The test series proved out to be a disaster for the Proteas. Sri Lanka won quite comfortably and with a big margin against the visitors.Apart from Theunis de Bruyn,who scored a fantastic century in second test match, none of the South African batsmen could score significantly.
But this is all together a different ball game.There are 5 one-day internationals to be played. Certain players have also been replaced. Two white balls provide enough opportunity for the batsmen to score.South Africa must be looking to dominate this time around against the hosts.
With 2019 World Cup not too far away, South Africa must look to take advantage of spin-friendly conditions in the subcontinent.This is also aided by the fact that they are going to face wrist spin for sure in the mega event.
Talking about the previous ODI series, South Africa lost to India by a big margin of 5-1. Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal created havoc amongst the opposition batsmen.However one can say that it wasn't their full strength team,but they need to start playing spin well if they are to win the World Cup next year.
Sri Lanka on the other hand have no such concerns.They won the tri-series which was held in Bangladesh,Zimbabwe being the other team.However they will be without their regular skipper Dinesh Chandimal who is serving a ban. Angelo Mathews will take over the leadership role.And the skipper would definitely be keen to play Akila Dananjaya and Sandakan in the playing eleven.
Date and Time: 29 July, 9:45 Local, 4:15 GMT
Venue: Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, Dambulla.
Sri Lanka Squad: Angelo Mathews, Dasun Shanaka, Kusal Perera, Dhananjaya de Silva, Upul Tharanga, Kusal Mendis, Thisara Perera, Niroshan Dickwella, Suranga Lakmal, Akila Dananjaya, Prabath Jayasuriya, Lakshan Sandakan, Shehan Jayasuriya.
South Africa Squad: Faf du Plessis, Hashim Amla, Quinton de Kock, JP Duminy,Heinrich Klassen, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Junior Dala, Reeza Hendricks, Keshav Maharaj, Willem Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Andile Phelukwayo, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi.