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The eagerly awaited 1st Test between South Africa and Sri Lanka kicks off on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, at Kingsmead, Durban. With both teams in good form, cricket fans can expect an exciting contest in this five-day showdown.
Table of content
Match Details
- Match: South Africa vs Sri Lanka, 1st Test
- Date: November 27 – December 1, 2024
- Time: 1:00 PM (local)
- Venue: Kingsmead, Durban
Team Previews
South Africa Preview
Ranked 3rd in the ICC Test Rankings, South Africa enters the series with confidence following a dominant 2-0 win against Bangladesh earlier this year. They are formidable at home and will look to leverage their pace and spin attack on the Kingsmead surface.
- Key Players to Watch:
- Tristan Stubbs: An emerging talent, Stubbs has shown remarkable composure in red-ball cricket and can anchor the innings.
- Keshav Maharaj: The experienced spinner will be crucial, especially on a pitch that might offer some assistance to spinners as the match progresses.
- Strengths: A balanced lineup with both aggressive batting and a deadly pace attack.
- Weaknesses: Occasional lapses in consistency from their middle order.
Sri Lanka Preview
Ranked 6th in the ICC Test Rankings, Sri Lanka has been in excellent form, securing a 2-0 series win against New Zealand in September 2024. Known for their adaptability, the visitors will look to continue their strong run, even in South African conditions.
- Key Players to Watch:
- Kusal Mendis: In sublime form, Mendis has been pivotal in Sri Lanka’s recent successes.
- Prabath Jayasuriya: A consistent wicket-taker, Jayasuriya will need to step up to challenge South Africa’s batters.
- Strengths: Experience in their batting lineup and the ability to play spin effectively.
- Weaknesses: Lack of experience in handling the bounce and pace of South African tracks.
Pitch Report: Kingsmead, Durban
- Surface: Kingsmead is known for its pace and bounce early on, favoring fast bowlers. As the game progresses, spinners might come into play with wear and tear on the pitch.
- Batting Conditions: Batting gets easier on days 2 and 3, but batting fourth can be tricky due to uneven bounce.
- Average First Innings Score: 350+
- Chasing Record: Teams batting last often struggle, with results favoring those who bat first.
Weather Report
- Conditions: Clear skies are expected with minimal chances of rain.
- Temperature: Around 26-30°C during the match hours.
- Humidity: Moderate, providing a comfortable playing environment.
Team Squads
South Africa Squad:
Temba Bavuma (c), Kyle Verreynne (wk), Tony de Zorzi, Aiden Markram, Tristan Stubbs, Ryan Rickelton, Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Senuran Muthusamy, Gerald Coetzee, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Dane Paterson, David Bedingham.
Sri Lanka Squad:
Kusal Mendis (wk), Dhananjaya de Silva (c), Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Angelo Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Kamindu Mendis, Milan Priyanath Rathnayake, Prabath Jayasuriya, Vishwa Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Asitha Fernando, Kasun Rajitha, Oshada Fernando, Lasith Embuldeniya, Nishan Peiris.
South Africa vs Sri Lanka Head-to-Head Stats
- Total Matches Played: 31
- South Africa Wins: 16
- Sri Lanka Wins: 9
- Draws: 6
Predictions
Score Prediction:
- If South Africa Bat First: 368+
- If Sri Lanka Bat First: 301+
Winning Chances:
- South Africa: 69%
- Sri Lanka: 31%
Who Will Win?
Predicted Winner: South Africa
With home conditions and a strong squad, South Africa is expected to secure victory in the opening Test.
Broadcast Details
- Streaming Platform: Fancode
Disclaimer: This prediction is for entertainment purposes only. Cricket outcomes are unpredictable, and we do not encourage or promote betting or gambling. Enjoy the game responsibly!
