South Africa will look to take a 2-0 series lead when they face off against Sri Lanka in the second ODI at Dambulla on Wednesday.
The Proteas have gone some way in banishing the demons from their 2-0 Test series defeat against Sri Lanka after comfortably beating the Islanders in the first ODI in Dambulla.
The teams will meet again at the same venue on Tuesday with the management teams of both outfits no doubt using this series as a means to play around with combinations ahead of the World Cup.
Sri Lanka vs South Africa | Wednesday 1 August | Rangiri Dambulla Stadium | 11:00
To Win Match
Sri Lanka 13/10
Tie 35/1
South Africa 62/100
Sri Lanka
The Sri Lankans were completely outplayed by the South Africans in the first One Day International. In fact, the only time that they looked remotely in the game was when Kusal and Thisara Perera punished the gentle pace of Wiaan Mulder and Andile Phelukwayo in the middle overs.
Of course, you’re unlikely to win anything at this level when you’re skittled for fewer than 200 and only two of your players manage scores in excess of 11. Much more is required from the batsmen, especially the experienced heads like Upal Tharanga, Kusal Mendis and Angelo Matthews.
Bowling wise, the host’s spinners are still their biggest threat, although, the South Africans looked far happier dealing with the slow stuff on a limited overs deck. Akila Danajaya appeared the most likely to spark a South African collapse with Hashim Amla and Aiden Markram falling to two consecutive googlies. The 24-year-old continues to impress and will definitely be one to keep an eye on in the second ODI.
South Africa
South African cricket desperately needed a good start to the ODI segment of this tour following two disastrous Tests earlier this month. Quinton de Kock went some way in finding a bit of form with a solid 47 before stupidly throwing away his wicket with a rash shot. Other standout performers with the bat were Faf du Plessis (47) and JP Duminy (53*).
I was most impressed with Duminy’s all-round contribution. His 53* came in just 32 balls and he was good with the ball when called upon, as well as brilliant in the field, running out Upal Tharanga in brilliant fashion. He now needs to show that he can do this consistently leading up to 2019.
The other big positive for me was Tabraiz Shamsi’s performance. The Titans’ leg-spinner has spent the last few years living in the shadow of Imran Tahir and on the back of Sunday’s performance, 2018 could well be the year that he steps out of the shadow.
The frontline seam duo of Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi were excellent but there was very little bite from Phelukwayo and Mulder. Junior Dala could crack the nod ahead of either one of the two. Dala has been an ever-present at the Titans in the last few years and made his T20 International debut earlier this year.
He looked comfortable bowling against a gun Indian T20 outfit and will relish the chance to have a go at the Sri Lankans in the intermediate format. He’ll likely come in for Phelukwayo with the South African management likely wanting more time to look at the more inexperienced Mulder at ODI level.
Verdict: South Africa 62/100
I just don’t see the South Africans losing against the Sri Lankans on far more benign one-day wickets. The tourists are superior in just about every department and should cruise into a 2-0 lead on Wednesday.
