SL vs SA 2018, 3rd ODI - South Africa Aims Hattrick of Wins against Sri Lanka

South Africa will eye a much-needed series win when they clash with host Sri Lanka in the 3rd ODI of the five-match series in Pallekele on August 5 (Sunday).

Meanwhile, South Africa are currently 2-0 up in the series. Their performance have improved miles from the humiliating Test series loss. Quinton de Kock, who was instrumental in the second ODI, even spoke of the possibility of winning 5-0.

Hashim Amla has also been among the runs again, scoring an important run-a-ball 43. With the ball, Lungi Ngidi and Andile Phehlukwayo picked three wickets apiece in the second ODI. South Africa have won an ODI series in Sri Lanka only once before – 2-1 in 2014 – and the visitors are eager to better that record.

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Sri Lanka, meanwhile, have much work to do. Angelo Mathews, their captain, had a few stinging words after their loss in Dambulla.

The home side have struggled to put up solid starts. They lost early wickets in both ODIs so far, and have been unable to bounce back from that, especially struggling to power through the late overs.

They have been sloppy in the field – both Amla and de Kock were dropped in the second ODI – and the bowling hasn’t been too threatening or consistent.

Avoiding those mistakes will be foremost on their agenda come Sunday for Sri Lanka, especially given South Africa have sensed blood.

Key players

Angelo Mathews (Sri Lanka): The Sri Lanka captain was one of just two batsmen who impressed in the second innings. He scored a 111-ball 79*, and Dickwella spoke of his calming influence on his own batting. Mathews has to spread that calm throughout the team – Sri Lanka needs it desperately.

Quinton de Kock (South Africa): The wicket-keeper batsman struggled visibly in the Tests, but has been a different beast in the ODIs. He has scored 47 and 87 in his two outings so far and has affected in a combined eight dismissals across two matches. If South Africa are to clinch the series on Sunday, de Kock will surely play a part.

Form guide

Sri Lanka LLWWW (completed matches, most recent first)
South Africa WWLLW

Pitch and conditions

Pallekele is Sri Lanka’s wettest venue, and there is some rain forecast for Sunday. Showers at this time of year tend to be short and sharp, however, so it is likely there will be a full game, even if there are some delays.

The pitch generally has plenty of bounce and zip for the quicks, though spinners can be effective as well.

Stats and trivia

• Throughout this streak of ten losses, Sri Lanka have not even come close to beating South Africa, with the lowest margins of victory being 40 runs and four wickets.
• Aiden Markram has not passed fifty in eight innings since he hit 66 against Bangladesh on debut.
• Sri Lanka have lost a whopping 27 of the 35 completed ODIs they have played since the start of 2017.

Predicted XI

South Africa are likely to keep their XI from Wednesday.

South Africa: Quinton de Kock (wk), Hashim Amla, Aiden Markram, Faf du Plessis (c), JP Duminy, DA Miller, Wiaan Mulder, Andile Phehlukwayo, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi, Lungi Ngidi

Sri Lanka may think about leaving Shehan Jayasuriya loose in favour of Dhananjaya de Silva, but are likelier to keep the same team as well.