It will be challenging for South Africa as some of its key players are out of this ODI series.
Preview:
Sri Lanka will take on South Africa in a three-match ODI series starting on 2 September. Sri Lanka last played an ODI against a second-string Indian side and despite giving their best, lost the series 2–1. They are still in transition and are doing well under coach Mickey Arthur.
South Africa, on the other hand, last featured in an ODI in July when they toured Ireland and drew the series 1-1. Dwayne Pretorius, Jr. Dala has been named in the ODIs while key players Quinton de Kock, Lungi Ngidi and David Miller will be ruled out of the ODI series due to different reasons.
Match Details:
Sri Lanka vs South Africa, 1st ODI
Venue: R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
Date & Time: September 2, 3:00 PM IST and local time
Live Streaming: Sony Sports Network
Pitch Report:
The surface is a bit slow and the slow bowlers will get maximum help from it. It may slow down as the game progresses and hence batting first is a better option. Anything over 260 is a competitive score on this track.
Probable Playing XI SL vs SA:
Sri Lanka
Avishka Fernando, Kusal Perera (wk), Dinesh Chandimal, Dhananjay de Silva, Charit Aslanka, Dasun Shanaka (c), Vanindu Hasaranga, Chamika Karunaratne, Dushmantha Chamira, Akila Dhananjaya, Nuwan Pradeep/ Praveen Jayavikrama
South Africa
Jenman Malan, Reeza Hendrix, Temba Bavuma (c), Aiden Markram, Rassi van der Dussen, Henrik Klaasen/Kyle Verne, Dwayne Pretorius, Andile Phehlukwayo/Keshav Maharaj, Kagisa Rabada, Enrique Nortje, Tabrez Shamsi
SL vs SA Top Picks for SL vs SA Dream11 Match:
Top Pick – Batsman
Janaman Malan recorded his career-best 177* in the final ODI of the series against Ireland. He has played 7 ODIs and scored 483 runs at an average of 120.75 including 2 centuries and 2 half-centuries.
Charit Aslanka showed a lot of promise in the ODI series against India where he scored 127 runs in 3 matches at an average of 42.33.
Top Pick – All Rounder
Dhananjaya de Silva is a prolific batsman who swings the strike well and is also a useful off break bowler. In his ODI career, he has scored 1112 runs at an average of 26.47 and has taken 27 wickets.
Dwayne Pretorius has returned to the ODI team after a long hiatus. He brings more balance to the side. He has taken 29 wickets and scored 135 runs in his ODI career.
Top Pick – Bowler
Dushmantha Chamera is tall and hits the deck hard and can generate momentum even on slow Sri Lankan surfaces.
Tabrez Shamsi had a good year with the ball. He took wickets for South Africa in the West Indies and Ireland tours. He has taken 32 wickets in his ODI career. The spin-friendly conditions in Sri Lanka will help him further.
Top Pick – Wicketkeeper
Kusal Perera who missed the India series is back in the Sri Lankan squad again. The 31-year-old wicket-keeper batsman has 3071 runs in ODIs at an average of 31.65.
SL vs SA Must Picks for Dream11 Fantasy Cricket:
| Player | Career ODI Stats |
| Janneman Malan | 483 runs |
| Dhananjaya de Silva | 1112 runs and 27 wickets |
| Temba Bavuma | 461 runs |
| Tabraiz Shamsi | 32 wickets |
| Wanindu Hasaranga | 534 runs and 25 wickets |
Suggested Playing XI No.1 for SL vs SA Dream11 Fantasy Cricket:
Kusal Perera, Temba Bavuma, Rassie van der Dussen, Avishka Fernando, Charith Asalanka, Janneman Malan (c), Dhananjaya de Silva, Wanindu Hasaranga (vc), Tabraiz Shamsi, Chamika Karunaratne, Anrich Nortje
Suggested Playing XI No.2 for SL vs SA Dream11 Fantasy Cricket:
Kusal Perera (vc), Temba Bavuma (c), Aiden Markram, Charith Asalanka, Janneman Malan, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dwaine Pretorius, Dushmantha Chameera, Akila Dananjaya, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi
SL vs SA Risky Captaincy Choices:
Aiden Markram is a stylish batter who times the ball well and can give quick overs in the middle if needed. He has scored 724 runs and picked up 5 wickets in his ODI career. You can take a risk and pick him as your fantasy team’s skipper.
Akila Dananjaya is a deceptive bowler and will be really difficult for the South African batters to pick him. He has picked up 54 wickets in his ODI career with the best figures of 6 for 29.
Player you should avoid:
Dasun Shanaka has scored 55 runs and picked up 2 wickets in the ODI series against India, it’s better not to include him in your fantasy teams though it’s a tough call.
