Vernon Philander previews South Africa's opening Cricket World Cup clash with Sri Lanka in New Delhi on Saturday.
Vernon Philander on SA v Sri Lanka
“I think South Africa have the upper hand going into this contest. Reason being, I think the top six of South Africa is striking form at the right time. As of the third ODI [against Australia], you could sense the batting unit was gelling nicely, and of course we have a lot of experience on the subcontinent.
“Quinton de Kock, Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller are all guys that play IPL cricket and you feel that they are probably more accustomed to the surfaces over there.
“The only thing that could be a bit of a threat for South Africa is playing a subcontinental team, like Sri Lanka, on the subcontinent. The big threat is probably going to be in the form of [Wanindu] Hasaranga, the leg spinner. It’s going to be interesting to see how that matchup goes against the top order of South Africa.
“I think the two spinners are bowling particularly well. Keshav Maharaj and Tabraiz Shamsi, and you feel that perhaps that new ball will be key for South Africa. They haven’t been the best with that new ball in hand, but it just seems like everything is starting to gel, guys are starting to get accustomed to their roles.
“Going into the first one, it might be a bit nervy, but you do feel South Africa has enough power to overcome this first one.”
