ICC World Cup 2019: South Africa Looking Good for a Semifinal Spot – Lasith Malinga

Mar 18, 2019 at 4:46 PM

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ICC World Cup 2019: South Africa Looking Good for a Semifinal Spot – Lasith Malinga

Sri Lanka Cricket team skipper Lasith Malinga has picked South Africa as one of the strong contenders for the upcoming edition of the ICC World Cup 2019. Meanwhile, England and Wales will host this edition of the pinnacle event which commences from May 30. South Africa will take on host England in the tournament opener at the Lords.

Meanwhile, the Proteas recently snubbed Sri Lanka 5-0 in the ODI series. The Sri Lankan team have a lot to ponder over as they march towards the World Cup. However, turning his attention to the South Africa side, Lasith Malinga seemed mighty impressed with South Africa’s performance in the series. One of the most respected white ball bowlers of his generation, Malinga also agreed that Proteas’ bowling attack is their primary strength heading into the competition.

In the World Cup there will be similar conditions and they have very good fast bowlers who are intelligent and have skill,” Malinga said. “They know who to use that skill, and that’s the important thing. They have wicket-taking options and they have a good bowling unit,” he added.

South Africa vs Sri Lanka 2019 | Match Preview |
Getty Images

South Africa likely to qualify for top four

Furthermore, Lasith Malinga sounded optimistic with South Africa saying that they have the quality to qualify for the semifinals of the tournament. However, the veteran fast bowler admitted that the World Cup would open and anybody can win it considering their performances on the given date.

In the World Cup, you never know what can go on. Whoever does best on the day will win,” he said. They (South Africa) have good fighting characters and match-winners that the team needs. I think they have a good chance to get into the top four,” Malinga concluded.

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Meanwhile, for South Africa, this will be the last tournament for Imran Tahir and JP Duminy. While Tahir has announced his retirement from international cricket, Duminy will step down from the ODI version. The all-rounder, who stepped down from Test cricket in 2017, will continue to play the shortest format of the game.

On the other hand, Sri Lanka led by Lasith Maling will find it tough in the showpiece event. They have struggled to find the right combinations, and recent whitewash against South Africa is only a testament to it. The players will have to work in tandem with the support staffs to produce some favourable results in the World Cup.

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