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ToggleSouth Africa have sealed the series already but will want to make a statement following the loss in the fourth One-day International. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, will be looking to continue their fightback in the final ODI at Colombo. Here we’re with the match preview for the dead rubber between the Lions and the Proteas.
Meanwhile, the Lions made a strong comeback in the fourth ODI after losing the series 3-0. The hosts put in a clinical effort to clinch a thrilling three-run victory in the rain-marred affair.
Moreover, the win in Kandy was Sri Lanka’s first in 11 ODIs against South Africa. It will eventually give them a world of confidence going into the last game on Sunday (August 12).
However, the opener’s needs to come good for the Islanders in the last game of the series. Angelo Mathews, the captain, has also identified fielding as another area to improve.
Quinton de Kock will continue to lead South Africa in the absence of Faf du Plessis. A win in the final ODI will give the much-needed momentum for the solitary Twenty20 International to follow. With the series in the bag, the Proteas team management had said they would use the final two games to test their bench strength.
Aiden Markram hasn’t had a good time of it in Sri Lanka so far. But the team could be tempted to give him another chance to play himself into form.
Key players:
JP Duminy (South Africa): The left-hander JP Duminy has been in good form in Sri Lanka this summer, and his experience will be vital to South Africa’s chances in the game.
Duminy tried to mitigate the early loss of wickets in the South African innings in Kandy but was run out in an unfortunate manner. He already has two half-centuries in the series, one of which was a brilliant 92 in the third ODI.
Suranga Lakmal (South Africa): With his skilful variations, the pacer troubled South Africa’s batters in the penultimate ODI. His performance in Colombo will be crucial. His team will want him to scalp a couple in the Proteas top order
Facts and Figures:
- Sri Lanka have lost three of their last five matches with their last win coming against Australia in 2016.
- India have registered the maximum score of 375 runs in this ground against Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka, however, have the highest score of 320 runs at this very venue.
- The highest margin a team have won on this ground was 206 when Sri Lanka defeated the Netherlands in 2002.
Form guide:
Sri Lanka WLLLW (completed matches, most recent first)
South Africa LWWWL
Pitch and conditions:
Khettarama is generally the driest one-day surface in the country, but as Sri Lanka seem intent on playing on good tracks to prepare for the World Cup, there may be plenty of runs in Sunday’s match also.
There are high chances of rain, but these are generally not likely to wash out a whole game. There is a possibility of rain in Colombo on Sunday, and the humidity is expected to be as high as 81 per cent. It means the Duckworth-Lewis (DLS) method might be in play once again.
Stats and trivia
- While Ngidi tops the wicket-takers’ list for the series, Jean-Paul Duminy leads the run-scorers, with his 215 runs. The runs came at an average of 71.66 and a strike rate of almost 140.
- Sri Lanka lost their last match against South Africa at Khettarama, in 2014, but generally have a positive record at the venue, having lost only twice in nine completed games against this opposition.
- Thisara Perera now averages 44.83 with the bat this year, with a strike rate of 137. His bowling figures across nine matches in 2018 are just as impressive – he has taken 18 wickets at 18.61 in nine games.
Match Preview, Predicted XI:
Sri Lanka may think about bringing Kasun Rajitha back into the side, perhaps in place of Lahiru Kumara.
Sri Lanka: Upul Tharanga, Niroshan Dickwella (wk), Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Angelo Mathews (c), Dhananjaya de Silva, Thisara Perera, Dasun Shanaka, Akila Dananjaya, Suranga Lakmal, and Kasun Rajitha
South Africa are likely going to field the same team.
South Africa: Quinton de Kock (c & wk), Hashim Amla, Reeza Hendricks, Heinrich Klaasen, JP Duminy, David Miller, Wiaan Mulder, Andile Phehlukwayo, Keshav Maharaj, Junior Dala, Lungi Ngidi
Sri Lanka Vs South Africa – Match Preview- Prediction for Colombo ODI:
It will be an exciting encounter considering Sri Lanka made a comeback in the fourth ODI. However, South Africa will eye to play a fearless cricket with the 2019 World Cup in sight.
Meanwhile, considering the experience the Proteas possess, they will have a nod ahead going into this game.