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South Africa vs Sri Lanka 2nd ODI Preview Dream11. SA vs SL 2nd ODI Preview Dream11 Prediction

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South Africa were wounded. They had lost the Test series. Questions were being raised about their batting capabilities. It had to be a quality performance in Johannesburg to restore confidence. It proved to be the case. The bowlers, led by Imran Tahir, were excellent in limiting a promising Sri Lankan innings. Quinton de Kock and Faf du Plessis, two crucial players for South Africa, then led from the front with the bat. Will the Proteas back up their convincing first up performance with another?

For Sri Lanka, the same problems came to the fore. They had their moments, but their inability to produce complete batting performances continues to haunt them in ODIs. When their top order fails to fire, their middle order does, and vice versa. When they miss chances in the field, it all turns messy. With a World Cup fast approaching, Sri Lanka desperately need a confidence boost, and there is no better opportunity than a possible series-leveling victory. Will it be their day?

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Key to a South Africa win

Centurion is host to some of the best batting conditions in South Africa. This represents a good challenge for the South African attack. With Sri Lanka showing positive signs at the Wanderers, reaching 195/4, early wickets will be important to place pressure on the likes of Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera and Thisara Perera. Lungi Ngidi was impressive in his return from injury, and will be key, along with last-game debutant Anrich Nortje. With one of Kagiso Rabada or Dale Steyn expected to play, the Proteas have a seam attack that can deliver the goods early, paving the way for Imran Tahir to go about his work as we know he does.

Also, the form of Reeza Hendricks and Rassie van der Dussen was encouraging in the recent series vs Pakistan. However, Quinton de Kock and Faf du Plessis remain crucial to the South African cause. Their rapid partnership took the game away from Sri Lanka at the Wanderers, and more quality from these two sets the scene up for David Miller to launch. Will the Proteas build further confidence with the bat less than three months out from the World Cup?

Key to a Sri Lanka win

Sri Lanka’s inability to piece together a complete batting performance came to haunt them again in Johannesburg, falling to 231 after sitting optimistically at 195/4. They will need to take a leaf out of Pakistan’s batting playbook in Centurion, getting through the Proteas’ initial pace bowling onslaught unscathed. Upul Tharanga, who has a decent record in South Africa, will be crucial along with Niroshan Dickwella. With the two Kusal’s in promising touch, a strong start for Sri Lanka can pave the way for a strong total, by ensuring there a set batsmen at the crease against Imran Tahir and ahead of the death overs.

Also, can Sri Lanka put pressure on South Africa’s inexperienced players? Quinton de Kock and Faf du Plessis are two crucial wickets at the top, which will get Sri Lanka right into the game. Taking their chances in the field will be key, along with a wicket taking mindset in the early overs. Lasith Malinga and Vishwa Fernando will be crucial to the cause, paving the way for the likes of Akila Dananjaya and Thisara Perera to continue applying the pressure on South Africa’s middle order.

Possible Playing 11

South Africa could rest Kagiso Rabada. If so, Dale Steyn will come back in. Also, Dwaine Pretorius was under par in Johannesburg, so it remains to be seen if he plays here.

South Africa: 1. Quinton de Kock (wk), 2. Reeza Hendricks, 3. Faf du Plessis (c), 4. Rassie van der Dussen, 5. David Miller, 6. Dwaine Pretorius/Andile Phehlukwayo, 7. Wiaan Mulder, 8. Dale Steyn/Kagiso Rabada, 9. Anrich Nortje, 10. Lungi Ngidi, 11. Imran Tahir

Sri Lanka could look to bolster their pace stocks with Kasun Rajitha in for Lakshan Sandakan.

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 (c), 10 Kasun Rajitha/Lakshan Sandakan, 11 Vishwa Fernando

Dream11 Prediction

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Key stats and points:

• A good batting surface is expected. Pakistan scored 317/6 in January before South Africa made 187/2 as the rain set in. The Proteas have scored 300+ 11 times in ODIs at this ground, including 392/6 vs Pakistan in 2007.
• Quinton de Kock loves Supersport Park. In eight ODIs, he has 595 runs at 74.38, with a strike rate of 111.42.
• Faf du Plessis doesn’t fare as well, scoring 187 runs in eight ODIs at 31.17. However, he is averaging 95.00 in home ODIs this season. He also looked in terrific touch before the rain in Centurion vs Pakistan in January. Reeza Hendricks scored 83* in the same game.
• Rassie van der Dussen is also a good option given the superb start to his ODI career. David Miller averages 27.60 in seven innings at this ground, so choose him if you wish to take a risk.
• Oshada Fernando was excellent on debut, scoring 49 and looking good for more. He is also coming off 75* in the second Test and 63 in the tour match vs CSA Invitational XI.
• Kusal Mendis is also finding his feet nicely. Upul Tharanga and Kusal Perera are also good candidates for a batting spot in Dream11. Thisara Perera remains a dangerous batting prospect.
• Imran Tahir vs Sri Lanka: 11 matches, 27 wickets, average 15.00.

Option 1:

Option 2:

Stats and Facts

• Sri Lanka have their own 300+ score on this ground, making 319/8 in their win over South Africa in the 2009 Champions Trophy.
• Sri Lanka have won just 11 ODIs since the beginning of 2017 (47 completed matches).
• South Africa have four ODI series wins on the bounce. Also, they had won six ODIs in a row in Centurion before the series against India last year.

Match Prediction

Given the talent in Sri Lanka’s side, I am expecting them to put up a decent fight.

However, South Africa look to have a little too much in the locker in these conditions. The Proteas should win this, and make it 2-0.

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South Africa vs Sri Lanka 2nd ODI Preview Dream11. SA vs SL 2nd ODI Preview Dream11 Prediction