Morris, K Rabada, L Ngidi, I Tahir

Stat Attack

• Lasith Malinga (currently on 5 wickets) needs 3 wickets to become the highest wicket-taker for Sri Lanka, vs South Africa in World Cups. Muttiah Muralitharan tops the list with 7 wickets.
• Imran Tahir has the best strike rate (26.5) for a spinner in the World Cup among all who have bowled at least 50 overs