After a T20I series earlier in the year, Sri Lanka and South Africa meet as familiar foes in Sharjah, where spin could reign supreme.
Travelling to Sri Lanka in September, South Africa enjoyed conditions in Colombo, emphatically winning all three matches. Defending 163 in the first match, Temba Bavuma’s men went on to win the next two matches by nine and ten wickets respectively.
Wedged in a tricky Group 1, the two teams met similar fates at the hands of Australia, but have a Super 12 victory each thus far, with South Africa brushing aside the West Indies and Sri Lanka overcoming Bangladesh.
Having entered the tournament through Group A of the First Round, Sri Lanka have proved many of their doubters wrong, with their defeat to Australia the only blemish across five matches. The team under Dasun Shanaka and Mickey Arthur have continuity, playing in a flowing fashion, a far cry from the series leading up to the tournament.
On the other side, South Africa, in spite of all the headlines off the field, mustered a winning performance on Tuesday, chasing a target of 144 set by the defending champions. Reeza Hendricks opened the innings with a confident 39 (30) coming in for the absent Quinton de Kock, with Rassie van der Dussen (43* from 51 balls) and Aiden Markram (51* from 26 balls) making light work of the task.
Fixture Details
- The Match: South Africa v Sri Lanka, Match 25
- Time: 15:30 Saturday 30 October
- Venue: Sharjah Cricket Stadium
The Teams
Since South Africa’s last match match, opener and wicket-keeper Quinton de Kock has declared his availability for the fixture, should he be considered.
Possible South Africa XI: Quinton de Kock/Reeza Hendricks, Temba Bavuma (c), Aiden Markram, Rassie van der Dussen, David Miller, Heinrich Klaasen, Dwaine Pretorius, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Anrich Nortje, Tabraiz Shamsi
For Dasun Shanaka, his Sri Lankan side has a clean bill of health for the fixture, with spinner Maheesh Theekshana returning in their defeat to Australia.
Possible Sri Lanka XI: Kusal Perera, Pathum Nissanka, Charith Asalanka, Avishka Fernando, Wanindu Hasaranga, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Dasun Shanaka, Chamika Karunaratne, Dushmantha Chameera, Lahiru Kumara, Maheesh Theekshana
ICC Preview Video: https://www.t20worldcup.com/video/2314055