South Africa vs Sri Lanka, 1st ODI preview, likely XIs: South Africa slight favourites but Sri Lanka want a repeat

A victory in the ODI series against Sri Lanka might not do much for South Africa so far as avenging their loss in the Tests is concerned – it’s simply not the same thing – but they will still look to get back to winning ways ahead of the World Cup 2019.

History favours South Africa. On paper, again, South Africa are favourites. But we saw how that went in the Tests. The home side were not complacent, coach Ottis Gibson insisted after the Tests, but one thing is for certain – they will not be now.

That might not be good news for Sri Lanka, but they won’t mind. They will be buoyed by their historic win in the Tests, and the focus now is on whether they can manage an encore. Boosted confidence can do wonders, and Sri Lanka will be primed to go.

Particularly so given this side is a vastly different outfit to the one that was swept aside in New Zealand – Sri Lanka have made nine changes to that squad. Isuru Udana returns to the side after a gap of nine years, and crucially, Akila Dananjaya – recently suspended from bowling in international cricket – returns with full license send in those mystery balls.

It all means the challenge is for South Africa is to bring them back down to earth. They don’t want another big loss on their hands – especially not in a World Cup year.

Head to head

South Africa and Sri Lanka have clashed in 71 ODIs over the years. Their head-to-head records make for quite a balanced reading: South Africa have won 38 of those matches, with Sri Lanka claiming wins in 31 matches.

However, that record gets skewed heavily in South Africa’s favour when they’re playing at home. They have 20 matches against Sri Lanka at home in 28 matches. One – the much-lamented 2003 World Cup clash – was tied.

The last time Sri Lanka toured these parts for an ODI series, early in 2017, they were swept 5-0. But this time, with the Test series win in the bag, will Sri Lanka manage to do better?

Venue details

The teams have played at New Wanderers in five ODIs since 1998. Encouragingly for Sri Lanka, they have managed victories in two of those matches – in 2001, when they secured a four-run win, and in 2012, again, they came through in a late thriller.

However, the last time they played an ODI here, South Africa thrashed them by seven wickets after bundling out the visitors for 163.

Players to watch

Quinton de Kock (South Africa): De Kock will have to handle some extra responsibility at the top. Hashim Amla has been left out of the squad, and with only Faf du Plessis and David Miller the experienced players in the middle order, South Africa will rely a bit more than usual on de Kock’s blazing starts.

Kusal Mendis (South Africa): Mendis was declared Player of the Match in the second Test after his 84* ensured his side didn’t stumble in the chase. That’s precisely the sort of big-match temperament Sri Lanka needs going into this series. He will be crucial to Sri Lanka’s hopes, especially if a couple of early wickets fall.

Likely XIs:

South Africa: Quinton de Kock (wk), Reeza Hendricks, Faf du Plessis (c), Aiden Markram, Rassie van der Dussen, David Miller (wk), Andile Phehlukwayo, Dwaine Pretorius, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi/Imran Tahir, Lungi Ngidi

Sri Lanka: Niroshan Dickwella (wk), Upul Tharanga, Oshada Fernando, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera (wk), Dhananjaya de Silva, Thisara Perera, Akila Dananjaya, Kasun Rajitha, Lasith Malinga (c), Vishwa Fernando

Prediction:

South Africa to edge this for 1-0.