After losing the first two T20Is and conceding the series, Sri Lanka will now aim to avoid the clean-sweep when they take on South Africa in the third ODI. The match will take place at R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, on Tuesday (14 September).
South Africa conquered West Indies, then edged Ireland, and are now on a verge of clean-sweeping Sri Lanka. Their spinners have played a big role, with Tabraiz Shamsi leading the T20I wicket-taking charts this year.
At 31, Keshav Maharaj not only made his T20I debut but also led the side, and he has fared well so far. With T20I World Cup looming large, South Africa will be pleased with their preparations. Reeza Hendricks, who replaced the injured Temba Bavuma, had done well in both the games.
It would be interesting to see how South Africa utilize Hendricks once Bavuma returns to the squad. Aiden Markram has been in rich veins of form. He bats at No. 3, and is an effective bowler as well.
Sri Lanka have been let down by their batters in both T20Is. They were skittled out for 103. Kusal Perera's 25-ball 30 was the highest score of the innings. Bhanuka Rajapaksa scored 20, and six batters got out for a single-digit score.
Quinton de Kock took the sting out of the contest with his well-measured half-century. Wanindu Hasaranga claimed the only wicket to fall, off Hendricks.
Betway Fantasy Tips
- Markram is one of the leading run-getters of the series, and has also picked three wickets in the second T20I. Appoint him as a skipper.
- De Kock and Dinesh Chandimal are ideal wicket-keeping options for your fantasy XI.
- Among all-rounder, pick only Hasaranga.
Probable XIs
Sri Lanka: Dasun Shanaka (c), Kusal Perera,(wk), Avishka Fernando, Dinesh Chandimal, Chamika Karunaratne, Charith Asalanka, Dushmantha Chameera, Praveen Jayawickrama, Maheesh Theekshana, Wanindu Hasaranga, Bhanuka Rajapaksa
South Africa: Keshav Maharaj (c), Quinton de Kock (wk), Reeza Hendricks, Aiden Markram, Bjorn Fortuin, Anrich Nortje, Tabraiz Shamsi, Rassie van der Dussen, Heinrich Klaasen, Wiaan Mulder, Andile Phehlukwayo
Prediction
Sri Lanka should pull one back to make the scoreline 2-1.
Blitzpools Fantasy Team:
Quinton de Kock, Aiden Markram (c), Reeza Hendricks, Kusal Perera, Avishka Fernando, Rassie van der Dussen, Tabraiz Shamsi (vc), Keshav Maharaj, Chamika Karunaratne, Kagiso Rabada
