The return of Quinton de Kock and David Miller to the Proteas setup will bolster the team ahead of their first T20 against Sri Lanka.
After defeat in the ODI series, the pressure will be on the tourists when Sri Lanka host the Proteas in the first of three T20Is.
Sri Lanka vs South Africa | Friday 10 September | Premadasa Stadium, Colombo | 16:30
To Win Match
Sri Lanka 27/20
Tie 25/1
South Africa 62/100
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka will take a great deal of confidence from their ODI series triumph but also from their most recent T20I series, which saw them pip India in three matches at the venue which will host the clashes against South Africa.
The form of Chamika Karunaratne and Charith Asalanka will be an enormous boost if they can translate their purple patches to the shortest format.
Spin in the powerplay might play a crucial role and Praveen Jayawickrama might be the man to spring a surprise up front to blunt the visitors.
Isuru Udana’s retirement has left a big hole in Sri Lanka’s T20 outfit, one that Karunaratne will be charged with filling with the ball as well as the bat.
South Africa
The return of De Kock and Miller could just be the morale-booster the Proteas need to turn around their tour of Sri Lanka.
De Kock may just hold the key to the Proteas winning the powerplay exchanges which would set them up to control the match and the series.
Tabraiz Shamsi and the rest of the South African spinners will also have a big job on their hands, but their performance in the ODIs suggest they will prove troublesome to the hosts.
Keshav Maharaj may just be given the opening he needs to force his way into the T20I lineup and the World Cup squad.
Verdict: Sri Lanka 27/20
With a win over India in July, Sri Lanka showed they can mix it with the best, and you’re not going to go broke backing the islanders at 27/20 against a South African outfit who tend to battle in spin-friendly conditions.
