Sri Lanka vs. South Africa 1st Test Prediction

The composed South African squad under the leadership of their run machine, Hashim Amla, will enter the first Test of the two match series against the hosts Sri Lanka with confidence. Earlier, the Proteas won the three One Day International series comprehensively while beating the Islanders 2-1. Both sides have faced each other 20 times in the longer version of the game, the visitors have won 10 games while the home side was successful on five occasions and five matches ended in a draw. The tourists are in great nick and will expect their team to produce more encouraging results whereas the Lankan Lions will try to make an impact as well.

Players to watch

The skipper of the Proteas, Hashim Amla, is in great nick along with AB de Villiers while Alviro Petersen, Jean-Paul Duminy and Quinton de Kock are stable batsmen. Imran Tahir will be a dangerous spinner, Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel and Vernon Philander can create problems with their fast bowling for the home batsmen.

The batting of the Islanders will revolve around Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene, Angelo Mathews, Lahiru Thirimanne and Dinesh Chandimal. Rangana Herath and Ajantha Mendis are their supreme spin bowlers whereas Shaminda Eranga, Dhammika Prasad and Angelo Mathews won them the last encounter against England.

Time & Venue

Wednesday, July 16 – Sunday, July 20, 2014 @ 04: 30 GMT, 10:00 local at Galle International Stadium

Weather

Weather doesn't look good, heavy rain and thunder shower are predicted. Match is likely to be abandoned.

Toss

The winning captain will opt to bat first

The Pitch

The surface will be ideal for the batsmen and the spinners will get a maximum support from it.

Teams

Sri Lanka – Angelo Mathews (C), Lahiru Thirimanne, Dinesh Chandimal,

Shaminda Eranga, Rangana Herath, Mahela Jawardene, Suranga Lakmal,

Ajantha Mendis, Dilruwan Perera, Dhamika Prasad, Kumar Sangakkara, Kausal Silva, Upul Tharanga, Kithuruwan Vithange, Chanaka Welegedara.

South Africa – Hashim Amla (C), AB de Villiers, Quinton de Kock, Kyle Abbott, Jean-Paul Duminy, Faf du Plessis, Dean Elgar, Imran Tahir, Morne Morkel, Wayne Parnell, Alviro Petersen, Vernon Philander, Dane Piedt, Dale Steyn, Stiaan van Zyl.

Prediction

South Africa can win the first Test