After regaining a bit of form against hosts South Africa with a T20I series win, Sri Lanka again seems to be faltering away from their victory course. While a change in format can be blamed for the dismal performance in the opening ODI at Port Elizabeth, the quality of competition degraded further in the following Durban ODI where the visitors inflicted a crushing 121-run loss on visitors. Standing on a verge of a series loss, Sri Lanka will now travel to Johannesburg to keep the series alive. South Africa has faced little trouble so far in the ODI series. Both victories were easy for them and they will perhaps be looking to put another commanding performance and seal the series in their favour before heading to Cape Town and Centurion for the last two games of the tour.
Team Composition:
The conditions have proved to be tough for the Lankans. They have appeared highly incapable of facing the opposition bowlers in their own backyard. The team desperately needs to come back with a motivating performance tomorrow.
Also, with a tour to Australia and more importantly the Champions Trophy in England approaching, they might well want to get accustomed to putting up combined efforts on seaming wickets in order to prove contest worthy.
The absence of Angelo Mathews has hurt them badly. His utility as a seam bowling all-rounder adds a lot of value to the side, especially in the ODIs. The struggling duo of Upul Tharanga and Dinesh Chandimal, two of the most experienced duo in the batting order, has been another concern. The youngsters also need to improve and must avoid committing fatal mistakes after getting the starts.
On the other hand, South Africa, with two clinical performances, is on a high. They surely begin as the favourites against the fragile looking opposition. Also, the fielding, especially inside the ring has been delightful. The batting line up has been in good form. The top order has capitalised on the opportunity with only AB de Villiers and JP Duminy are waiting for proper chances to put up an entertaining show. The bowling department featuring fast bowlers Kagiso Rabada, Wayne Parnell, Chris Morris and Phelukwayo along with spinner Imran Tahir will play the key role.
Unfortunately, David Miller, the middle order batsman, who crunched a brilliant 98-ball undefeated 117 in the 2nd ODI, will be unavailable due to a finger injury which he incurred after a failed attempt to grab a catch by Niroshan Dickwella. A replacement hasn’t been announced but Farhaan Behardien looks like the only suitable option to take his place in the team. Dwaine Pretorius also looks like a good option but his inclusion might force Faf du Plessis to make changes in the entire batting order
Probable Playing XI:
South Africa:
Hashim Amla, Quinton de Kock (WK), Faf du Plessis, AB de Villiers (C), JP Duminy, Farhaan Behardien/ Dwaine Pretorius, Chris Morris, Wayne Parnell, Andile Phelukwayo, Kagiso Rabada, Imran Tahir
Sri Lanka
Niroshan Dickwella, Upul Tharanga (C), Kusal Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal (WK), Dhanajaya de Silva, Asela Gunaratne, Chaturanga de Silva, Sachith Pathiran, Nuwan Kulasekara, Suranga Lakmal, Lakshan Sandakan
Stats That Matter:
Quinton de Kock has effected 97 dismissals and needs 3 more to reach the 100 dismissals milestone, and also the 2,000 runs/100 dismissals milestone.
Match Timings:
09:30 am IST
Who said what:
“We’ve got the right personnel and with that you can obviously make sure you train hard and then you can change games with them.”: South Africa skipper Faf du Plessis
“For some of the guys it’s a bit of a jolt to come and see how tough it is to play in foreign conditions and to play in South Africa.”: Sri Lanka coach Graham Ford