Five factors which will decide South Africa-Sri Lanka Quarter final

Five factors which will decide South Africa-Sri Lanka Quarter final: The Quarter-Final fixtures are out and among those four fixtures the encounter between South Africa- Sri Lanka promises to be the most thrilling of them all. Even the connoisseurs are in a conflict picking the favorites for this match as the teams are evenly matched on paper. If South Africa possesses the magic of AB de Villiers, Sri Lanka has the brilliance of Kumara Sangakkara. South Africa has Steyn Gun in their armory and Sri Lanka has Slinga Malinga, so there is no doubt we have a mouthwatering clash on our hands. Here are the five factors which will prove decisive in the outcome of the Quarter-Final: 1. Toss: (Sri Lanka would want to bat first, score big and put the South African batting under pressure. © Getty Images) Toss has proved to be absolutely pivotal in the World Cup matches in Australia as more often than not the team batting first has came out on top. South Africa’s vulnerability in chasing targets was exposed in full against India and Pakistan as they panicked while chasing in both of the matches. So the captain winning the toss will definitely want to bat first and put up an insurmountable total on board, making the toss a very important aspect in this match. 2. Hashim Amla and Ab de Villiers factor: (Hashim Amla and AB de Villiers will have to lead the charge if South Africa are to win the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 © Getty Images) South Africa’s batting line-up is highly dependent on Hashim Amla and AB de Villiers. Amla will look to play the role of sheet anchor and bat as many overs as possible and provide a launch pad for de Villiers to explode in the last 15 overs of the innings. If de Villiers bats for more than 15 overs, he can seriously hurt the Lankan’s and if Sri Lanka manages to dismiss both Amla and de Villiers early, then the Lankan’s will win half the battle. 3. The CHOKING Factor: (The strong South African batting line-up has failed to take the pressure of chasing against a good bowling attack Photo Source: AFP) The pressure of knock-out will be felt by both the teams; but it will be wee more among the South Africans as they have a history of ‘CHOKING’ in the important and decisive matches. On the contrary, the Sri Lankan’s always preserve their A game for the pressure games, and they lift their level of performance. So South Africa should try and treat this important match as just another game and try not to choke under any intense pressure filled situation. That will be important in determining the outcome of the match. 4. Dilemma of ideal combination: (South Africa needs to figure out the best balance they can have in the XI for the knock-out stages to survive the test. Photo Source: Getty Images) Throughout the group stages South Africa kept changing their combination, in a game they played with five bowlers while in another they went with seven batsman and backed Duminy and Behardien to fill the role of fifth bowler. Where as Sri Lanka were forced to change their bowling combination multiple times in the group stages due to the injury problems plaguing them. Finding the ideal combination for the crucial quarter-final match for both the teams will play a vital role in giving them the winning edge over the opponent. 5. The ‘SANGAKKARA’ factor: ( Kumar Sangakkara is playing as if for his life; probably the best that we have seen form the Sri Lankan through his career. © Getty Images) This amazing cricketer from Sri Lanka just gets better with age. He has struck four tons in as many matches and it seems he can hit a ton every time he comes out to bat. His ability to find gaps at will differentiates him from rest. Sangakkara is not only consistent but also makes runs at a fair rate which puts tremendous pressure on the opposition. South Africa has to get him out before he settles down. Sangakkara’s time at the crease will be crucial for the South Africans as it can be a difference between a semi-final or another World Cup exit.