South Africa vs Sri Lanka, 2nd ODI preview, likely XIs: South Africa set to tinker in pursuit of 2-0

After the Tests in which they were caught with their guard down against Sri Lanka, South Africa ensured there were no slip-ups in the first ODI, winning the clash in Johannesburg by eight wickets with a fine, all-round display.

With their mojo regained, more of the same is expected from South Africa, but in a World Cup year, results are secondary in pre-tournament ODIs. South Africa are expected to further analyse their squad in the coming matches. Anrich Nortje, the paceman, made his debut in the first ODI, although they couldn’t quite see their inexperienced middle order in action, given how quickly Sri Lanka yielded.

There is also the curiosity surrounding Imran Tahir. Since returning 3/26 in Johannesburg, Tahir has announced that the World Cup would be last outing in the format for South Africa. Whether this will mean he’ll do something similar to Chris Gayle – the big-hitter has been in irresistible form since announcing his own retirement – remains to be seen.

For Sri Lanka, who have a fairly inexperienced squad, the experienced heads will have to stand up and be counted. The onus is on the likes of Upul Tharanga, Thisara Perera and Lasith Malinga to coax the side into a repeat of their Test feats.

Head to head

The victory in Johannesburg was South Africa’s 39th in ODIs against Sri Lanka in 72 matches. It also further bolstered their home record – it was their 21st victory over the Lankans at home in just 29 matches.

Sri Lanka will have plenty to do to avoid a fate similar to the last time they toured these shores in 2017 – they were swept 5-0.

Venue details

The two sides have met just thrice at the SuperSport Park. South Africa have reigned supreme on two of those occasions. Sri Lanka can take heart from the fact that the last time they played an ODI at this venue against South Africa, they won by a handsome 88 runs.

That isn’t in keeping with South Africa’s broader fortunes at the Centurion – in 39 matches, they have won 25.

It can be high-scoring, but spinners have been known to find favour on the pitch here – India showed that with Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal last year.

Rain is not expected to be a factor.

Players to watch

Faf du Plessis (South Africa): South Africa’s skipper was once again at it in Johannesburg, scoring a 114-ball 112. It was the latest in a long line of great scores – he has scored at least a half-century in his last six international matches. With an experienced middle-order to guide, more of the same is expected from du Plessis.

Upul Tharanga (Sri Lanka): The opener is one of the few experienced Sri Lankan players in the squad. Given how quickly the openers were sent back in Johannesburg, it is imperative that Tharanga digs in and get through the new-ball bowlers. He has a decent record in South Africa – in 11 ODIs, Tharanga has 374 runs with a hundred and two fifties.

Likely XIs

South Africa: Quinton de Kock (wk), Reeza Hendricks, Rassie van der Dussen, Faf du Plessis (c), David Miller, Wiaan Mulder, Andile Phehlukwayo, Dale Steyn, Anrich Nortje, Lungi Ngidi, Imran Tahir

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

Prediction

Sri Lanka to push South Africa hard, but eventually fall short.