Last Updated on 6 years by Charbel Coorey
South Africa vs Sri Lanka 1st ODI Preview Dream11. SA vs SL 1st ODI Preview Dream11 Prediction
Attention turns to ODI Cricket after one of the most incredible results in Test history. A few weeks ago, it was a matter of how much the Proteas would win by. Now, it is about whether they can bounce back and gain confidence in a World Cup year.
Indeed, South Africa have had a rude awakening. Their Test series performance was one to forget, and with questions regarding their Semi Final prospects at this year’s World Cup, the time to fire is now. Hashim Amla has been left out of the squad (make of that what you will), with a number of different players presented opportunities as ODI Cricket’s showpiece event nears. Can the Proteas continue on from their series win against Pakistan with a strong start here?
Sri Lanka are coming off one of the best results in their history. However, their ODI form over the last two years has made for sorry reading. The Lions have lost 35 of 46 completed ODIs since the beginning of 2017, which includes a 5-0 loss the last time they played on South African soil. Also, their last three ODI wins have been in dead-rubbers, with their last success in a live ODI coming in the ODI Tri-Series against Bangladesh and Zimbabwe over a year ago. Can Sri Lanka spring further surprises and boost their confidence with the World Cup under three months away?
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Key to a South Africa win
Quinton de Kock has been a shining light for South Africa of late. He has been in strong form in both Tests and ODIs, highlighted by his excellent performance in a crunch game vs Pakistan in January. He will be crucial at the top in setting the tone for South Africa, and enabling them to get a foothold in the series. With Reeza Hendricks, Faf du Plessis and Rassie van der Dussen all showing good form in their most recent ODI series, South Africa have the resources to set a platform for the likes of David Miller to go hard.
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Also, there is plenty of excitement regarding the South Africa attack. Anrich Nortje, South Africa’s newest pace phenomenon, is a chance of making his debut. He has been in superb form in domestic cricket, and with Lungi Ngidi back, the competition for places is high. The Proteas had their best moments when their bowlers were on song in the recent series against Pakistan, and if they can fire here, a 1-0 series lead likely awaits.
Key to a Sri Lanka win
Sri Lanka victories weren’t even considered a possibility ahead of this tour. They finished winless in New Zealand and Australia, coming into this tour on the back of heavy defeats. However, the magnificent Test series, where the bowlers were superb, has to be a source of confidence here. Lasith Malinga is still bowling well, highlighted by a five-for in the tour game, and he will be crucial in the early and death overs. The confident Kasun Rajitha and Vishwa Fernando are also likely to play, and with Akila Dananjaya back after his action was cleared, Sri Lanka can believe they can cause South Africa further problems. Can they pick up early wickets and continue the momentum?
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However, a big test for Sri Lanka will be how they handle South Africa’s pace attack. Pakistan, in their recent series on these shores, struggled at times against the short ball. Sri Lanka’s batsmen will be sure to receive a pace test, so how they come out of it will be key to the result. The likes of Niroshan Dickwella, Kusal Mendis and Kusal Perera will be crucial in setting a platform for the damaging Thisara Perera to play with great freedom. Will the happy tour so far continue that way?
Possible Playing 11
South Africa could rest one of Kagiso Rabada or Dale Steyn with Lungi Ngidi and Anrich Nortje included.
South Africa: 1. Quinton de Kock (wk), 2. Reeza Hendricks, 3. Rassie van der Dussen, 4. Faf du Plessis (c), 5. David Miller, 6. Wiaan Mulder, 7. Andile Phehlukwayo, 8. Kagiso Rabada/Dale Steyn, 9. Anrich Nortje, 10. Lungi Ngidi, 11. Imran Tahir
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Akila Dananjaya had his action cleared in Chennai, and should slot back in for Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka: 1. Upul Tharanga, 2. Niroshan Dickwella (wk), 3. Oshada Fernando, 4. Kusal Mendis, 5. Kusal Perera, 6. Dhananjaya de Silva, 7. Thisara Perera, 8. Akila Dananjaya, 9. Lasith Malinga (capt), 10. Kasun Rajitha, 11. Vishwa Fernando
Dream11 Prediction
Key stats and comments:
- Quinton de Kock has been in excellent form. However, if credits are an issue, then Niroshan Dickwella is a good option. He is coming off scores of 76 and 46 in the recent series vs New Zealand.
- David Miller has an underwhelming record at New Wanderers Stadium, averaging 25.25 in six matches with a top score of 39. However, he can be a good option for you in terms of balance.
- Faf du Plessis has a strong record in Johannesburg, averaging nearly 50 in seven matches. Upul Tharanga has a solid record in South Africa, with 365 runs in 10 matches.
- Andile Phehlukwayo has 15 wickets in his last nine ODIs. Rassie van der Dussen has made a strong start to his ODI career, and could be an option over Reeza Hendricks.
- Lasith Malinga has 15 wickets in eight ODIs in South Africa.
- Vishwa Fernando and Kasuan Rajitha have just six wickets between them in nine ODIs, but both are in good touch of late.
- Thisara Perera’s last two ODI knocks: 140 (74) and 80 (63).
- Akila Dananjaya is also a decent option with the Wanderers pitch dry in the last match vs Pakistan.
Option 1:
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Option 2:
Stats and Facts
- South Africa beat Sri Lanka 3-2 in Sri Lanka last year.
- Sri Lanka have won just 11 of 46 completed ODIs since start of 2017. They have not win a bilateral ODI series in two-and-a-half years.
- Sri Lanka have won two of their five ODIs against South Africa at New Wanderers Stadium (2001 and 2012).
- Faf du Plessis has 798 runs at 44.33 vs Sri Lanka. No other South Africa player in this sqaud has more runs vs Sri Lanka than Faf.
Match Prediction
After an incredible Test series, and seeing what West Indies did to England, anything is possible!
However, with Sri Lanka continuously struggling in ODIs, I will pick South Africa to take a 1-0 series lead.
Thanks for reading!
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South Africa vs Sri Lanka 1st ODI Preview Dream11. SA vs SL 1st ODI Preview Dream11 Prediction
