When and Where
Time: 9:00 AM (IST)
Venue: Sydney Cricket Ground
The Africans are set to take on the Asian side in the biggest event, the one they desperately want to present to their people. On the other hand, Sri Lankans, the last two-time finalists are trying to end their curse by winning the event for the second time in the history.
So far
Sri Lanka are in the 3rd position in Pool A with 8 points and South Africa are in the 2nd place with 8 points, their superior NRR put them ahead of Pakistan in Pool B.
Sri Lanka started the season with a defeat to New Zealand by 98 runs, but they turned their fortunes in a spark and defeated Afghanistan, Bangladesh and England in a row to comfort their knockout berth. In all the occasions, they dominated the game and won comfortably. Even though they lost to the other hosts Australia, a win over Scotland confirmed their qualification.
South Africans started the game as one of the favorites unlike Sri Lanka, but their display in the group stages against top teams derailed their fans’ confidence, one must accept. They started the campaign with a limping victory over the impressive Zimbabwe side, a shocking defeat against defending champions India left the Proteas side disheartened. But they bounced back with thumping victories over West Indies and Ireland, dispatching them by huge margins. They once again slipped in the competition against Pakistan, but a comfortable win against UAE confirmed their quarter-final spot.
Both the sides are equal in points from their group stages but can be separated by the NRR, South Africa will lead the line, thanks to their impressive wins over West Indies and Ireland.
Head to Head
The Africans are set to take on the Asian side in the biggest event, the one they desperately want to present to their people. On the other hand, Sri Lankans, the last two-time finalists are trying to end their curse by winning the event for the second time in the history.
So far
Sri Lanka are in the 3rd position in Pool A with 8 points and South Africa are in the 2nd place with 8 points, their superior NRR put them ahead of Pakistan in Pool B.
Sri Lanka started the season with a defeat to New Zealand by 98 runs, but they turned their fortunes in a spark and defeated Afghanistan, Bangladesh and England in a row to comfort their knockout berth. In all the occasions, they dominated the game and won comfortably. Even though they lost to the other hosts Australia, a win over Scotland confirmed their qualification.
South Africans started the game as one of the favorites unlike Sri Lanka, but their display in the group stages against top teams derailed their fans’ confidence, one must accept. They started the campaign with a limping victory over the impressive Zimbabwe side, a shocking defeat against defending champions India left the Proteas side disheartened. But they bounced back with thumping victories over West Indies and Ireland, dispatching them by huge margins. They once again slipped in the competition against Pakistan, but a comfortable win against UAE confirmed their quarter-final spot.
Both the sides are equal in points from their group stages but can be separated by the NRR, South Africa will lead the line, thanks to their impressive wins over West Indies and Ireland.
Head to Head
Overall
Played: 59
South Africa 28 - 29 Sri Lanka
No results/Ties: 2
In World cup
Played: 4
South Africa 2 - 1 Sri Lanka
No Result/Ties: 1
Recent results (last five completed matches)
Sri Lanka WLWWW
Weather Report
We might get a shortened game it seems as there is a considerable rain threat on the match day.
Pitch
The Proteas are very much reliant on their batting this season, especially on their top order. The injuries suffered by Jean Paul Duminy and Faf du Plessis have forced changes time and again. With them back, their fifth bowler is still a concern for the Proteas.
Pitch
The SCG hosted three games in this WC and three times the teams have scored more than 300. South Africa’s 408/5 against West Indies is the highest and Afghanistan’s 111/7 is the lowest in SCG this tournament.
As the scores indicate, the pitch will help batsmen largely.
X - Factor
Protean bowling head Dale Steyn failed to lead from the front and struggled at times. A solid seventh player, (i.e) a reliable all-rounder is a big problem for the African team and they have played four different starting XI’s in this tournament which ensures the problem. Whether they play with 5 bowlers or 4 + 1 all-rounder is crucial. The positive (or) negative impact that 5th bowler is going to generate might turn out to be decisive.
Mahela Jayawardene has always responded to the big occasion for his country and has had a quiet tournament so far barring that century against Afghanistan. Considering his past performances in World Cup history and a batting friendly Sydney strip, one could predict a big knock around the corner for Jayawardene.
The big number
81 - Mahela Jayawardene's average in World Cup knockouts in 6 matches.
TEAM FOCUS
South AfricaThe Proteas are very much reliant on their batting this season, especially on their top order. The injuries suffered by Jean Paul Duminy and Faf du Plessis have forced changes time and again. With them back, their fifth bowler is still a concern for the Proteas.
Apart from this, the team is solid in top order with the evergreen Hashim Amla setting the tone and Faf du Plessis assisting him to perfection. The lower order is scary all time, since the firepower of AB de Villiers is well known, also David Miller and JP Duminy can hit anytime. Rilee Rossouw is proving his worth whenever he gets a chance.
The bowling unit is always a threatening one, Steyn is not his best but that never gives the opponents a reason to relax since the bowler is capable of turning the table at any given point. Morne Morkel is quite consistent this time and picked at least two wickets in every match. Imran Tahir will control the spin department and is doing his job efficiently. Wayne Parnell and Kyle Abbott are available for the fourth bowler’s slot along with Vernon Philander.
Predicted XI
Hashim Amla, Quinton de Kock (wk), Faf du Plessis, Rilee Rossouw, AB de Villiers (c), David Miller, JP Duminy, Vernon Philander, Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel, Imran Tahir.
Considering the current form of Sri Lankan superstars, the chances of bowling them out for a lesser score is slim. Henceforth, it really doesn't matter they batting first or chase, South Africa need to bat long, the presence of Rilee Rossouw will give more depth in the batting order. His current form makes him the better choice over Farhaan Behardien.
Sri Lanka
The bowling unit is the concern for the Asians, the side is surviving with the help of their excellent batting order. Since Rangana Herath is injured, the bowling unit is rotated quite often and are looking fragile at times.
But the Sri Lankans made the headlines a number of occasions through the blistering performances of Tillakaratne Dilshan and Kumar Sangakkara. The both experienced men are playing pivotal for their team and the later set a new record in ODI’s by becoming the first ever batsman to score four consecutive centuries in this world cup. Mahela Jayawardene and Lahiru Thirimanne are performing whenever the team needs their contribution. This world cup is the last one for the three superstars and it is no wonder that they want to end their career with the biggest prize.
The bowling unit is spearheaded by Lasith Malinga who has variations to aid his complicated style. The other bowlers Nuwan Kulasekara, Dushmantha Chameera are efficient supporters, the all-rounders Thisara Perera and Angelo Mathews are providing more variation and depth to the bowling department. The spin department is relying on Seekkuge Prasanna since main man Rangana Herath's fitness is still in doubts.
Predicted XI
Lahiru Thirimanne, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Kumar Sangakkara (wk), Mahela Jayawardene, Kusal Perera, Angelo Mathews (c), Thisara Perara, Seekkuge Prasanna/ Rangana Herath, Nuwan Kulasekara, Lasith Malinga, Suranga Lakmal/Dushmantha Chameera.
Rangana Herath's fitness is still doubtful which means Seekkuge Prasanna may start the game. Suranga Lakmal's experience may help him to play ahead of Dushmantha Chameera.
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