Sri Lanka vs South Africa – 1st One-Day International Match Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Sri Lanka vs South Africa taking place? Thursday, September 2nd, 2021 – 10:00 (UK)
Where is Sri Lanka vs South Africa taking place? R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
What is the expected weather for Sri Lanka vs South Africa? 28-29c with a chance of thundery showers and light winds
What channel is Sri Lanka vs South Africa on? The match will not be televised in the UK.
Where can I stream Sri Lanka vs South Africa? The match will not be televised in the UK.
LAST MEETING
South Africa beat Sri Lanka by nine wickets.
THE TEAM NEWS
SRI LANKA
- Sri Lanka have endured an incredibly poor year when it comes to 50 over cricket, losing series to West Indies, Bangladesh, England and most recently, an India team without the majority of their limited overs stars due to test match duty.
- Despite being recruited by Royal Challengers Bangalore for the IPL later this month, both all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga and fast bowler Dushmantha Chameera will feature for the hosts in this series before joining up with the Indian franchise.
- Experienced batter Kusal Perera is a doubt for this first ODI having suffered from Covid-19 in August, whilst also nursing a shoulder injury
SOUTH AFRICA
- South Africa were last in ODI action this past July as they contested a 1-1 draw away to Ireland in a three-match series affected by inclement weather, whilst their only other ODI series this year saw them lose 2-1 away in Pakistan.
- A number of key players will miss this series against Sri Lanka such as wicketkeeper batter Quinton de Kock (rested), bowler Lungi Ngidi (personal reasons) and all-rounder David Miller (rested).
- Bowler Junior Dala has been called up to the squad and could feature for the first time since 2018, although he faces stiff competition for a place with fast bowlers Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje and Dwaine Pretorious all among the squad.
THE PREDICTION
Whilst South Africa may not have their strongest ODI squad to choose from, captain Temba Bavuma still has an impressive set of players at his disposal for this five-match series. Even without the services of Quinton de Kock, the Proteas will be confident of accruing the runs needed for success against an incredibly weak Sri Lanka side, who have been beaten by every country they have come against this year in the 50 over format. The bowling unit of the tourists in particular, are expected to prove far too strong for a fragile Sri Lankan top-order and it would be a surprise if South Africa do not emerge victorious in the first ODI, taking the lead in this series.
