SL to play to salvage pride in the 4th ODI

Sri Lanka has already conceded the five-match one-day international series against South Africa, losing the first three games and will be keen to turn things around in the fourth ODI this afternoon.

While Sri Lanka secured a historic triumph over the Proteas in the Test series, they have been unable to replicate that form in the ODIs so far.

The visitors have not only struggled to put up a commanding total – their highest score has been the 231 from their first ODI – but also picked up just 17 wickets across three games.

They will rely on Oshada Fernando, Kusal Mendis and Thisara Perera, who have amassed 272 runs between them in the middle order.

While all three have got starts in the series so far, they have been unable to convert them into big, match-winning knocks.

Bowlers such as Lasith Malinga, Akila Dananjaya and Perera will be expected to step up to create more impact.

South Africa has brought in the experienced JP Duminy, Hashim Amla and Aiden Markram for the last two games.

This would have only bolstered the batting unit, which is currently being led by an in-form Quinton de Kock.

The opener has scores of 81, 94 and 121 in the series so far.

However, Amla will not join the squad and miss the remainder of the series on compassionate leave.

With a century and a fifty, skipper Faf du Plessis has also done his bit.Lungi Ngidi has been among the wickets, claiming six scalps including returns of 3/60 in the first game.