SL Vs. SA T20 World Cup Match Prediction: Who will win today?

Sri Lanka is set to face South Africa in the fourth match of the T20 World Cup 2024. The game will be held at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York, United States, on June 3 at 8 PM IST.

Sri Lanka will depend on their diverse bowling attack to counter South Africa’s powerful batting lineup in their Group D T20 World Cup opener. South Africa, featuring batsmen such as Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen, Quinton de Kock, David Miller, and Tristan Stubbs, presents a significant challenge.

Klaasen and Stubbs are performing well, with Klaasen averaging 41 in this World Cup cycle. Sri Lanka may deploy pacers Matheesha Pathirana and Dilshan Madushanka to challenge them.

South Africa’s recent 0-3 loss to the West Indies could boost Sri Lanka’s confidence. The pitch conditions in New York might also favor bowlers, as evidenced in the warm-up match between India and Bangladesh.

Sri Lanka has had a strong T20I record this year, winning series against Zimbabwe and Afghanistan at home, and Bangladesh away, securing six wins in their last nine T20Is. However, they are aware that their batters need to step up against South Africa.

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Angelo Mathews, Kusal Mendis, and Dhananjaya de Silva bring experience and stability to Sri Lanka’s batting lineup, while Dasun Shanaka provides firepower lower down the order.

South Africa’s bowling attack heavily depends on Kagiso Rabada and Tabraiz Shamsi, as Anrich Nortje is still regaining form after returning from an injury and enduring a challenging IPL season. South Africa’s management is hopeful that Nortje will find his rhythm to avoid a below-par performance in the World Cup.

Head-to-head stats:

In their 17 T20I encounters, South Africa has dominated Sri Lanka with 12 wins compared to Sri Lanka’s five victories. In T20 World Cup clashes, South Africa has won three out of four matches against Sri Lanka.

Pitch report:

The pitch at Nassau County, imported from Adelaide, Australia, is expected to be a batting-friendly surface with good bounce. Spinners may become more influential as the game progresses.

Ground history:

This match marks the venue’s official debut, though a warm-up match was played here between India and Bangladesh. In that game, India scored 182/5, while Bangladesh managed only 122/9, with pace bowlers taking 10 out of the 14 wickets.

Fantasy value:

Early in the innings, when the ball is new, the pitch favors batting. Top-order batsmen are likely to perform well in fantasy contests. Expect spinners to play a crucial role as the match progresses.

South Africa Squad:

Aiden Markram (c), Ottniel Baartman, Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock, Bjorn Fortuin, Reeza Hendricks, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, David Miller, Anrich Nortje, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tabraiz Shamsi, Tristan Stubbs.

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Sri Lanka Squad:

Wanindu Hasaranga (c), Charith Asalanka, Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, Kamindu Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Angelo Mathews, Dasun Shanaka, Dhananjaya De Silva, Maheesh Theekshana, Dunith Wellalage, Dushmantha Chameera, Nuwan Thushara, Matheesha Pathirana, Dilshan Madushanka. Traveling Reserves: Asitha Fernando, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Janith Liyanage.