South Africa vs Sri Lanka World Cup 2023 Match Review

South Africa and Sri Lanka will face each other in the fourth match of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 on October 7 at Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. Both teams are considered as the underdogs in the tournament, as they have struggled to find consistency and form in recent years. However, they have also shown glimpses of brilliance and potential, and will be hoping to cause some upsets in the mega event. Here is a comprehensive preview of the match, including the team news, head-to-head record, key players, and predictions.

Team news

South Africa have announced a 15-member squad for the World Cup, led by Temba Bavuma. The Proteas have a balanced mix of experience and youth, with players like Quinton de Kock, David Miller, Kagiso Rabada, and Tabraiz Shamsi providing the stability and firepower. They also have some exciting talents like Aiden Markram, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen, and Gerald Coetzee, who have impressed in recent matches. South Africa have won their last three ODI series against Ireland, West Indies, and Australia, and will be confident of carrying their momentum into the World Cup.

Sri Lanka have also named a 15-member squad for the World Cup, captained by Kusal Perera. The Lions have a young and inexperienced side, with only four players having played more than 50 ODIs. They have been plagued by injuries, suspensions, and poor performances in recent times, and have lost their last five ODI series against England, Bangladesh, West Indies, India, and Pakistan. However, they have some promising players like Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, and Matheesha Pathirana, who can turn the tide in their favour.

Head-to-head record

South Africa and Sri Lanka have played each other 76 times in ODIs, with South Africa winning 44 matches and Sri Lanka winning 32 matches. In World Cups, they have met six times, with South Africa winning four matches and Sri Lanka winning two matches. The last time they faced each other in a World Cup was in 2019 in England, where South Africa won by nine wickets.

Key players

For South Africa, Aiden Markram will be the key player to watch out for. The opening batsman has been in sublime form in recent matches, scoring 515 runs in nine ODIs at an average of 73.57 and a strike rate of 122.61. He has also scored three centuries and one half-century in this period. He will be looking to provide a solid start for his team and set the platform for a big score.

For Sri Lanka, Maheesh Theekshana will be the key player to watch out for. The off-spinner has been a revelation in his debut series against South Africa, taking 23 wickets in nine ODIs at an average of 12.86 and an economy rate of 4.48. He has also taken four four-wicket hauls and one five-wicket haul in this period. He will be looking to exploit the spin-friendly conditions in India and trouble the South African batsmen.

Predictions

South Africa are the favourites to win this match, as they have a stronger and more experienced side than Sri Lanka. They also have a better record against Sri Lanka in ODIs and World Cup. However, Sri Lanka cannot be underestimated, as they have some talented players who can spring a surprise on their day. The match could be a close contest if Sri Lanka can put up a competitive total or restrict South Africa to a low score.

Conclusion

South Africa vs Sri Lanka is an intriguing match-up between two teams who are not among the favourites to win the World Cup but have the potential to cause some upsets. Both teams have some strengths and weaknesses that could make the match interesting and unpredictable. The match will be played on October 7 at Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi at 2 pm local time.

FAQ

When is the South Africa vs Sri Lanka World Cup 2023 match?
The match is on October 7 at Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi at 2 pm local time.

Which team has won more matches between South Africa and Sri Lanka in ODIs?
South Africa has won 44 matches and Sri Lanka has won 32 matches out of 76 ODIs between them.

Who are the captains of South Africa and Sri Lanka for the World Cup?
Temba Bavuma is the captain of South Africa and Kusal Perera is the captain of Sri Lanka for the World Cup.

Who are the key players to watch out for in the match?
Aiden Markram for South Africa and Maheesh Theekshana for Sri Lanka are the key players to watch out for in the match.