2024 Sri Lanka Tour of South Africa Match Prediction, Odds, Key Players and Statistics

The 2024 Sri Lanka Tour of South Africa presents a compelling series between two competitive cricketing nations, each aiming to bolster their standings in the World Test Championship (WTC). This article delves into the match predictions, betting odds, key players, and pertinent statistics for the upcoming encounters of Sri Lanka vs South Africa.

Series Overview | Sri Lanka vs South Africa

The tour comprises two Test matches:

1. First Test: November 27 to December 1 at Kingsmead, Durban.
2. Second Test: December 5 to 9 at St George’s Park, Gqeberha.

Both teams are vying for crucial WTC points, with South Africa ranked 3rd and Sri Lanka 6th in the ICC Test rankings.

Head-to-Head Statistics

Historically, South Africa has dominated Sri Lanka in Test cricket:

• Total Tests Played: 31
  • South Africa Wins: 16
  • Sri Lanka Wins: 9
  • Draws: 6
• Tests in South Africa: 17
  • South Africa Wins: 13
  • Sri Lanka Wins: 3
  • Draws: 1

Notably, Sri Lanka has achieved victories in Durban, holding two wins and a draw at Kingsmead.

Team Form and Recent Performances

South Africa enters the series with momentum, having secured three consecutive Test victories, including a recent sweep against Bangladesh.

Captain Temba Bavuma returns from an elbow injury, reinforcing the batting lineup. The bowling attack, led by top-ranked bowler Kagiso Rabada, is expected to be a significant threat.

Sri Lanka faces a challenging task, needing three wins from their remaining four Tests to remain in contention for the WTC final.

Their recent form has been inconsistent, and overcoming South Africa on their home turf will require exceptional performances, particularly from key players like captain Dhananjaya de Silva and top-ranked batsman Kamindu Mendis.

Key Players to Watch | Sri Lanka vs South Africa

South Africa:

• Temba Bavuma (Captain): Returning from injury, Bavuma’s leadership and batting prowess are crucial for South Africa’s success.
• Kagiso Rabada: As the world’s top-ranked Test bowler, Rabada’s pace and skill are pivotal in dismantling Sri Lanka’s batting lineup.
• Keshav Maharaj: The experienced spinner’s role will be vital, especially on pitches that may offer turn as the game progresses.

Sri Lanka:

• Dhananjaya de Silva (Captain): Leading the side, de Silva’s all-round capabilities will be central to Sri Lanka’s performance.
• Kamindu Mendis: Ranked 11th among Test batsmen, Mendis’s form with the bat will be key to anchoring Sri Lanka’s innings.
• Prabath Jayasuriya: As the 7th ranked Test bowler, Jayasuriya’s spin could exploit any weaknesses in South Africa’s batting.

Betting Odds and Match Predictions

According to betting platforms, South Africa is favored to win the series, with odds reflecting their home advantage and superior ranking. However, Sri Lanka’s past successes in Durban suggest they cannot be underestimated.

First Test Prediction:

South Africa’s robust bowling attack and home conditions make them the likely victors in the first Test. Sri Lanka will need exceptional performances from their key players to challenge the hosts.

Second Test Prediction:

If South Africa secures the first Test, they will aim to maintain dominance in the second. Sri Lanka’s resilience and adaptability will be tested, and their response in the first Test will influence predictions for the second.

Visit sports7 for the best odds offer in the market. Click here.