The first Test match between South Africa and Sri Lanka is set to take place on November 27, 2024, at Kingsmead, Durban. This match marks the beginning of a two-match Test series as part of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25, with both teams eyeing crucial points for qualification to the WTC final.
South Africa enter this match with a strong squad, led by captain Temba Bavuma, who returns from injury. The team boasts a potent bowling attack featuring Kagiso Rabada and Keshav Maharaj, both of whom are expected to play pivotal roles. The batting lineup includes promising talents like Aiden Markram and Tony de Zorzi, who have shown good form in recent matches against Bangladesh.
Sri Lanka, captained by Dhananjaya de Silva, comes off a successful series against New Zealand, where they won 2-0. The squad features experienced players such as Dimuth Karunaratne and Angelo Mathews, alongside emerging stars like Kamindu Mendis, who has been in excellent form this year. The bowling unit will rely on the pace of Asitha Fernando and the spin of Prabath Jayasuriya.
Recent form and WTC final qualification contention
Historically, South Africa lead their rivalry with Sri Lanka, having won 16 out of 31 Test matches. However, Sri Lanka’s recent victory over New Zealand has boosted their confidence. Both teams are in contention for the WTC final, making this series critical for their aspirations.
Proteas currently ranked fifth on the WTC points table with four wins and three losses, they must win both Tests against Sri Lanka and secure two more victories against Pakistan to keep their final hopes alive. Whereas, the visitors positioned third with five wins and four losses, a series win against South Africa would significantly enhance their chances of qualifying for the WTC final.
Sri Lanka tour of South Africa 2024, 1st Test:
- Date and Time:Â November 27; 09:30 pm local | 07:30 am GMT | 1:00 pm IST
- Venue:Â Kingsmead, Durban
Kingsmead Pitch Report
The pitch at Kingsmead, Durban, for the first Test between South Africa and Sri Lanka is expected to provide a balanced contest between bat and ball. Initially, it will offer good pace and bounce, favoring fast bowlers, particularly under overcast conditions. This early assistance could create challenging batting scenarios, making it crucial for teams to consider bowling first if they win the toss.
As the match progresses, the pitch may slow down, allowing batters to score more freely. However, with forecasts indicating possible rain, moisture retention could affect play. The grass cover on the surface will support seamers early on, while spinners like Maharaj and Jayasuriya may become increasingly effective as the game advances. Overall, expect an exciting contest with both teams leveraging their strengths in bowling and batting, making strategic decisions vital for success in this World Test Championship encounter.
SA vs SL Dream11 Prediction Picks:
- Wicketkeeper:Â Kusal Mendis
- Batters:Â Temba Bavuma, Tony de Zorzi
- All-rounders:Â Dhananjaya de Silva, Aiden Markram, Kamindu Mendis, Marco Jansen
- Bowlers: Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Asitha Fernando, Gerald Coetzee
SA vs SL vs PAK Dream11 Prediction Captain and Vice-Captain:
- Choice 1:Â Marco Jansen (c), Kamindu Mendis (vc)
- Choice 2:Â Kusal Mendis (c), Tony de Zorzi (vc)
Also READ: SA vs SL 2024: South Africa’s best XI for the Test series against Sri Lanka
SA vs SL Dream11 Prediction Backups:
Pathum Nissanka, Tristan Stubbs, Wiaan Mulder, Angelo Mathews
SA vs SL Dream11 Team for today’s match (November 27, 07:30 am GMT):
Sqauds:
South Africa: Temba Bavuma (c), Kyle Verreynne (wk), Tony de Zorzi, Aiden Markram, Tristan Stubbs, Ryan Rickelton, Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Senuran Muthusamy, Gerald Coetzee, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Dane Paterson, David Bedingham
Sri Lanka: Dhananjaya de Silva (c), Kusal Mendis (wk), Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Angelo Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Kamindu Mendis, Milan Priyanath Rathnayake, Prabath Jayasuriya, Vishwa Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Asitha Fernando, Kasun Rajitha, Oshada Fernando, Lasith Embuldeniya, Nishan Peiris
Also READ:Â Sri Lanka Test squad for South Africa tour announced, Dhananjaya de Silva to lead
