Hello, good morning/afternoon and welcome to CricketCountry’s live cricket blog and updates for the third match in the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy 2017, between Sri Lanka and South Africa at The Oval, London. This is Suvajit Mustafi, and I will be bringing you the live cricket scores and updates of the Group B contest. While South Africa are being considered favourites for this clash, the Islanders will like to spring a surprise and start the tournament positively. In the three matches between South Africa and Sri Lanka in the tournament history, Proteas have a 2-1 edge over the subcontinental side. Nonetheless, Sri Lanka managed to beat them in their last encounter in 2009 when the competition was hosted by South Africa. Regardless to say, both the teams will be eager to start on the right note. FULL CRICKET SCORECARD: Sri Lanka vs South Africa, ICC Champions Trophy 2017, Match 3
Proteas will be hell bent on changing their perception in major ICC events. After the successful stint in the first edition of the tournament in 1998, they have nothing major to boast off in prestigious tournaments. South Africa have been on a roll in limited overs recently barring the series, losing to England in the run-up to the competition. They even started the year on an emphatic note. After whitewashing Australia in September-October 2016, they also hammered the Sri Lankans in their den in a five-match ODI series. Nonetheless, all that will not matter if they do not get the better of their opponents on Saturday.
On the other hand, since the ICC World Cup 2015, Sri Lanka have won only 13 of their last 34 ODIs (full games). Since the retirement of star players, Mahela Jayawardena and Kumar Sangakkara , they have not been able to come to terms in any format. Lasith Malinga, Kusal Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal and Upul Tharanga will hold key for their success. Regular skipper, Angelo Mathews, is most likely to miss his side’s opener due to calf injury. The team management will take a final call before the game.In his absence, Tharanga will lead the side.
Squads:
Sri Lanka: Angelo Mathews (c), Upul Tharanga, Niroshan Dickwella (wk), Kusal Mendis (wk), Kusal Perera (wk), Dinesh Chandimal (wk), Asela Gunaratne, Lakshan Sandakan, Lasith Malinga, Suranga Lakmal, Seekkuge Prasanna, Nuwan Kulasekara, Nuwan Pradeep, Thisara Perera, Chamara Kapugedara.
South Africa: AB de Villiers (c & wk), Quinton de Kock (wk), Hashim Amla, Faf du Plessis, Jean-Paul Duminy, David Miller, Chris Morris, Wayne Parnell, Andile Kagiso Rabada, Imran Tahir, Dwaine Pretorius, Keshav Maharaj, Farhaan Behardien, Morne Morkel, Andile Phehlukwayo.
FULL CRICKET SCORECARD: Sri Lanka vs South Africa, ICC Champions Trophy 2017, Match 3
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