Sri Lanka's aim to break 6-match jinx against South Africa
| Date | June 04, 2024 |
| Time | 8:00 PM IST |
| Venue | Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, New York |
| Format | T20i |
| Series | ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 |
Betting Odds
Our Predictions
MATCH PREVIEW
It is the first big game among the strongest sides in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024. The Sri Lankans will start their campaign as they take on South Africa in the 4th game. The Sri Lankans have won the last three series and shall feel confident. They will play a full-strength side after a long time. However, the side has a poor record against the South Africans. They will start with lower odds in this game. The South Africans have a strong batting lineup and will leverage it in this game. Both teams will fight hard in the middle and expect an exciting contest.
Sri Lanka Preview
Wanindu Hasaranga's side hasn't done well in the tournament in the last three editions. The 2014 winners have failed to reach the knockout stages since their title win. Poor starts have been the norm for the former champions. Hasaranga would look to overcome that poor record and expect a strong show from his players. They are up against a strong opponent and start with lower odds on cricket betting apps. Hasaranga will expect a strong start.
Kusal Mendis is the team's key player and must deliver a strong start with Dhananjaya de Silva. They have experience in the middle order and need partnerships between Kamindu Mendis, Charith Asalanka, and Angelo Matthews. Skipper Hasaranga shall look to add quick runs with Dasun Shanaka and Sadeera Samarawickrama in the lower middle order.
The bowling attack faces a massive challenge as the South Africans have a strong batting lineup. Matheesha Pathirana and Nuwan Thushara must deliver a good start with the new ball to put their opponents under pressure. Maheesh Theekshana and Hasaranga are experienced bowlers and must do well in the middle overs. Matthews and Shanaka complete a strong bowling attack for the team.
Expected Starting XI for Sri Lanka
Wanindu Hasaranga (c), Dhananjaya de Silva, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kamindu Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Angelo Mathews, Dasun Shanaka, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana, Nuwan Thushara
South Africa Preview
Aiden Markram is back leading the side after the IPL. They had a poor series against the West Indies, suffering a 0-3 loss, but the side missed some of its biggest names in that series. They have a strong group of players and a good record against the Sri Lankans. They are favorites to win this game on cricket betting sites, and Markram shall look for a big win and a positive start to their campaign.
The side will expect a strong start from Quinton de Kock and Reeza Hendricks as they look to take on the Sri Lanka bowlers. The middle order is power-packed for the team, and they expect partnerships between Markram, Rassie van der Dussen, and David Miller. Heinrich Klaasen is an excellent finisher, and he will look to take the side to a big total along with Andile Phehlukwayo.
The bowling attack will enjoy bowling in these conditions. The team expects early strikes from Kagiso Rabada and Gerald Coetzee as the Sri Lankans struggle on bouncy tracks. Anrich Nortje and Tabraiz Shamsi shall look to keep the scoring rate under check in the middle overs. Phehlukwayo and Markram shall look to do well in the supporting role.
Expected Starting XI for South Africa
Aiden Markram (c), Quinton de Kock (wk), Reeza Hendricks, Rassie van der Dussen, David Miller, Heinrich Klaasen, Anrich Nortje, Tabraiz Shamsi, Kagiso Rabada, Andile Phehlukwayo, Gerald Coetzee
TOSS: To Bowl First
We expect early bounce and pace on this track, and batting will be challenging initially. Most teams have won games chasing the score at this venue. The side winning the toss would like to trust its bowlers and bowl first on this track.
PITCH AND WEATHER CONDITIONS
We expect clear skies over New York and should have a good game on our hands. It will be tough to bat on in the early overs and ease as the game progresses. Fast bowlers will enjoy bowling on this track. The side batting first will need 170 runs or more to feel confident on this track.
OUR PREDICTION
Sri Lanka has had a poor record against the South Africans, and they must get over it and win the mental battle. The team will need a strong show from its bowlers as they take on one of the strongest batting lineups. South Africans have the right balance in batting and bowling, and the conditions will favor them. We expect the South Africans to start favorites.
)
