South Africa and Sri Lanka chase early World Cup boost in key clash
Saturday 7 October, Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi
It Takes One Day: Episode 4: ICC Digital Insider Ridhima Pathak and former Sri Lanka batter Russel Arnold look at Sri Lanka's hopes against a mighty Proteas batting unit in Delhi
Both South Africa and Sri Lanka will be keen on making a good impression at the start of their Cricket World Cup campaign in Delhi.
South Africa showed some decent signs of form with a narrow loss to New Zealand in a high scoring contest during their warm-up matches for the World Cup. On the other hand, Sri Lanka's batters appeared in good touch in their defeat against Afghanistan.
South Africa want to heal old World Cup wounds and secure a first-ever trophy at the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023
The absence of spinner Wanindu Hasaranga is sure to be felt by Sri Lanka and they will be hoping the likes of youngsters Dunith Wellalage and Matheesha Pathirana can step up during the tournament.
Both teams have strong batting line-ups and another high scoring match could be on the cards in Delhi.
South Africa squad: Temba Bavuma (c), Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock, Reeza Hendricks, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Andile Phehlukwayo, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi, Rassie van der Dussen, Lizaad Williams.
Sri Lanka squad: Dasun Shanaka (c), Kusal Mendis (vc), Kusal Perera, Pathum Nissanka, Lahiru Kumara, Dimuth Karunaratne, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Maheesh Theekshana, Dunith Wellalage, Kasun Rajitha, Matheesha Pathirana, Dilshan Madushanka, Dushan Hemantha
Sri Lanka are out to claim a second World Cup trophy while playing in India at the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023
South Africa - Kagiso Rabada
Kagiso Rababa will need to step up in his absence of the injured Anrich Nortje and the lion-hearted quick will be relied upon to take a couple of early breakthroughs in this clash and swing the momentum towards his side.
Rabada has been one of the most consistent pacers in the world in recent times and is sure to put in a strong performance for his side.
Match preview as evenly-matched South Africa and Sri Lanka meet at the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023
Sri Lanka - Maheesh Theekshana
With star spinner Wanindu Hasaranga missing the tournament through injury, much of Sri Lanka's hopes will rest on Maheesh Theekshana and young tweaker Dunith Wellalage.
Theekshana is a star bowler in his own right having performed with aplomb during the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier tournament and is likely to get the pitches to suit during the World Cup.
If Sri Lanka's pacers can make some early inroads, then Theekshana is more than capable of putting some more pressure on opposition batters during the middle overs.