Sri Lanka vs South Africa – 1st ODI Match Preview and Prediction

Sri Lanka will host South Africa for three One-Day Internationals (ODIs), followed by three Twenty-Twenty Internationals (T20Is). The first of those ODI matches will be played on September 2nd. Both Sri Lanka and South Africa are going through a difficult period in their cricketing histories, as they deal with transformation, culture shifts, and a slew of off-field distractions.

When two teams with flaws go off against one other, the ultimate outcome is usually a tight series that bettors may enjoy! On September 2, 2021, the match will be held in the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.

Match Details to Note

Match: Sri Lanka vs South Africa, 1st ODI

Date and Time: September 2, 2021 Thursday, 03:00 PM IST

Venue: R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo

Sri Lanka vs South Africa Team Previews

Sri Lanka

As its previous assignment, Sri Lanka won a series against a weakened Indian squad. Some may wonder how much weight can be placed on the outcomes of such series, but the reality is that Sri Lanka will have gained confidence and will begin to feel it can win.

Avishka Fernando performed admirably at the top of the order and is expected to remain in the starting lineup. As Sri Lanka tries to welcome back some veteran players, Minod Bhanuka or Bhanuka Rajapaksa may be discarded in favor of someone like Kusal Perera.

In all probability, Dasun Shanaka, Dhananjay de Silva, and Dinesh Chandimall will also bat. That’s a strong batting lineup with plenty of experience and awareness of the local circumstances.

Wanindu Hasaranga and Charith Asalanka are both possible starters to offer depth and balance to the roster.

While the batting appears to be enough, the bowling will be a source of concern. We saw the spinners perform admirably against India, led by Hasaranga, and he is our guy to keep an eye on once more.

Dushmanth Chameera will head the fast-bowling attempt, with Lahiru Kumara or Nuwan Pradeep perhaps assisting. We believe Akila Danajaya will be the team’s second spinner.

Sri Lanka has a good squad, but its batting is a little shaky and its bowling is overly reliant on the success of its spinners.

Sri Lanka ODI Squad

Minod Bhanuka (wk), Dasun Shanaka (c), Avishka Fernando, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Dhananjaya de Silva, Charith Asalanka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamika Karunaratne, Akila Dananjaya, Dushmantha Chameera, Praveen Jayawickrama, Dinesh Chandimal, Nuwan Pradeep, Kusal Perera, Lahiru Madushanka, Pulina Tharanga, Binura Fernando, Ramesh Mendis, Lahiru Kumara, Kamindu Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, Maheesh Theekshana

Sri Lanka won their previous ODI against India at the same venue, chasing down 226 in 39 overs. They have great players on their team and will want to perform at their best at home. The spinners will be crucial to their success.

Playing XI: Avishka Fernando, Minod Bhanuka (wk), Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Dhananjaya de Silva, Charith Asalanka, Dasun Shanaka (c), Wanindu Hasaranga, Nuwan Pradeep, Akila Dananjaya, Dushmantha Chameera, Praveen Jayawickrama

South Africa

Prior to this tour, South Africa had a successful tour to the West Indies, and they will be hopeful of repeating their success. To do so, the batsmen will need to reach their best form fast, and we know there are some holes in the team.

This series without Quinton de Kock and David Miller, which makes the batting much thinner. We believe Janneman Malan and Rassie van der Dussen are the most likely batters to score in this match.

Other players competing in the opening match are Reeza Hendricks, Temba Bavuma, and Aiden Markram. This squad appears to be battling against some high-quality spin.

The bowling lineup is where South Africa has a significant edge. A world-class bowling assault is led by Anrich Nortje, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi, and potentially Keshav Maharaj.

To balance things out, Dwayne Pretorius or Andile Phehlukwayo may play as the team’s all-rounder. Any matches won by South Africa will be down to its bowling assault, and we believe Shamsi or Nortje will have the biggest effect.

South Africa ODI Squad

Temba Bavuma (c), Heinrich Klaasen (wk), Janneman Malan, Aiden Markram, Rassie van der Dussen, Kyle Verreynne, Dwaine Pretorius, George Linde, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Tabraiz Shamsi, Beuran Hendricks, Lizaad Williams, Reeza Hendricks, Andile Phehlukwayo, Keshav Maharaj, Wiaan Mulder, Lutho Sipamla

South Africa won the last game of their last ODI series against Ireland, tying the series. They have a nice balance of veteran and young players on their team. South Africa will face a significant task playing on the turning tracks of Sri Lanka, and their batters will need to perform well throughout the series.

Playing XI: Janneman Malan, Aiden Markram, Temba Bavuma (c), Rassie van der Dussen, Heinrich Klaasen (wk), Dwaine Pretorius, George Linde, Andile Phehlukwayo, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Tabraiz Shamsi

Sri Lanka vs South Africa Toss Prediction

The team that wins the toss will choose to bat first. Setting the objective and then putting pressure throughout the chase is most likely the best approach.

Pitch and Weather Conditions

There is a lot of rain in Colombo, and there is a good chance that we will have to deal with a lot of disruptions. There is also a potential that the overs may be lowered and DLS calculations will be used.

The pitch is predicted to be very level, with some assistance for spinners, as is typical in the subcontinent.

Sri Lanka vs South Africa Match Prediction

We will wager on South Africa to win this match, but we believe it will be a tighter battle than it seems. The South African bowling assault might be the deciding factor in the game’s outcome.

South Africa is the favourite to win this match.