Our cricket expert previews the ICC Cricket World Cup clash between Sri Lanka and South Africa which takes place on Friday 28 June 2019.
Sri Lanka are surprisingly within striking distance of a coveted spot in the top four of the Cricket World Cup. A win would move them to eight points and level with fourth place England, but they would need to triumph by a large margin to break into the top four on net run rate. South Africa have been eliminated from the race for the semi-finals but they will be eager to win their final two games to salvage some pride.
Cricket World Cup 2019 | Friday 28 June | The Riverside Stadium, Chester-Le-Street | 11:30
Sri Lanka
Tie
South Africa
Sri Lanka
A bit of luck and a lot of pluck has seen Sri Lanka punch above their weight at the 2019 World Cup. Rain has proven to be arguably their biggest ally, blanking out their matches against Asian rivals Pakistan and Bangladesh.
Against England, Sri Lanka’s batting creaked its way to a modest total before a brilliant bowling performance announced Sri Lanka as semi-final contenders. England have since lurched to defeat against Australia and face India on Sunday, leaving them within range for the Lankans.
Given the Proteas lack of batting quality, Sri Lanka need not look to be too aggressive with the willow if they find themselves batting first.
Sri Lanka should fancy their in-form bowlers to skewer the hapless Proteas batsmen and keep the dream alive and hope their batting does another passable job. Lasith Malinga has recovered some of his best form which isn’t good news for South Africa.
South Africa
Coach Ottis Gibson desperately needs to coax a response out of a Proteas team that hasn’t looked close to their best in the 2019 World Cup. Cricket South Africa may already be lining up his replacement though, terminating the West Indian’s vision for the future of the team.
The build-up to the World Cup was not ideal and the AB de Villiers saga will probably forever cloud Gibson’s time as coach.
Despite the poor display as a whole, there have been some encouraging signs, with Rassie van der Dussen and Chris Morris two players who have enhanced their reputation at the tournament.
Brittle batting has plagued the Proteas who haven’t seen a single batsman score more than 70 in an innings, as their top four all struggled.
Recent history favours South Africa but that hasn’t helped the Proteas at all this World Cup.
Verdict: Sri Lanka
The Proteas are on a hiding to nothing and Sri Lanka should pick them off.
Written by James Richardson for Hollywoodbets
