Published: Jan 31, 2017, 09:00 PM (IST)
Edited: Jan 31, 2017, 09:00 PM (IST)
Following a stunning comeback in the T20I series, Sri Lanka were succumbed to reality as South Africa took a 1-0 lead in the ODI series. However, Sri Lanka will ensure the defeat does not drag along in the second ODI and look to draw the game at Kingsmead in Durban on Wednesday. Sri Lanka did miss captain Angelo Mathews, struck by an ankle injury, as their batting line-up was crushed by the leg-breaks of Imran Tahir and the pace of Wayne Parnell. The only batsman to provide some runs on the board was Kusal Mendis with 62, but a sub-200 target was never going to challenge the formidable South Africans.
If Sri Lanka stands any chance to survive against South Africa, Sri Lanka’s experienced men — captain Upul Tharanga and Dinesh Chandimal — need to make substantial contributions with bat. Even if the bowling has held their nerve, the Sri Lankan batting has crumbled throughout the tour. However, with Hashim Amla, Faf du Plessis and Quinton de Kock all in good form and de Villiers to follow, the top-order could be an overwhelming challenge for Nuwan Kulasekara and co. Full Cricket Scorecard: South Africa vs Sri Lanka 2nd ODI at Durban
Let us throw some light on the key clashes that can be witnessed for the 2nd ODI:
Kusal Mendis vs Wayne Parnell: Mendis might have had a torrid time in the T20I series, but his timely innings in first ODI made him Sri Lanka’s biggest hope going into the second ODI. Mendis began his ODI career last year with a fifty and has been a regular at No. 3. A tally of 8 fifties from 18 ODIs is indeed remarkable. On the other hand, although inconsistency and injuries have been part and parcel of Parnell’s career, he has seldom left South Africa disappointed. He got 3 for 48 in the first ODI despite a three-month layoff. Do expect some high-voltage drama in the early overs!
Lakshan Sandakan vs Imran Tahir: South Africa might have big guns in their side, but they have struggled against Sandakan’s Chinamen since the T20I series. Sandakan was included in the ODI squad following his success in the Johannesburg T20I, where he tormented the Proteas ending with figures of 4 for 23. He could not repeat the previous stance but managed to pick a crucial wicket of de Kock.
On the other end is Tahir, currently the top-ranked spinner on the ICC’s ODI bowling charts, and third overall behind Trent Boult and Mitchell Starc; he leads the T20I rankings as well. As AB told ESPNCricinfo, “Immi is probably in the best kind of form that I’ve ever seen. He doesn’t bowl bad balls anymore. He always used to take wickets but now you don’t see bad balls, which make him really difficult to play.”
It will indeed be an interesting clash.
AB de Villiers vs Upul Tharanga: AB got a fifty in the final T20I and an unbeaten 30 in the first ODI. He is still easing into the situation after a six-month hiatus, but with him you know something is lurking around the corner. Everyone is aware of what he is capable of once he gets going. On the other hand, stand-in captain Tharanga had led Zimbabwe to a tri-series title in Zimbabwe. Although Tharanga might not have had a flying start as captain, a victory in the second game can provide serious competition to AB. SA vs SL, 2nd ODI, Preview: Visitors aim to stay afloat after defeat in series opener
Hashim Amla vs Suranga Lakmal: Amla did go through a lean patch against Australia. However, the waiting game was over when he became the 8th cricketer to score a century in his 100th Test. Since then he topped it up with a 57 in the first ODI and is back to his old self. Amla summed it up himself: “I feel very fresh. I still feel 18.” 55 ODI matches and 75 wickets from them, Lakmal has been the go to pacer for Sri Lanka. With Amla on the other end, he will want to enjoy the uncanny bowling ability of Lakmal in the second ODI.
