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

The way to the World Test Championship final is crystal clear for South Africa is win everything, starting with Sri Lanka at Kingsmead on November 27.

There is no room for error for the fifth-ranked Proteas (4-3) in their path for glory at Lord's.

The home side enters the series riding on the crest of a wave after dismantling Bangladesh where new faces made their mark.

Tony de Zorzi's batting masterclass and Tristan Stubbs' breakthrough performance started the dawn of a new era in South African cricket.

Kagiso Rabada, the Proteas' pace spearhead with 26 wickets in 2024 leads a bowling attack that has been near unplayable on home turf.

Along with him, Keshav Maharaj's left-arm spin (26 wickets this year) has given South Africa the balance that's been key to their success in the Championship.

Marco Jansen as a genuine all-rounder has solved South Africa's long-standing lower-order concerns.

Against the Sri Lankan side who are ranked third in the Championship (5-4), the Proteas must leverage their home advantage in Durban, where they've historically dominated Asian teams.

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

Sri Lanka squad

Dhananjaya De Silva (Captain), Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Dinesh Chandimal, Angelo Mathews, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Oshada Fernando, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Prabhat Jayasuriya, Nishan Peiris, Lasith Embuldeniya, Milan Rathnayake, Asitha Fernando, Vishwa Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Kasun Rajitha.

Openers: Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne

Pathum Nissanka and Dimuth Karunaratne are going to open for the Lankans in the crucial Test series against South Africa.

With more than 6,500 Test runs to his credit, Karunaratne, the campaigner, would bring stability and experience to the top order; by holding the innings together, he might just prove to be vital in South African challenging pitches.

Supporting him would be Nissanka, one of the rising stars, well-made in technique and making runs under pressure.

Middle-order batsmen and allrounders: Dinesh Chandimal, Angelo Mathews, Kamindu Mendis, Dhananjaya De Silva (Captain), Kusal Mendis

The Lankan middle order for the Test series against South Africa is a mix of experience and flair, with Dinesh Chandimal, Angelo Mathews, Kamindu Mendis, Dhananjaya de Silva, and Kusal Mendis forming the backbone.

Chandimal and Mathews bring stability and composure. Captain Dhananjaya de Silva adds class with his elegant strokeplay and handy off-spin. While Kamindu Mendis offers versatility.

Bowlers: Kasun Rajitha, Lahiru Kumara, Prabhat Jayasuriya, Vishwa Fernando