South Africa Playing 11 vs Sri Lanka- 1st Test, Sri Lanka tour of South Africa 2024

When South Africa takes the field against Sri Lanka at Kingsmead Stadium on November 27, it won't be just another Test match. For these cricket powerhouses, it's a make-or-break moment in their World Test Championship campaigns.

The Proteas, still buzzing from their Bangladesh series triumph, face a daunting equation: win every remaining Test or kiss their Lord's dreams goodbye. With four wins and three losses, the fifth-ranked South Africans need a clean sweep – not just against Sri Lanka, but also in their upcoming Pakistan series.

For third-ranked Sri Lanka (5-4), the mathematics might be kinder, but the challenge is no less daunting. Despite their impressive WTC run, they've never won a Test series on South African soil – a ghost they're desperate to exorcise.

The series promises fireworks, headlined by red-hot Kagiso Rabada, whose 26 wickets in 2024 have terrorized batting lineups worldwide. He'll square off against Sri Lanka's batting lynchpin Kusal Mendis, setting up a classic pace-versus-technique showdown.

Durban's spin-friendly pitch brings Keshav Maharaj (26 wickets this year) into sharp focus, while the all-round battle between Marco Jansen and Sri Lanka's Asitha Fernando (64 Test wickets) adds another layer of intrigue.

South Africa's recent demolition of Bangladesh, powered by Tony de Zorzi and newcomer Tristan Stubbs, signals their intent. But Sri Lanka's third-place WTC ranking isn't accidental – they've consistently punched above their weight in cricket's most demanding format.

Also read: SA vs SL Match Preview- 1st Test, Sri Lanka tour of South Africa 2024

South Africa squad

Temba Bavuma (c), David Bedingham, Gerald Coetzee, Tony de Zorzi, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Wian Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Dane Paterson, Kagiso Rabada, Tristan Stubbs, Ryan Rickelton, and Kyle Verreynne.

Openers: Aiden Markram, Tony De Zorzi

Aiden Markram and Tony de Zorzi may lead the charge as openers against Sri Lanka. Known for his composure and ability to anchor the innings, Markram brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record at the top of the order but the Lanky opener form has not been that great over the past couple of years.

Tony de Zorzi with a solid domestic record and a hunger to make his mark. De Zorzi's attacking mindset and fearless approach complement Markram's stability.

Middle-order batsmen and allrounders: Temba Bavuma (c), David Bedingham, Tristan Stubbs, Kyle Verreynne, Wian Mulder

Bowlers: Kagiso Rabada, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Dane Paterson, Gerald Coetzee