South Africa tour of Sri Lanka, 2021 – Sri Lanka vs South Africa – 3rd ODI Match Preview
With the series level at 1-1, the third ODI will essentially be the series finale. Both teams want to give it their all to win the series.
After losing the first game, South Africa fought back to defeat Sri Lanka by 67 runs in the second game. When compared to the first game, it was a full batting effort from them, and the most significant part was that everyone timed their innings to perfection. Although Janneman Malan slumped after his 50, Heinrich Klaasen’s cameo ensured that South Africa did not lose momentum after a strong start.
Charith Asalanka is averaging 40 with a strike rate of 90 in 50 overs, which are fantastic figures for a batsman just starting and being expected to play at a tough position at #5. He was great throughout the second game, and he can only get better from here. He is a great find for Sri Lanka, and he should be supported and groomed for at least the next five years since he has a lot of potentials.
Match Details to Note
Match: Sri Lanka vs South Africa, 3rd ODI, South Africa tour of Sri Lanka, 2021
Date: Tuesday, September 07, 2021
Time: 3:00 PM (IST)
Venue: R.Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
Sri Lanka vs South Africa Team Previews
Sri Lanka
Team Sri Lanka’s top order was thrashed for 19/3 in the first five overs before the middle order stabilized the ship with some important partnerships. Charith Asalanka led the way with 77 runs, with Dasun Shanaka (30 runs) and Charika Karunaratne (36 runs) also contributing. But they never truly challenged the chase, finishing with 197 and losing by 67 runs (DLS method).
Chamika Karunratne (2 wickets) and Dananjaya De Silva (1 wicket) both took 3 wickets and gave runs at less than 5 RPO, but the other bowlers gave runs at over 6 RPO as the opposition built up runs. Hasaranga and Chameera took vital wickets in the previous game but were costly with the ball.
Charith Asalanka has 77 and 72 points in two matches, with a strike rate of 110+. He appears to be in excellent form and will be aiming for his first century in this match.
Chamika Karunaratne has bowled 8-0-42-3 in two encounters and would be hungry to bowl more overs in this match. He can be deadly with the bat, as seen by his 36-run performance off 23 balls in the previous game.
Sri Lanka ODI Squad
Avishka Fernando, Pulina Tharanga, Binura Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Minod Bhanuka (wk), Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Dhananjaya de Silva, Charith Asalanka, Dasun Shanaka (c), Wanindu Hasaranga, Akila Dananjaya, Praveen Jayawickrama, Ramesh Mendis, Nuwan Pradeep, Kusal Perera, Lahiru Madushanka, Dinesh Chandimal, Kamindu Mendis, Chamika Karunaratne, Dushmantha Chameera, Pathum Nissanka, Maheesh Theekshana
Playing XI: Minod Bhanuka (wk), Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Dhananjaya de Silva, Charith Asalanka, Dasun Shanaka (c), Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamika Karunaratne, Dushmantha Chameera, Akila Dananjaya, Praveen Jayawickrama
South Africa
South Africa scored 280+ runs for the second time in a row, scoring 283 runs in 47 overs. Janneman Malan led their batting team with 121 runs, with Reeza Hendricks (51 runs) and Heinrich Klassen (43 runs) forming 96 and 86 run partnerships with Malan. In the opening game, Van Der Dussen and Aiden Markram both scored runs.
With the ball, Tabraiz Shamsi was the hero of the night, picking up 5 wickets after Kagiso Rabada claimed two early wickets in the powerplay. Wiann Mulder, George Linde, and Keshav Maharaj each took one wicket in the game.
Janneman Malan is enjoying a fantastic ODI season, with three hundreds and two fifties in only nine matches. He had scores of 121 and 23 in his two bouts so far, and we anticipate him to make another huge score in this match.
Tabraiz Shamsi bowled 7.4-0-49-5 in the previous game, assisting them in bowling out the opponents for 197 runs. He is a wicket-taking bowler who will not be concerned with surrendering a few runs in his overs.
South Africa ODI Squad
Keshav Maharaj (c), Rassie van der Dussen, Kyle Verreynne, George Linde, Janneman Malan, Kagiso Rabada, Andile Phehlukwayo, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Tabraiz Shamsi, Lizaad Williams, Junior Dala, Beuran Hendricks, Reeza Hendricks, Anrich Nortje, Dwaine Pretorius, Heinrich Klaasen
Playing XI: Temba Bavuma (C), Reeza Hendricks, Janneman Malan, Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen (wk), Andile Phehlukwayo, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi, Anrich Nortje
Sri Lanka vs South Africa Toss Prediction
So far, teams that batted first have won both matches. In the second inning, the pitch becomes significantly slower, bringing the spinner into action.
Pitch and Weather Conditions
So far, the Colombo pitch has been favorable for batting, with teams routinely reaching 280-300 runs. However, we anticipate that the gloomy conditions and wetness in the track will produce some abrasiveness and put the spinners into action.
The weather in Colombo was gloomy and dark for this match; but we expect rain will not be a detriment and force the game to be called off. Some overs may be lost, like in the previous game.
Sri Lanka vs South Africa Match Prediction
South Africa has a strong winning record versus Sri Lanka, however the latter enjoys the benefit of playing at home. The third ODI is likely to be won by South Africa. South Africa is the favorite to win today’s match, according to our match prediction. South Africa is a well-rounded team. Both teams have a formidable batting order. South Africa’s bowling unit is quite powerful. South Africa has a strong track record versus Sri Lanka. Both teams’ key players are in terrific shape.
South Africa is the favourite to win this match.
