5th ODI: South Africa eye series whitewash against Sri Lanka

With momentum firmly on their side, South Africa will use this match to finalise their playing XI ahead of the World Cup.

After sealing the series with a six-wicket win on Wednesday to take an unassailable 4-0 lead, South Africa will be looking for a series whitewash, while Sri Lanka will seek a consolation week when both teams meet in the fifth and final ODI at Newslands in Cape Town on Saturday.

With momentum firmly on their side, South Africa will use this match to finalise their playing XI with the likes of Aiden Markram and Reeza Hendricks still vying for a spot in the squad for the ICC World Cup 2019. The hosts, however, will want to give a fitting farewell to JP Duminy, who plays his last ODI at home before he retires from the 50-over format after the World Cup. (ALSO READ: JP Duminy latest to announce ODI swansong)

Since the historic Test series, Sri Lanka’s performance has significantly dropped. The tourists are still struggling to find their feet and will hope to gain some momentum with a win and take that into the Twenty20 Internationals.

What: South Africa vs Sri Lanka, 5^th ODI

When: March 16 (Saturday)

Where: Newlands, Cape Town

Time: 4.30 pm (IST)

Weather: Mostly sunny with a maximum high of 23 degree Celsius

On TV: Sony Network (India)

You can also follow LIVE coverage of the match on CricketCountry (South Africa vs Sri Lanka, 5^th ODI: SCORECARD)

Teams

South Africa

Hashim Amla, who was granted “compassionate leave” will be absent from the final ODI and his replacement Reeza Hendricks has not had a good run of form of late with scores of 8, 4, 29 and 1 in his previous ODIs not helping his cause. Hendricks’ repeated failures could see the return of Rassie van der Dussen which makes Markram open the batting alongside the in-form Quinton de Kock. Keeping the workload in mind, Kagiso Rabada could replace Lungi Ngidi or Anrich Nortje.

Probable XI: Quinton de Kock, Aiden Markram, Faf du Plessis (captain), Rassie van der Dussen, JP Duminy, David Miller, Andile Phehlukwayo, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Tabraiz Shamsi

Sri Lanka

Not many changes are expected from Sri Lanka despite the series loss. Avishka Fernando has been in good form, but neither Upul Tharanga or Niroshan Dickwella made any significant contributions to the top order. Dhananjaya de Silva could open the batting, while Vishwa Fernando could replace Kasun Rajitha.

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Possible XI: Niroshan Dickwella, Avishka Fernando, Oshada Fernando, Kusal Mendis, Angelo Perera, Dhananjaya de Silva, Thisara Perera, Isuru Udana, Lasith Malinga, Kamindu Mendis, Vishwa Fernando