One way or another, the ODI series between Sri Lanka and South Africa will be decided at the Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Tuesday 7 September.
The Proteas made a statement in steamrolling over Sri Lanka in the second match with a much-improved performance that set up the finale.
Sri Lanka vs South Africa | 7 September 2021 | Premadasa Stadium, Colombo | 12:00
To Win Match
Sri Lanka 27/20
Tie 25/1
South Africa 62/100
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka may have rolled over meekly in a rain-affected chase but the emergence of young talents in their squad should excite their fans.
A trio of names immediately spring to mind when it comes to impact on this series; Avishka Fernando, Charith Asalanka and Chamika Karunaratne.
Their dangermen with the ball will be Akila Dananjaya and Wanindu Hasaranga who have consistently troubled the Proteas in the two matches to date.
The weather may play a role yet again which would encourage the team winning the toss to bat first.
South Africa
If the Proteas can win this series without Quinton de Kock, David Miller and Lungi Ngidi it will represent progress in the team’s depth.
Janneman Malan has made a big case for a full-time promotion to opening the batting for South Africa in ODI cricket.
Last time out Tabraiz Shamsi bagged his first career ODI five-wicket haul while the efforts of stand-in skipper Keshav Maharaj flew under the radar, a little.
The captain did the strangle job that allowed Shamsi to clean up as Sri Lanka looked to attack the wrist-spinner.
The Proteas would do well to continue to maximise their spin-bowling options going forward in this series and in the T20Is that follow.
Verdict: South Africa 62/100
The Proteas have Sri Lanka cornered.
