South Africa vs Sri Lanka, 3rd ODI: Likely XIs for both camps
SA vs SL 3rd ODI: Likely XIs for both camps
Sri Lanka are having torrid time on their current tour of South Africa. They were whitewashed in the three-match Test series but came back hard in the most unpredictable format, i.e. Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is). They won their first ever series in the African nation by mauling an inexperienced side led by Farhaan Behardien. Nonetheless, Proteas fielded their core side in the series opener of the five One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and things again turned bleak for the tourists. Having lost the opening two games without posing any threat, the visitors will have to play out of their skin to keep the series alive at Johannesburg. Full Cricket Scorecard, South Africa vs Sri Lanka, Johannesburg
On the other hand, South Africa will be eager to wrap up the series and test their bench strength in the remaining games with one eye on the ICC Champions Trophy in June. With lots to play for, let’s have a look at the possible XIs for both sides for the 3rd ODI:
Top-order: Hashim Amla and Quinton de Kock have not had a great start to the series, but there is no doubting their credentials. The duo will be itching to play a big knock and help their side seal the series. Test skipper Faf du Plessis, who is coming on the back of a belligerent ton and is slated to play his 100th game on Saturday, will fill in at No. 3. He will be eyeing another special innings on his landmark ODI. AB de Villiers will come at No. 4 where he can play according to situation.
On the other hand, things do not look pleasant for the tourists, especially with their top-order falling in each game. Niroshan Dickwella and Upul Tharanga opened the innings in the second ODI but fell flat chasing a big total. Dickwella will have to apply himself and not be confined to unimpressive starts. Stand-in captain, Tharanga should continue to bat along with Dickwella and not drop down to assist his partner and lay a solid platform at the top. Kusal Mendis will come in at No. 3 whereas Dinesh Chandimal will bat at No. 4. One among the two will have to anchor the innings and provide much needed stability.
Middle-order: Middle-order is a tough place to bat. A batsman has to play according to the pace of the innings and change gears when needed. Proteas are ahead in this department with the likes of JP Duminy at No. 5, Behardien at 6 and Chris Morris coming in at No. 7. David Miller, who scored a magnificent ton in the previous game, has been ruled out due to finger injury and Behardien will have to fill in his shoes.
For Sri Lanka, Dhananjaya de Silva will have to score the bulk of runs down the order. He should come at No. 5 followed by Asela Gunaratne at 6 and Sachith Pathirana at No. 7. Pathirana can use the long handle to good effect and be handy with the willow.
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Lower-order & Bowlers: All-rounders Andile Phehlukwayo and Wayne Parnell give more depth to the hosts coming at No. 8 and 9. Kagiso Rabada is a decent batter and will take the No. 10 spot with Imran Tahir featuring at No. 11. Proteas have lots of options in the bowling department with Rabada spearheading the pace attack and Tahir taking care of the spin arsenal. Parnell and Phehlukwayo will give de Villiers 20 overs among themselves with all-rounders Duminy and Morris present in the ranks as well.
From Sri Lanka’s point of view, Chaturanga de Silva will bat at No. 8 followed by Nuwan Kulasekara, Suranga Lakmal and Lakshan Sandakan. The same set of players will be relied upon by stand-in skipper to chip in with wickets. Visitors have effective bowlers up their sleeves but will have to chip in with regular wickets to dent Proteas’ batting line-up. In the last match, South Africa were reduced to 71 for 3 but managed to post 307 for 6. Tharanga will have to set aggressive fields for his bowlers, unleash his spinners (as many as 5 of them) to test the hosts and they will have to respond by bowling in right lines. Kulasekara and Lakmal will have to take maximum responsibility.
Sri Lanka also have all-rounders like de Silva, Chaturanga, Pathirana and Gunaratne who can apply the brakes on the scoreboard but will have to remain consistent. Overall, Sri Lankans have to step up their game in the do-or-die clash. However, their fate remains in their hands.
On the other hand, Proteas may come up with the one forced change, by replacing Miller (due to injury) with Behardien, and press for another prolific show.
Likely XI for South Africa: Quinton de Kock (wk), Hashim Amla, Faf du Plessis, AB de Villiers (c), JP Duminy, Farhaan Behardien, Chris Morris, Andile Phuhlakwayo, Wayne Parnell, Kagiso Rabada, Imran Tahir
Likely XI for Sri Lanka: Upul Tharanga (c), Niroshan Dickwella, Kusal Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal (wk), Dhananjaya de Silva, Asela Gunaratne, Sachith Pathirana, Chaturnaga de Silva, Nuwan Kulasekara, Suranga Lakmal, Lakshan Sandakan