Sri Lanka have already conceded the five-match one-day international series against South Africa, losing the first three games. They will be keen to turn things around in the fourth ODI on Wednesday, 13 March.
Overview
South Africa v Sri Lanka
4th ODI
St George’s Park, Port Elizabeth
13 March, Wednesday, 1:00pm local time, 11.00am GMT
They will rely on Oshada Fernando, Kusal Mendis and Thisara Perera, who have amassed 272 runs between them in the middle order. While all three have got starts in the series so far, they have been unable to convert them into big, match-winning knocks. The trio will want to change that in the fourth ODI.
No Sri Lankan bowler has picked up more than two wickets in an innings in the series so far. Bowlers such as Lasith Malinga, Akila Dananjaya and Perera will be expected to step up to create more impact.
South Africa had brought in the experienced JP Duminy, Hashim Amla and Aiden Markram for the last two games. This would have only bolstered the batting unit, which is currently being led by an in-form Quinton de Kock. The opener has scores of 81, 94 and 121 in the series so far.
However, Amla will not join the squad and miss the remainder of the series on compassionate leave.
“Hashim has asked to be excused from the last two ODI’s of the current series against Sri Lanka on compassionate grounds since his father is critically ill. Our thoughts and prayers are with Hashim and his family during this difficult time and we understand that family obligations always come first,” said South Africa team manager Mohammed Moosajee.
South Africa recall Markram for Sri Lanka ODIs
The hosts have recalled Reeza Hendricks, who played in the first three ODIs, to join the squad in Amla’s place ahead of the fourth game.
With a century and a fifty, skipper Faf du Plessis has also done his bit. Lungi Ngidi has been among the wickets, claiming six scalps including returns of 3/60 in the first game.
Anrich Nortje, the right-arm seamer, impressed with three wickets in the last two games, in his first tryst with international cricket. Du Plessis has hinted that Nortje will get another opportunity in the last two games, which means the pacer will get a chance to make a case for himself ahead of ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2019.
Key players
Faf du Plessis (South Africa): With 205 runs in three innings, du Plessis has been in fine form in the series so far. He is South Africa’s top-ranked batsman in the MRF Tyres ICC ODI Player Rankings for batting and has been their most consistent performer. With new faces likely to come into the line-up, the Proteas skipper will be expected act as a pivot for the unit.
Thisara Perera (Sri Lanka): Perera, the Sri Lankan all-rounder, has not made a significant contribution in the series yet, but will still be their most dangerous player going into Port Elizabeth. On his day, Perera is a match-winner in the shorter formats.
Conditions
While there is thunderstorm predicted in Port Elizabeth on Tuesday, the forecast shows clear skies for the next day. St George’s Park will not offer a completely flat surface. The last time an ODI was played here, South Africa scored 266 in the first innings against Pakistan, who won the game with just five balls to spare.
Squads
South Africa: Faf du Plessis (c), Reeza Hendricks, Quinton de Kock, Jean-Paul Duminy, Imran Tahir, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Andile Phehlukwayo, Dwaine Pretorius, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi, Dale Steyn, Rassie van der Dussen
Sri Lanka: Lasith Malinga (c), Avishka Fernando, Upul Tharanga, Niroshan Dickwella, Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis, Dhananjaya de Silva, Thisara Perera, Akila Dananjaya, Angelo Perera, Oshada Fernando, Kamindu Mendis, Priyamal Perera, Isuru Udana, Vishwa Fernando, Kasun Rajitha, Lakshan Sandakan
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