ODI World Cup 2023: Match 4, SA vs SL Match Prediction – Who will win today’s match between South Africa and Sri Lanka?

Match four in the 2023 ODI World Cup will see South Africa (SA) take on former champions Sri Lanka (SL) in Delhi on Saturday, October 7. South Africa will be high on confidence after coming back from a 0-2 deficit versus Australia to win the five-match ODI series 3-2. Most of the players who could be in the playing XI were in fine form against the Aussies.

Captain Temba Bavuma has been leading from the front, scoring 637 runs in 10 ODIs this year, at a staggering average of 79.62 and a strike rate of 104.08. Quinton de Kock and David Miller have a lot of experience playing in India and their immense knowledge of the conditions will bode well for the team. The likes of Aiden Markram and Heinrich Klaasen scored sensational centuries against Australia and they would like to continue their purple patch.

Anrich Nortje was ruled out of the marquee event with an injury and that was a huge blow for the Proteas. However, the form Marco Jansen has shown with both bat and ball will give them a lot of confidence. If Kagiso Rabada can return to his peak and spearhead the pace-bowling attack, South Africa have two good spinners, Keshav Maharaj and Tabraiz Shamsi, who can do decent damage. They lost a warm-up game against New Zealand by seven runs via the Duckworth Louis (DLS method) but that won't concern them too much.

Sri Lanka are coming into the prestigious tournament on the back of a crushing against India in the Asia Cup 2023 final. Dasun Shanaka's men did well to make it to the summit clash with wins against Pakistan and Bangladesh. However, Mohammed Siraj's fiery spell in the final was too hot to handle for them and they capitulated for 50 runs, allowing India to chase down the paltry total without any fuss. The 'Lankan Lions' also suffered defeats against Bangladesh and Afghanistan in the warm-up games.

Kusal Mendis' form has been the bright spot for Sri Lanka, heading into the tournament. He was the leading run-getter for his side with 270 runs in six games in the Asia Cup 2023. In the warm-up game against Afghanistan, Mendis scored a breathtaking 158 off 87 balls. Wanindu Hasaranga's injury is a huge dampener for Sri Lanka but they have the likes of Lahiru Kumara and Dilshan Madushanka back in the side.

SA vs SL Match Details:

Arun Jaitley Stadium Pitch Report:

The Arun Jaitley Stadium is traditionally slow and spinners have a good time bowling at the venue. Batters need to give themselves time in the middle before they can go for some extravagant shots. Bowling first to assess the pitch could be the correct choice at this venue for the skipper who wins the toss.

Also see: South Africa vs Sri Lanka Live Match Updates

SA vs SL Head-to-Head Record:

SA vs SL Probable Playing XI

South Africa (SA):

Temba Bavuma (C), Quinton de Kock (wk), Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi, Lungi Ngidi

Sri Lanka (SL):

Kusal Perera, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dasun Shanaka (C), Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Dilshan Madushanka, Matheesha Pathirana

Probable Best Performers:

Probable Best Batter:

Kusal Mendis (Sri Lanka): 

The wicketkeeper-batter has the ability to play the ball on its merit and quality would hold him in good stead at the sluggish wicket expected at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. Mendis will be high on confidence after his recent run of form but he has to be wary of not throwing his wicket away after getting set.

Also Check: Most Runs in ODI World Cup 2023

Probable Best Bowler:

Kagiso Rabada (South Africa):

The right-arm seamer played a lot of cricket at the Arun Jaitley Stadium during his time at the Delhi Capitals. Rabada will know exactly how to use the pitch to his advantage. The Sri Lankan batters were all at sea against Siraj in the Asia Cup final and Rabada has the potential of giving them a similar nightmare.

                          Today's Match Prediction: South Africa to win the match