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After claiming the ODI series by 2-1, Sri Lanka didn’t get off to an ideal start in the three-match T20I series as South Africa hammered the hosts by 28 runs in the first game on Friday. The second match slated for Sunday will be crucial for both the teams, especially Sri Lanka, who will be desperate to avoid the series loss.
In the series opener, SA posted 163/5 on the board, batting first with contributions from Quinton de Kock (36 off 32), Reeza Hendricks (38 off 30), David Miller (26 off 15) and Aiden Markram (48 off 33).
Wanindu Hasaranga was the pick of the bowlers for Sri Lanka, picking 2 for 23 in his four overs. Chasing the target, the hosts never quite got going as SA bowlers made inroads at regular intervals. Dinesh Chandimal remained unbeaten on 66 off 54, but the knock just wasn’t good enough as they were restricted to 135/6.
Sri Lanka will look to bounce back in the series with the second match. The Proteas have done well in T20s in recent times and will look to seal the series. The series offers both teams an opportunity to get their final preparations in before the T20 World Cup next month. The tracks are expected to assist spin in the UAE, and these conditions are perfect for the rehearsals.
Key Players
Quinton de Kock, one of the best limited overs players in the world, has immense experience of playing all over the world. In his overall T20 career, de Kock has 6785 runs in 219 innings at an average of 33.75 while striking at 139.06. He has smashed four centuries and 41 half centuries in his career. This year, he has been in terrific form, scoring 338 runs in eight innings at 42.25 and 140.24.
Aiden Markram has been one of the most highly rated batters in world cricket. He has 1403 runs in T20 cricket at an average of 30.50 and strike rate of 128.24. The 26yr old batter has been sublime this year, scoring 387 runs in 10 innings at 38.7 and a terrific striking rate of 152.96. Markram is coming fresh off a 33-ball-48 run knock in the last game.
A top-class leg-break bowler who also has batting potential, Wanindu Hasaranga is a great asset. He has 82 wickets in 56 T20 matches at an average of 14.86 runs apiece, with the best bowling of 5/26. Hasaranga has taken 19 scalps in 10 international T20s this year at an incredible average of 10.84 runs per wicket and economy of 5.24 rpo, with the best of 4/9 against India. The leg-spinner picked 2 for 23 in four overs in the first match.
Dasun Shanaka is an explosive middle-order batter and bowls more than handy medium pace, offering great dual value. The 30-year-old old was trusted with the leadership after chaos surrounding Sri Lanka cricket, and the side has done well since. Shanaka has scored 2482 runs in his T20 career, averaging 29.20 while striking at 146.25. He also has 34 wickets in the format at an economy of 8.61. Sri Lanka will need Shanaka’s all-round display in the must-win game.
Prediction
The overall head to head record between the two teams is in South Africa’s favour, with nine victories out of 14 matches they’ve competed in. Sri Lanka have lost three of their last five T20Is while South Africa have won all of their last five matches.
Sri Lanka have a very good spin attack with Hasaranga, Akila Dananjaya and Maheesh Theekshana. But the pacers lack the experience and can be taken apart. Their batting unit doesn’t look suitable for high scores with no real destructive batter in the lineup. The bowling unit has to do the bulk of the work.
South Africa, on the other hand, have a terrific and all-round bowling attack with the likes of Nortje, Rabada, Shamsi and Maharaj. While some of their batters do struggle against spin, there’s enough quality and firepower to score good totals. The Lankan Lions are likely to roar back, but the Saffers will head into the game as favourites.
