Sri Lanka vs South Africa – 3rd One-Day International Match Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Sri Lanka vs South Africa taking place? Tuesday, September 7th, 2021 – 10:30 (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 67 runs (DLS).
THE TEAM NEWS
SRI LANKA
- A top order collapse left Sri Lanka with far too much to do against South Africa in a match affected by bad weather, with the hosts ultimately bowled out for 197 in a defeat which saw the series levelled at 1-1.
- Charith Asalanka continued where he left off with the bat from the first ODI when he scored 72, this time hitting 77 from 69 balls albeit in a losing effort
- A number of Sri Lankan players will be hoping to be given a chance this final ODI such as Dinesh Chandimal and Pulina Tharanga, whilst the poor form of top order batter Bhanuka Rajapaksa could see him replaced
SOUTH AFRICA
- South Africa’s batting fired in the second ODI, before the spin-bowling of Tabrazi Shamsi broke the back of the Sri Lankan chase, leading the Proteas to victory.
- Opener Janneman Malan was the star with the bat, scoring 121 at the top of the order with Reeza Hendricks also contributing with a half-century, helping South Africa accrue a winning score as Shamsi took control with the ball, picking up a five-wicket-haul.
- South Africa have one injury doubt heading into the final ODI with fast bowler Kagiso Rabada set to undergo a late fitness test after spraining his ankle in their last game, with Anrich Nortje expected to come into the side should Rabada be ruled out of contention.
THE PREDICTION
South Africa were clinical in the last contest between these two teams, their top order firing successfully before a combination of early wickets and ruthless middle order spin saw their bowling unit prove far too strong for Sri Lanka. When you take into account the quality of players that the Proteas boast within their bowling in particular, it puts into perspective how strong a team they are and if their top order batting can replicate their performance last time out whether they be setting a target or chasing one, South Africa’s superior all-round team should overcome Sri Lanka and secure a series victory.
