ICC World Cup 2023, SA vs SL | Playing 11 Prediction, Cricket Tips, Preview & Live Streaming

Pathum Nissanka has been Sri Lanka's most reliable batsman for some time (AP Photos) 

Two of the World Cup 2023’s most underrated teams—South Africa and Sri Lanka—will go up against each other to begin their journey on Saturday (October 7) at Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi. 

Both sides have been dealt severe injury blows lately, and thus, their tag as dark horses only applies before they walk in the middle for the grandest event of the game.

SA vs SL: Team Previews

South Africa

Temba Bavuma’s South Africa have plenty of firepower in their batting lineup. With Quinton de Kock, Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, and Bavuma himself at the top of the Proteas’ order, the opposition faces fear as Heinrich Klaasen and David Miller follow them.

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However, South Africa’s only area of concern is No. 7. They do not have someone reliable who can finish things off in case of failures from Miller and Klassen. For that, Marco Jansen, who averages 29.4 in the ODIs after 11 outings, must step up as damage control.

Marco Jansen has emerged as South Africa's new sensation in international arena (AP Photos)

South Africa will badly miss Anrich Nortje, who suffered a lower back injury during their recent ODI series against Australia and failed to recover ahead of the tournament. Nortje's presence would have complemented Jansen and Kagiso Rabada, but that is no longer going to be the case.

Nevertheless, Tabraiz Shamsi and Keshav Maharaj—South Africa’s two 33-year-old spinners—hold the key to their success. If the duo live up to their high expectations, you might witness the Proteas defy all odds and advance to the semifinals.

Sri Lanka

Unquestionably Sri Lanka's undisputed spinner, Wanindu Hasaranga, is going through a terrible time. In the lead-up to the Lanka Premier League (LPL) final, the 26-year-old sustained a hamstring injury, which cost him the Asia Cup and now the World Cup.

With Hasaranga out of the picture, Dunith Wellalage, who made headlines at the U-19 World Cup the year before, became a new sensation for Sri Lanka during the recently finished Asia Cup. With his excellent accuracy skills already demonstrated, the 20-year-old left-arm orthodox spinner could be the man to watch in this showpiece event.

Dunith Wellalage is thought to be one of Sri Lanka's next big things (AP Photos)

Among the batters, Sri Lanka would look to find inspiration from Pathum Nissanka and in particular from Kusal Mendis, who slammed 158 in just 87 balls against Afghanistan in their recent warm-up meet. They have a number of high-caliber all-rounders, including skipper Dasun Shanaka and Dhananjaya de Silva, but at least one of the above-mentioned duo needs to spend a lot of time in the middle in order to set the platform.

The bowling unit, which did little in their two warm-up games, is currently Sri Lanka's most depressing aspect. They lost both of them due to their lackluster performance, and therefore, Kasun Rajitha, Matheesha Pathirana, and their fellow mates must improve their numbers in order to go toe-to-toe against a star-studded Proteas side.

SA vs SL: Match Details & Live Streaming

SA vs SL: Arun Jaitley Stadium Pitch Report

Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium, formerly known as Arun Jaitley Stadium, has a reputation for having a dry surface. Even during IPL 2023, runs were not coming as thick and fast as compared to other venues. Spinners from both teams will therefore have more opportunities to win the game. Furthermore, the due factor will definitely come into play, so whichever team wins the toss would prefer to chase.

SA vs SL: Probable Playing XIs

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

Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Kusal Mendis (wk), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dasun Shanaka (c), Dunith Wellalage, Dushan Hemantha, Kasun Rajitha, Matheesha Pathirana

SA vs SL: Cricket Exchange Fantasy Tips

Captain: Dunith Wellalage
Vice-Captain: Quinton de Kock

SA vs SL: Winner Prediction

This would be a very tough call. Yet, considering South Africa's overall strength, expect the Bavuma and Co. to register a hard-fought victory to get things going.

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