Sri Lanka and South Africa will face each other in the first Test of the two-match Test series on 27th November at Durban.
Match Preview:
Sri Lanka is currently sitting pretty in third place in the World Test Championship standings, narrowly edging out South Africa. With a win rate of 55.56% compared to South Africa’s 54.17%, both teams are in hot pursuit of a top-two spot, battling alongside heavyweights India, Australia, and New Zealand.
While other high-profile series like the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and New Zealand’s showdown with England grab global headlines, this clash has its own unique narrative and plenty to offer.
For Sri Lanka, this series holds a special place in history. They remain the only Asian team to have defeated South Africa in a Test series on their home turf, achieving a remarkable 2-0 victory in 2019. Seven members of that triumphant squad are part of the current team, bringing valuable experience and confidence. And if anything, it will increase their chance to create the history again.
Adding to their optimism is their unbeaten record at Kingsmead in Durban. This venue holds fond memories, from Rangana Herath’s brilliance in 2011 to Kusal Perera’s legendary match-winning knock in 2019.
Unlike their injury-stricken team from that famous 2019 series, this Sri Lanka side appears more well-rounded and resilient. They’ve racked up six Test wins this year, including an impressive victory at The Oval.
Their fast-bowling unit, led by Asitha Fernando, Vishwa Fernando, and Lahiru Kumara, has proven itself capable in challenging conditions, with solid backups in Kasun Rajitha and Milan Rathnayake.
South Africa, on the other hand, is riding a wave of momentum. After fielding a weakened squad against New Zealand earlier this year, they’ve regrouped with series wins in the West Indies and Bangladesh.
However, Durban hasn’t been a happy ground from them of late. Since 2010, they’ve managed just two wins at Kingsmead while suffering five losses.
The pitch’s slower, lower bounce has often neutralized their pace attack, although their seamers and spinners remain formidable threats.
Key players for this series include South Africa’s Keshav Maharaj, a hometown star at Kingsmead with an impressive track record, and Sri Lanka’s Kamindu Mendis, who has burst onto the Test scene with five centuries in just eight matches.
If Mendis continues his red-hot form, he could tilt the balance in Sri Lanka’s favor in what promises to be an lively contest.
Pitch and weather report:
Initially, the Kingsmead pitch is expected to offer some pace and bounce, but as the sun goes down, it may become slower and lower. However, with showers forecast for Wednesday and overcast conditions predicted for Thursday, the sun’s impact might be limited.
Playing XI:
South Africa: 1 Aiden Markram, 2 Tony de Zorzi, 3 Tristan Stubbs, 4 Temba Bavuma (capt.), 5 David Bedingham, 6 Kyle Verreynne (wk), 7 Marco Jansen, 8 Wiaan Mulder, 9 Gerald Coetzee, 9 Keshav Maharaj, 11 Kagiso Rabada
Sri Lanka (possible): 1 Dimuth Karuanaratne, 2 Pathum Nissanka, 3 Dinesh Chandimal, 4 Angelo Mathews, 5 Kamindu Mendis, 6 Dhananjaya de Silva (capt), 7 Kusal Mendis (wk), 8 Milan Rathnayake, 9 Prabath Jayasuriya, 10 Asitha Fernando, 11 Lahiru Kumara/Vishwa Fernando
Head-to-head record:
South Africa and Sri Lanka have faced each other in 31 matches. The Proteas hold a slight edge, winning 16 times, but Sri Lanka has shown they can pack a punch, with 9 wins of their own, including some memorable upsets in South Africa.
Prediction:
Sri Lanka has a slight edge to win the next game, given their historical success in Durban and recent good form.
Where to watch:
South Africa: Super Sports
Sri Lanka: Sirasa, Maharaja TV
Pakistan: Tapmad, Tamasha, Myco App, Ten Sports
India: JioCinema
UK: Sky Sports
Australia: Prime Video
