South Africa vs. Sri Lanka T20 Preview

The Proteas will take over the Islanders in their first match of the ICC T20 World Cup 2014 that will set the direction for both teams in the following games. The South Africans are trying to find their rhythm against the visiting Australians whereas the Sri Lankans are in full form after winning the Asia Cup 2014. The Lankan Lions are in the high spirits after beating their rival teams, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan in a commanding way in Bangladesh recently.

Players to watch

Quinton de Kock is emerging as a new batting sensation in the limited overs cricket, Jean-Paul Duminy along with AB de Villiers will guard the middle order batting whereas Dale Steyn and Wayne Parnell are capable of defending their score.

Angelo Mathews escorted his team to victories in quite a few games lately whereas Tillakaratne Dilsahan and Kumar Sangakkara are the batting walls while Lasith Malinga and Ajantha Mendis will create problems for the Proteas.

Weather

Partly cloudy with temperatures around 21-31ᵒ C

Toss

The skipper winning the toss will opt for batting

The Pitch

A true surface for the shortest versions of the game

Teams

Squad - Faf du Plessis (C), Hashim Amla, Farhaan Behardien, Quinton de Kock, AB de Villiers, Jean-Paul Duminy, Beuran Hendricks, Imran Tahir, David Miller, Albie Morkel, Morne Morkel, Wayne Parnell, Aaron Phangiso, Dale Steyn, Lonwabo Tsotsobe.

Squad - Dinesh Chandimal (C), Lasith Malinga, Chaturanga de Silva, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Rangana Herath, Mahela Jayawardene, Nuwan Kulasekara, Suranga Lakmal, Angelo Mathews, Ajantha Mendis, Kusal Perera, Thisara Perera, Seekkuge Prasanna, Kumar Sangakkara, Sachithra Senanayake, Lahiru Thirimanne.

Prediction

The Lankan Lions are favourites to win the game