A Lion comeback or a Proteas seal?
Deeply hurt by the Friday’s defeat, Sri Lanka will want to rise like a phoenix to stay afloat in the three-match series when the second T20 starts at the R Premadasa Stadium this evening.
Sri Lanka, globally ranked ninth among the six teams that are fighting to occupy the last four places in the main draw of the world tournament, needs to get the momentum going with a win here today.
After conceding 163 runs, Sri Lankan batters found the South African attack too hot as they fell short by 28 runs for a series-leading win.
Kusal Janith Perera, who was not available for Friday’s game, is likely to return for today’s match to open batting with in-form Dinesh Chandimal.
Chandimal made an unbeaten 66 off 54 balls in pursuit of victory but his partnership with Avishka Fernando at the top of the order could fetch Sri Lanka only 34 runs in the power-plays. This had a huge impact on the final outcome as Sri Lanka batters failed to keep pace with the rising run rate, needing 130 off the last 14 overs.
At the post-match interview skipper Dasun Shanaka admitted it was a worry and that he would like his openers to score as much runs as possible, exploiting the field restrictions in place. “I must admit we should maximise during the powerplay,” he said.
If Kusal comes in, Fernando is most likely to sit out. However one-drop Bhanuka Rajapaksa, who has so far collected three ducks in-a-row against South Africa, will retain his position.
Akila Dananjaya is likely to make way for either Praveen Jayawickrema or fast bowling allrounder Lahiru Madushanka. Madushanka may get the nod if they decide to strengthen the batting order as he is known for his explosive batting. However if Sri Lanka decide to go with three spinners Praveen Jayawickrema could make it to the playing XI along with Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana.
A victory on Sunday will give South Africa their third successive series win in the format–a run that started by beating defending World Champions, West Indies and Ireland. They are likely to go unchanged as they look to seal the series with a game to go.
| Sri Lanka (Possible XI): Kusal Janith Perera, Dinesh Chandimal, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Dhananjaya de Silva, Charith Asalanka, Dasun Shanaka (Capt), Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamika Karunaratne, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Praveen Jayawickrema/Lahiru Madushanka South Africa (Possible XI): Quinton de Kock (Capt), Reeza Hendricks, Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen/Rassie van der Dussen, David Miller, Dwaine Pretorius, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Bjorn Fortuin, Anrich Nortje, Tabraiz Shamsi | |