Match Details:
The 1st Test match of the Sri Lanka tour of South Africa will be played at the SuperSport Park in Centurion.
The match is scheduled to start at 01:30 PM IST (10:00 AM Local Time) (08:00 AM GMT).
Preview:
After a lot of dilemmas, both because of cricketing and non-cricketing reasons, the South African cricket team will finally be back in action, when they will take on the Sri Lankan lions in the first Test at Centurion. They had a disastrous T20I series against England, where they lost all of the 3 games.
However, that was only the start of it. A wave of COVID-19 halted the ODI series at first, and then cancelled it completely. On the other hand, the Sri Lanka side haven’t had much match practise as a team, but the players were involved in the recently-concluded Lanka Premier League. Both sides will be eager to start the tour on a positive note.
SA vs SL Weather Report for 1st Test:
The weather will be favourable for all days, as rain is not expected in Centurion until the new year’s day. The temperature will revolve around 24-28 °C.
Pitch Report:
The pitch at this venue is expected to favour the batsmen slightly more than the bowlers.
Average first innings score:
351 (Last 5 Test matches played here)
Record of Chasing Teams:
Won – 1, Lost – 4, Tie – 0
Injury and Availability News:
Beuran Henricks and Keegan Petersen have been withdrawn from South Africa’s squad.
SA vs SL Probable Playing XIs:
South Africa:
Quinton de Kock (C, WK), Faf du Plessis, Aiden Markram, Beuran Hendricks, Dean Elgar, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi, Rassie van der Dussen, Temba Bavuma, Migael Pretorius, Anrich Nortje.
Bench:
Glenton Stuurman, Wiaan Mulder, Kyle Verreynne, Sarel Erwee.
Sri Lanka:
Dimuth Karunaratne (C), Kusal Perera (WK), Dinesh Chandimal, Wanindu Hasaranga, Niroshan Dickwella, Lahiru Thirimanne, Dhananjaya De Silva, Suranga Lakmal, Lahiru Kumara, Dushmantha Chameera, Dasun Shanaka.
Bench:
Oshada Fernando, Minod Bhanuka, Lasith Embuldeniya, Dilruwan Perera, Vishwa Fernando, Kasun Rajitha, Santhush Gunathilake, Asitha Fernando, Kusal Mendis, Dilshan Madushanka.
SA vs SL Top Picks for Today’s Dream11 Match:
Much of South Africa’s hopes will be pinned on their captain Quinton de Kock. The mightily reliable cricketer has played 47 Tests for his nation, in which he has amassed nearly 3000 runs at an average of almost 40.
Though he is 36 now, Faf du Plessis is looking as fit as ever before. He has scored 3901 runs in the 65 Test matches he has played in his international career. The veteran cricketer has 9 Test centuries to his name.
Anrich Nortje has picked up 19 wickets in the 6 Test matches he has played for the Proteas. He will be leading South Africa’s bowling attack and given his pace and form, he can wreak havoc.
Dimuth Karunaratne will have to be at the top of his game if the visitors were to pull off a surprising win. He has 66 Tests for his nation, in which he has scored more than 4500 runs.
Captain and Vice-Captain Selection:
Captain Options – Quinton de Kock, Faf du Plessis
Vice-Captain Options – Dimuth Karunaratne, Anrich Nortje
Suggested Playing XI No.1 of SA vs SL for Dream11 Fantasy Cricket:
Keeper – Quinton de Kock (C), Kusal Perera
Batters – Dimuth Karunaratne (VC), Rassie van der Dussen, Faf du Plessis, Dinesh Chandimal
All-Rounders – Aiden Markram, Wanindu Hasaranga
Bowlers – Anrich Nortje, Suranga Lakmal, Lungi Ngidi
Suggested Playing XI No.2 of SA vs SL for Dream11 Fantasy Cricket:
Keeper – Quinton de Kock
Batters – Dimuth Karunaratne, Dean Elgar, Faf du Plessis (C), Temba Bavuma
All-Rounders – Aiden Markram, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dhananjaya de Silva
Bowlers – Anrich Nortje (VC), Dushmantha Chameera, Lungi Ngidi
Expert Advice:
Lungi Ngidi might not be going through the best run of forms, but he has 15 wickets to his name in just 4 Test matches. It is advisable to include him in both of your Dream11 Fantasy teams.
Today’s SA vs SL Probable Winners:
South Africa are expected to win this match.
