Last Updated on 4 weeks by Charbel Coorey
T20 WC 2021 Match 25: SA vs SL Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | SA vs SL Dream11 Prediction Today | South Africa vs Sri Lanka Key Players | Sharjah Pitch Report
After a fascinating day yesterday – arguably the most enthralling in the Super 12s thus far – attention turns to a crucial match in Group 1. The winner here can go level on points with either England or Australia given those two sides face each other after this one, so both teams here will be looking to keep their nerve in the hot Sharjah sun.
South Africa did just that a few days back at Dubai in challenging circumstances. Quinton de Kock, South Africa’s premier batsman, sat out the match due to Cricket South Africa’s call to mandate taking a knee in support of the Black Lives Matter movement. The Proteas, who could have easily let such a distraction affect their game, performed brilliantly to brush aside West Indies to stay right in the hunt for a top two finish.
Since then, de Kock released a statement apologising for his actions after emotional conversations with those around him. As a result, he is set to slot back into the South Africa team for a match against opponents he dominated just weeks ago on their own home turf.
However, it won’t be a straightforward assignment today for South Africa as they come up against a capable Sri Lanka spin attack. The Lions were brushed aside by Australia in Dubai, but if the conditions in the West Indies-Bangladesh match yesterday are anything to by, Sri Lanka can make life difficult for the South African lineup via accurate bowling. All to play for.
Key Players to Watch/Key Stats
South Africa:
- Quinton de Kock is all set to return, and he will be looking to make his mark right away. He was outstanding against Sri Lanka in September, striking two half-centuries in three matches. He scored 153 runs in total with just one dismissal at a strike rate of 121.42.
- de Kock has a solid record at Sharjah. He has struck 173 runs in five matches on this ground at an average of 43.25 and strike rate of 132.06.
- Aiden Markram is having a brilliant year in T20Is. The talented batsman has struck 499 runs at an average of 49.36 and strike rate of 149.40, including scores of 40 and 51* in the Super 12s.
- Also, expect Markram to have a say with the ball against Sri Lanka’s lineup of left-handers. He took four wickets in three matches against Sri Lanka earlier this year at an average of 6.25 and economy rate of 4.16.
- Reeza Hendricks was in good touch against Sri Lanka earlier this year (3 inns, 112 runs, avg. 56.00, SR 123.07). In fact, no player has more runs in SA-SL T20Is than Hendricks (311 runs, avg. 44.43, SR 125.91).
- Tabraiz Shamsi has taken eight wickets in six matches against Sri Lanka at an average of 16.71. He will have a key role to play on the slow Sharjah track against a team that struggled against the wristspin of Adam Zampa.
- The world’s number one ranked T20I bowler has 29 wickets to his name in 19 matches this year at an average of 14.44 and economy rate of 5.81.
- Keshav Maharaj took one wicket in each of his three matches in Sri Lanka last month. The left-arm spinner has taken at least one wicket in each of his last 10 white-ball matches (total of 14 scalps).
- Anrich Nortje took figures of 1/15, 1/19 and 2/31 at Sharjah in the recent IPL. Nortje has been outstanding in recent weeks, taking at least one wicket in each of his last nine white-ball matches.
Sri Lanka:
- Charith Asalanka is in terrific touch. The left-hander smashed 80* off 49 balls vs Bangladesh on this ground and followed it up with 35 off 27 balls against Australia where he looked good for more.
- Kusal Perera scored 39 and 30 against South Africa last month. He was looking good against Australia (35 off 25 balls) before he was undone by a terrific Mitchell Starc yorker. Can he make an impact today?
- Bhanuka Rajapaksa is also in good touch. The left-hander struck 53 off 31 balls against Bangladesh on this ground, albeit on a better-than-usual Sharjah pitch. He followed it up with 33* off 26 balls vs Australia.
- Can Wanindu Hasaranga continue his brilliant year? He has taken 28 wickets in 17 matches this year at an economy rate of just 5.52. He is coming off an excellent spell vs Australia (2/22), and took three wickets in as many matches vs South Africa last month.
- Maheesh Theekshana’s fitness is in question ahead of this match. He was superb in the first round of the tournament, taking eight wickets in the three matches. However, had a tough time of things against South Africa last month (12-0-93-1 in the three-match series).
- Lahiru Kumara at Sharjah in the T20 World Cup: 3/7 vs Netherlands and 1/29 vs Bangladesh.
Stats and Facts
- Head-to-head: Matches 16, South Africa 11, Sri Lanka 5.
- South Africa thrashed Sri Lanka 3-0 in Sri Lanka in early September. The Proteas restricted the home side to just 135/6, 103 and 120/8 in the three matches.
- South Africa lead Sri Lanka 2-1 in T20 World Cups.
Possible Playing 11
Quinton de Kock is set to slot back in for South Africa. Reeza Hendricks is likely to drop down to three with Heinrich Klaasen to miss out.
South Africa: 1. Temba Bavuma (c), 2. Quinton de Kock (wk), 3. Reeza Hendricks, 4. Aiden Markam, 5. Rassie van der Dussen, 6. David Miller, 7. Dwaine Pretorius, 8. Kagiso Rabada, 9. Keshav Maharaj, 10. Anrich Nortje, 11. Tabraiz Shamsi
Maheesh Theekshana still looked a little uncomfortable in the match against Australia. So, Sri Lanka may look to rest him today.
Sri Lanka: 1. Pathum Nissanka, 2. Kusal Perera (wk), 3. Charith Asalanka, 4. Avishka Fernando, 5. Bhanuka Rajapaksa, 6. Dasun Shanaka (c), 7. Chamika Karunaratne, 8. Wanindu Hasaranga, 9. Dushmantha Chameera, 10. Maheesh Theekshana/Akila Dananjaya, 11. Lahiru Kumara
Sharjah Pitch Report and Weather
The Sharjah track looked a good one for batting early in the Super 12s stage, where Sri Lanka chased Bangladesh’s 171. However, the surface for the West Indies-Bangladesh game yesterday was very slow, with the Windies defending 142. Expect a similar track 24 hours later, with any score around 150 sure to be a tough chase.
Another hot day is forecast.
Dream11 Prediction
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
Base team:
- Wicket-keepers: Quinton de Kock
- Batsmen: Aiden Markram, Charith Asalanka
- All-rounders: Wanindu Hasaranga
- Bowlers: Tabraiz Shamsi, Anrich Nortje, Kagiso Rabada
Also read: Fan2Play vs Dream11 – What’s the difference?
Match Prediction
South Africa have a fine spin attack and batsmen in form. They are the favourites to win this given their excellent recent record vs Sri lanka.