Sri Lanka look to salvage pride in Port Elizabeth

Sri Lanka have already conceded the five-match one-day international series against South Africa, losing the first three games. They will be keen to turn things around in the fourth ODI on Wednesday, 13 March.

Overview

South Africa v Sri Lanka
4th ODI
St George’s Park, Port Elizabeth
13 March, Wednesday, 1:00pm local time, 11.00am GMT

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. The trio will want to change that in the fourth ODI.

No Sri Lankan bowler has picked up more than two wickets in an innings in the series so far. Bowlers such as Lasith Malinga, Akila Dananjaya and Perera will be expected to step up to create more impact.

South Africa had 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.

“Hashim has asked to be excused from the last two ODI’s of the current series against Sri Lanka on compassionate grounds since his father is critically ill. Our thoughts and prayers are with Hashim and his family during this difficult time and we understand that family obligations always come first,” said South Africa team manager Mohammed Moosajee.