Last Updated on 6 years by Charbel Coorey
South Africa vs Sri Lanka 5th ODI Cricket Preview Dream11. SA vs SL 5th ODI Cricket Preview Dream11 Prediction
There was hope before this ODI series. Hope that Sri Lanka could build on their amazing Test series win, which would make for a competitive battle in the coloured clothing. Unfortunately, it has been anything but, which could actually throw a spanner in the works of both countries’ World Cup preparations.
How South Africa? Aren’t they 4-0 up, having sealed their fourth ODI series win in a row? Sure, those things are true as much as they are impressive. However, the ease in which they have dominated Sri Lanka in this series surely can be no gauge on what to expect in the World Cup. Quinton de Kock has been absolutely outstanding, but the Proteas need more outside of he and Faf du Plessis with the bat. The final ODI in Cape Town is a significant opportunity for others to make a mark.
Sri Lanka have lost all seven ODIs in 2019, and that record seems to have no sign of ending. The new year has seen the same struggles come to the fore, with inconsistency and reliance on individual brilliance shining through. Coach Chandika Hathurusinghe, who was brilliant in turning Bangladesh into a competitive ODI unit, is reportedly on the brink of getting sacked. Lasith Malinga could also be under pressure. It is all pear-shaped for Sri Lanka in a World Cup year, who desperately need a good performance to lift spirits.
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Key to a South Africa win
Quinton de Kock has reigned supreme this series. His fast starts and big scores has proven too much for Sri Lanka. What his performances have done is get South Africa on the front foot, and they will be hoping for the same in Cape Town. However, can the likes of Reeza Hendricks and Aiden Markram stake their claim? Arguably only one of them will get into South Africa’s first World Cup XI, which puts on the onus on these two not only to put Sri Lanka under pressure, but also the South African selectors. Hendricks has been poor this series, so this could be his last chance to impress. Will the Proteas top order set up a strong platform for the likes of Faf du Plessis, JP Duminy, David Miller and Andile Phehlukwayo to build on?
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Also, South Africa’s bowlers have proven too good for Sri Lanka’s batsmen. Lungi Ngidi continues to go about his business, taking seven wickets this series at just 17.28. Anrich Nortje is beginning to impress in Proteas colours, and Dale Steyn will always remain a threat. With these three seamers, South Africa will be looking for more ruthlessness, targeting the Sri Lankans with a mix of short balls and then their lack of front foot movement. With Andile Phehlukwayo, Tabraiz Shamsi and JP Duminy also all chipping in well last game, another well-rounded bowling display will be the order of the day.
Key to a Sri Lanka win
Sri Lanka’s top score this series is 231. That is to go with ‘slightly’ less-than-threatening totals of 189, 138 and 121/5. The batsmen have struggled badly this series, with just Kusal Mendis and number nine Isuru Udana making half centuries. They have lost wickets far too regularly, and if they have any desire for a win, their top order simply must deliver, which then needs to be backed up by the middle order. Will today finally be their day?
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Also, can Sri Lanka finally get the better of Quinton de Kock? That has been a key question heading into each ODI, but they have been on the receiving end just about every time. Lasith Malinga has been underwhelming, and has to step up here, along with the likes of Kasun Rajitha. Can Sri Lanka’s seamers make a dent in South Africa’s top order early, paving the way for the spinners to target the middle order on what is expected to be a slowish pitch?
Possible Playing 11
South Africa could go in with the same team, giving another opportunity to Reeza Hendricks. If they decide not to, they could put Aiden Markram at opener, with Rassie van der Dussen to come into the side at three.
South Africa: 1. Quinton de Kock (wk), 2. Reeza Hendricks, 3. Aiden Markram, 4. Faf du Plessis (c), 5. JP Duminy, 6. David Miller, 7. Andile Phehlukwayo, 8. Dale Steyn, 9. Anrich Nortje, 10. Lungi Ngidi, 11. Tabraiz Shamsi
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Angelo Perera could possibly get a look-in, given Sri Lanka are struggling.
Sri Lanka: 1. Upul Tharanga, 2. Avishka Fernando, 3. Oshada Fernando, 4. Kusal Mendis (wk), 5. Priyamal Perera, 6. Kamindu Mendis, 7. Dhananjaya de Silva, 8. Thisara Perera, 9. Isuru Udana, 10. Lasith Malinga (c), 11. Kasun Rajitha
Dream11 Prediction
Key stats and points:
- Conditions in Cape Town are expected to be mid-20s and fine. The pitch is said to be on the slower side.
- Quinton de Kock has 173 runs at 34.50 at Newlands. However, this series has been huge for him, scoring 347 runs, with an average of 86.75 and strike rate of 113.02.
- Kusal Mendis is Sri Lanka’s top run-scorer with 146 at 36.50. He looks to be the best Sri Lankan option for Dream11, but is now listed as WK. Will you choose him over de Kock?
- Aiden Markram, who has been in great form domestically, offers good value.
- Faf du Plessis has scored 306 runs at 76.50 in Newlands ODIs. David Miller’s record of 68 runs in three innings is underwhelming. Miller hasn’t quite looked fluent this series, but is always worth a look.
- Dhananjaya de Silva is coming off an impressive spell of 3/41 in the last match.
- Kasun Rajitha has taken just the single wicket in each of his last three ODIs, but looks likely to take more.
- Dale Steyn has nine wickets in Newlands ODIs at 38.00. All three SA pacers are an option, but with Tabraiz Shamsi to bowl on a pitch expected to be a little slow, two of the three is probably best.
Option 1:
Option 2:
Stats and Facts
- JP Duminy will play his last ODI at home after announcing he will retire from ODIs after the World Cup.
- Sri Lanka have lost all their seven ODIs in 2019. Their last three ODI wins have been dead-rubbers.
- Quinton de Kock is by far the leading-run scorer this series, with 347. Next best is Faf du Plessis with 248.
Match Prediction
Anything is possible in cricket, but Sri Lanka have provided very little reason to believe they can get a win.
South Africa to win and sweep the ODI series 5-0.
Thanks for reading!
Also read: Enjoy a light-hearted player ratings review of the India vs Australia series!
South Africa vs Sri Lanka 5th ODI Cricket Preview Dream11. SA vs SL 5th ODI Cricket Preview Dream11 Prediction
