Last Updated on 6 years by Charbel Coorey
South Africa vs Sri Lanka 1st Test Preview Dream11. SA vs SL 1st Test Preview Dream11 Prediction
When looking at the 2019 cricketing calendar, not many would mark this in a big red circle and claim it would be most competitive. Both sides had contrasting fortunes in their most recent Test assignments, with heavy whitewashes the feature.
Indeed, South Africa swept Pakistan aside with ease, and ominously have revenge in their sights. They lost badly in Sri Lanka last year, and will be looking to avenge that defeat against a side that is at well and truly struggling right now. Will the Proteas continue their domination on home soil?
Sri Lanka return to the venue of their only ever Test triumph in South Africa. They have happy memories of Durban, but awful memories of Australia, where they were recently hammered with ease by an Australian side with its own issues. With new skipper Dimuth Karunaratne at the helm, can Sri Lanka put on a fight in conditions that might help their cause?
Key to a South Africa win
South Africa’s bowlers were magnificent in the recent series against Pakistan, targeting them with unrelenting pace and consistency. Durban may warrant a specialist spinner, but the template for success remains the same for the Proteas. Can they rip through Sri Lanka’s fragile top order to set the game up? What movement will they find with the new and old ball? Can the likes of Dale Steyn and Kagiso Rabada deny Dimuth Karunaratne and Kusal Mendis, Sri Lanka’s two best in 2018?
Also, while the Proteas beat Pakistan easily recently, there were a few question marks over their top order. Batting conditions have certainly been challenging in recent times in South Africa, but this is an opportunity for the top four to lay down a marker and make life even more difficult for Sri Lanka. The Sri Lankans have a knack of starting well and bowling beautifully for a short period of time, but are often unable to maintain the pressure. For South Africa, the key will be to get through the initial stages and then grind Sri Lanka down as the threat wears away. If they can manage that, a huge total awaits.

Key to a Sri Lanka win
Well, wouldn’t this be something?
Sri Lanka’s lack of competitiveness in recent Tests is mainly down to their batting. Without Angelo Mathews, they have struggled badly, unable to handle the skill of New Zealand’s and Australia’s bowlers down under. South Africa possess even greater skill – arguably the best in the world – so significant onus is on the likes of Dimuth Karunaratne, Lahiru Thirimanne, Kusal Mendis and Kusal Perera to get the Sri Lankans in the game. With Dinesh Chandimal dropped, can they set a platform to ensure Niroshan Dickwella can walk out to bat without too much pressure on him?
Also, while Sri Lanka’s batting has been poor, similar can be said of their bowling. They seem incapable of maintaining pressure for long periods, falling away after a spurt of good bowling. They started well in each innings in Australia, and will be hoping they can do the same in South Africa but this time build on the good work. Suranga Lakmal will be of huge importance against South Africa’s top order, but the support he gets will be of equal significance. Can the Sri Lankans force the opportunity to target the Proteas’ middle order as early as possible?

Possible Playing 11
Does Duanne Olivier, man of the series against Pakistan, miss out to cater for Keshav Maharaj? Or will it be Vernon Philander given the conditions aren’t as quick in Durban?
South Africa: 1. Dean Elgar, 2. Aiden Markram, 3. Hashim Amla, 4. Faf du Plessis (c), 5. Theunis de Bruyn, 6. Temba Bavuma, 7. Quinton de Kock (wk), 8. Vernon Philander/Keshav Maharaj, 9. Kagiso Rabada, 10. Dale Steyn, 11. Duanne Olivier
For Sri Lanka, Dinesh Chandimal and Roshen Silva and have been dropped. Kausal Silva has been recalled, and could open. Also, all-rounder Angelo Perera is in the squad and could debut with Dilruwan Perera left out.
Sri Lanka: 1. Dimuth Karunaratne (c), 2. Kausal Silva, 3. Lahiru Thirimanne, 4. Kusal Mendis, 5. Dananjaya de Silva, 6. Kusal Perera, 7. Niroshan Dickwella (wk), 8. Angelo Perera, 9. Suranga Lakmal, 10. Kasun Rajitha, 11. Chamika Karunaratne
Dream11 Prediction

- Quinton de Kock recently finished top run scorer in the series against Pakistan.
- Faf du Plessis has a poor record at Durban (96 runs at 16), but is coming off a century in his last Test. Hashim Amla also has a very ordinary record at Durban (359 runs at 18.89).
- Aiden Markram scored a magnificent century on this ground vs Australia last year.
- Dimuth Karunaratne averages 21 in three Tests in South Africa, which makes him a risky pick. However, he is now their best batsman, with plenty of onus on him. He is in decent touch, coming off a half century vs Australia recently.
- Dale Steyn has an excellent record in Durban, taking 44 wickets at 21.95.
- Suranga Lakmal is the heart-and-soul of Sri Lanka’s bowling lineup. He has a five wicket haul in each of his last two Tests.

Stats and Facts
- Sri Lanka have lost their last three Tests. South Africa have won their last three.
- Sri Lanka’s only win in South Africa came in Durban in 2011. Rangana Herath was man of the match.
- South Africa lost 2-0 in Sri Lanka in July 2018.
Match Prediction
Some rain is expected throughout the Test, which is likely to be Sri Lanka’s only respite.
If the rain allows for it, it’s almost impossible to see anything other than a South Africa win.
Thanks for reading!
South Africa vs Sri Lanka 1st Test Preview Dream11. SA vs SL 1st Test Preview Dream11 Prediction