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South Africa vs Sri Lanka ODI World Cup Tips - The Lions likely to roar past the Proteas

By Siddhu Bharadwaj

06 Oct 2023

Siddhu Bharadwaj 06 Oct 2023

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South Africa vs Sri Lanka ODI World Cup predictions to be played at the Arun Jaitley stadium in Delhi on Saturday afternoon, Indian time
South Africa have lost 4 of their last 5 ODIs against Sri Lanka in Asian conditions
Sri Lanka have won 14 of their last 16 ODIs

Can Sri Lanka surprise South Africa in their World Cup opener? (Getty Images)

South Africa vs Sri Lanka ODI World Cup

The perennial chokers of World cricket South Africa will start their 2023 ODI World Cup with a tricky game against Sri Lanka. This match will be played in the spin-friendly conditions of the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on Saturday from afternoon, IST.

South Africa vs Sri Lanka ODI World Cup
Head to Head
South Africa Form
South Africa Team News
Sri Lanka Form
Sri Lanka Team News

South Africa may not enjoy these conditions as much as they would enjoy the pace and bounce on offer back home. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, would fancy their chances of upsetting the applecart of the Proteas. Despite the heavy odds, I am backing Sri Lanka to spring a surprise here and win the match.

South Africa have lost their last 2 matches played in India (ODIs)
The Proteas have also lost their last match played at this venue (ODIs)
Sri Lanka have won 14 of their last 16 matches (ODIs)
Sri Lanka have won 4 of their last 5 matches against South Africa in the Asian continent (ODIs)
Maheesh Theekshana has taken 2+ wickets in 8 of his last 11 matches (ODIs)

Head to Head

South Africa have played Sri Lanka in 80 ODIs so far with 45 wins for South Africa and 33 wins for Sri Lanka. One match ended in a tie while there was no result in the other.

The last time these sides met was in a three-match ODI series in Sri Lanka that the Lankans won 2-1, back in September 2021.

South Africa Form

South Africa are coming off a thrilling series at home against Australia, when they came back from 2-0 down to win 3-2 in September. The conditions, though, are a complete contrast to the ones they are likely to face here.

The Proteas were scheduled to play their warm-ups against Afghanistan and New Zealand. The match against the Afghans was washed out without a ball bowled. The one against the Kiwis was a close one which ended in a seven-run win via DLS method for New Zealand.

South Africa have most of their bases covered, but will be wary of the conditions, considering their indifference to spin conditions.

South Africa Team News

South Africa could go with two spinners in their playing XI with Tabraiz Shamsi likely to pair Keshav Maharaj. That could mean no place for Andile Phehlukwayo as Marco Jansen, Gerald Coetzee and Kagiso Rabada pick themselves up.

Sri Lanka Form

Sri Lanka were last seen in the Asia Cup where they reached the finals, only to be blown away by India. That blip aside, the Lankans have won 14 of their last 16 ODIs.

That sequence included their winning run in the ODI World Cup qualifier held in Zimbabwe, which Sri Lanka had to win to qualify for this marquee event.

In the warm-ups, Sri Lanka played against Bangladesh and Afghanistan. Both matches were a disaster for the team as they lost by seven wickets to Bangladesh and by six wickets to Afghanistan in a rain-hit game.

Sri Lanka Team News

Sri Lanka are still working on the fitness of Kusal Perera, and if he’s ruled out, it will be Dimuth Karunaratne who will take his place. Maheesh Theekshana is once again available for selection after recovering from a hamstring injury.

South Africa vs Sri Lanka ODI World Cup FAQs

Where can I watch the South Africa vs Sri Lanka ODI World Cup live stream?

Our live streaming calendar shows you where to watch the South Africa vs Sri Lanka ODI World Cup live stream.

What time does South Africa vs Sri Lanka ODI World Cup start?

This South Africa vs Sri Lanka ODI World Cup will be played at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on October 7, Saturday starting at 2pm IST.

Verdict

Sri Lanka are likely to enjoy the conditions more than South Africa. The Lankans have a slight advantage compared to the Proteas and that pushes me to back them in the win market. I am putting my money on Sri Lanka springing a surprise. Also keep an eye on the individual market where Theekshana could be Sri Lanka’s best bowler.