South Africa vs Sri Lanka, 5th ODI, Preview: Clean sweep on the cards as the visitors enter into the final ODI

The Proteas might bring back Imran Tahir into the eleven in place of Tabraiz Shamsi.

Published - 15 Mar 2019, 12:58 IST | Updated - 15 Mar 2019, 12:58 IST

3 Min Read

South Africa head to the Newlands in Cape Town to face Sri Lanka in the fifth ODI with a mission to possibly hit the final nail in the coffin. They have dominated the visitors throughout the series and lead by 4-0. People who are profounded by the fact that there are so many formats in the same sport can look at this series to know why all these formats coexist peacefully.

Sri Lanka was a completely different team in the whites. They never let the Proteas sniff a chance in the two Test matches and were very professional with the way they played. But as soon as they headed into limited-overs cricket, tables turned upside down. The team, led by Lasith Malinga, are on the verge of being clean swept as South Africa are sure to come down hard at them.

Team Combinations

South Africa

Reeza Hendricks has struggled with the bat in this series. It makes very little sense to play him and bench Rassie van der Dussen. Instead, Aiden Markram can open the innings. This will bring Faf du Plessis back to the number three position while Dussen will bat at four. The middle-order looks strong with the likes of JP Duminy, David Miller, and Andile Phehlukwayo in the ranks. The Proteas might bring back Imran Tahir in place of Tabraiz Shamsi.

Predicted XI: Quinton de Kock (WK), Aiden Markram, Faf du Plessis (C), Rassie van der Dussen, JP Duminy, David Miller, Andile Phehlukwayo, Dale Steyn, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Imran Tahir.

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka possibly tried out every combination but nothing seems to be working for them. They’d look at the chance of opening the innings with Kusal Mendis. Also, Angelo Perera, who is a terrific performer in the domestic circuit, might play his first match of the series. Isuru Udana, who was great with the bat in the last game might get to bat higher up the order. It will be interesting to see if they will persist with Upul Tharanga.

Predicted XI: Upul Tharanga, Kusal Mendis (WK), Oshada Fernando, Angelo Perera, Priyamal Perera, Dhananjaya de Silva, Thisara Perera, Isuru Udana, Kamindu Mendis, Lasith Malinga (C), Kasun Rajitha/Vishwa Fernando.

Focus will be on

Quinton de Kock (South Africa)

Quinton de Kock has been an unbelievable performer in this series. He has scored 347 runs in 4 games at an average of 86.75. He hit one century and smashed three fifties. He’d be hoping to provide South Africa with another good start in the final ODI. He will be looking at getting to the triple digits in the upcoming match as well.

Kusal Mendis (Sri Lanka)

Kusal Mendis is one of the most talented players in the Sri Lankan team. However, he hasn’t been able to live up to his potential in this series thus far. In four games, he scored 146 runs at an average of 36.50. He will have to bat with more responsibility and be wiser about his shot selection.