SL vs SA 3rd ODI Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | SL vs SA 3rd ODI Dream11 Prediction Today | Sri Lanka vs South Africa 3rd ODI Key Players | Colombo Pitch Report
After showing promising signs in recent matches, old habits came back to haunt Sri Lanka in Sunday’s second ODI. Horrendous fielding preceded an early batting collapse, of which they were never able to recover from despite Charith Asalanka’s best efforts.
In the process, South Africa leveled the series at 1-1 and picked up crucial ODI Super League points. Janneman Malan continued his magnificent start to his ODI career, picking up his third century in just his eighth innings, setting the platform for the likes of Heinrich Klaasen and co. to play with freedom.
Also, the form of Kagiso Rabada and Tabraiz Shamsi in particular is cause for optimism in the Proteas’ camp. Sri Lanka will have to find a way to overcome their threat, with the likes of Avishka Fernando crucial to their hopes on a surface expected to have some bounce again and suit spin, too.
Should the weather be kind, fans will witness what should be an interesting decider to this three-match series. Neither team has won an ODI series in the last 18 months, so both will be desperate to end that drought here.
Key Players to Watch/Key Stats
Sri Lanka:
- Avishka Fernando’s low score in the second ODI was a blow for Sri Lanka. The in-form opener will be key here on a ground he enjoys batting at (8 inns, 380 runs, avg. 47.50). He scored a century in the opening ODI of the series, after scores of 50 (71) and 76 (98) vs India.
- Charith Asalanka’s promising form continued. He was Sri Lanka’s shining light in the second ODI. Also, he now has scored three fifties in his last four ODIs, including two in a row in this series (65, 24, 72 and 77).
- Can Dhananjaya de Silva impact this match. No current Sri Lankan player has more runs for South Africa in ODIs than de Silva (353, avg. 23.53), but will be aiming to build on his starts this series (44 and 12). He also has nine wickets vs the Proteas.
- Wanindu Hasaranga has made two scores of three in this series, and is conceding 5.75 an over for just two wickets. He has scored three half centuries in ODIs in 2021, but will also be looking to build on his 10 wickets in 13 matches this year. Big game for him.
- Chamika Karunaratne has made scores of 43*, 44* and 36 in his last five ODIs. He also bowled with good intent in the second ODI, taking 2/24 in five overs. Sri Lanka may look to utilise him more with the ball in this crucial match.
- Dushmantha Chameera has been expensive in this series (7.64). He remains key given how well he has bowled in 2021 (33 wickets in 22 white-ball internationals).
- It was a poor second ODI for Akila Dananjaya (0/46 off 7). However, if picked, he remains a factor given his record at this ground in ODIs (9 inns, 19 wickets, avg. 21.21).
South Africa:
- Janneman Malan now has three centuries in eight ODI innings. His 121 in the second ODI set the platform for the Proteas, and he will be looking to do the same. He is averaging 104.50 with the bat.
- Aiden Markram was looking in good touch in the second ODI (21) before edging a delivery to the keeper out of nowhere. He scored 96 in the first ODI, and is showing marked signs of improvement since his 2018 tour of Sri Lanka (23 runs in that series, avg. 7.66).
- Reeza Hendricks will be aiming to build on his fluent half-century (51 off 54 balls). Rassie van der Dussen will also be key, and comes into the match off the back of two starts (59 and 16). He is averaging 69.59 in 22 ODI innings (1,044 runs).
- The second ODI was home to some of Kagiso Rabada’s best form. The pacer extracted fine pace and bounce, and will be looking to do the same here if he is fit after an ankle injury concern. He has 27 wickets in 17 ODIs vs Sri Lanka at an average of 26.62.
- Back Tabraiz Shamsi to be in the wickets once again if the batsmen aim to go after him. He is coming off 5/49 in the second ODI.
Stats and Facts
- Head-to-head: Matches 78, Sri Lanka 32, South Africa 45, 1 tie, 1 N/R.
- Neither team has won an ODI series in the past 18 months.
- Sri Lanka have not won an ODI series vs South Africa since 2013. This is the fifth ODI series between the two teams since then.
Possible Playing 11
Kamindu Mendis or Dinesh Chandimal could replace the out of form Bhanuka Rajapaksa.
Sri Lanka: 1. Avishka Fernando, 2. Minod Bhanuka (wk), 3. Bhanuka Rajapaksa/Kamindu Mendis/Dinesh Chandimal, 4. Dhananjaya de Silva, 5. Charith Asalanka, 6. Dasun Shanaka (c), 7. Wanindu Hasaranga, 8. Chamika Karunaratne, 9. Akila Dananjaya, 10. Dushmantha Chameera, 11. Praveen Jayawickrama
Kagiso Rabada is being treated for an ankle sprain. According to reports, he is progressing well. However, if he is out, Anrich Nortje is likely to slot back in.
South Africa: 1. Aiden Markram, 2. Janneman Malan, 3. Reeza Hendricks, 4. Rassie van der Dussen, 5. Heinrich Klaasen (wk), 6. Wiaan Mulder, 7. George Linde, 8. Andile Phehlukwayo, 9. Keshav Maharaj (c), 10. Kagiso Rabada, 11. Tabraiz Shamsi
R Premadasa Stadium Colombo Pitch Report and Weather
The surface has been a sporting one so far this series, offering assistance to bowlers and batsmen alike. Turn has been available for the spinners, while the seamers have been able to extract some bounce. Also, the team batting first has won both ODIs this series after the chasing team won all ODIs in the India series.
Again, rain is forecast in Colombo. There may be some interruptions.
Dream11 Prediction
Also read: Fan2Play vs Dream11 – What’s the difference?
Note: Teams below are not based on the final playing XIs. We may not be able to update these teams in time after the final playing XIs have been announced.
Option 1:
Option 2:
Fan2Play Prediction
Match Prediction
Team batting first to win again? That is a definite possibility given the inconsistency in both lineups. A score of 270+ will be a competitive one batting first.
