Cricket Betting: Sri Lanka vs South Africa ODI Series Preview

After winning the Test series comprehensively, it is time for Sri Lanka to look at continuing the domination in the ODIs. The five-match series between Sri Lanka and South Africa will be a good chance for both the sides to plan out the teams ahead of the 2019 ICC World Cup. Of course, there is a series up for grabs!

Sri Lanka – chance to break the duck
Sri Lanka haven’t been assertive in the ODIs recently. The tri-series win in Bangladesh, also involving Zimbabwe, was more of an aberration as Sri Lanka are still getting to grips with their ODI team composition. That said, there is no dearth of talent or power in their line-up to make them a strong ODI outfit. The likes of Kusal Perera and Niroshan Dickwella add power to their top-order, while star batsman Kusal Mendis and captain Angelo Mathews bring stability to the middle-order.

The form of all-rounder Thisara Perera is a huge positive considering the balance he gives to Sri Lanka. Their bowling looks a bit inexperienced, although Suranga Lakmal lends weight to the team. The presence of spinners Lakshan Sandakan and Akila Dananjaya makes them a strong bowling unit. The pitches will undoubtedly support the slow bowlers of Sri Lanka, but the hosts will do well not to underestimate the visitors.

South Africa – can they find their feet against the spinners?
South Africa have been embarrassed in their last ODI series against India at home, succumbing to the spin twins Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal. The 5-1 series loss was a reflection of how badly their batsmen failed against quality spinners. That could once again be the case here, if the Proteas are not aware of the pitfalls. They will surely miss the calm presence of AB de Villiers in the middle-order, but there is no dearth of talent in this squad. Hashim Amla and Quinton de Kock are unarguably one of the best openers in this format.

The form of captain Faf du Plessis is a huge positive, although South Africa would love to get more runs from their middle-order of David Miller, JP Duminy and the all-rounders. Bowling will once again depend on Kagiso Rabada while the energetic presence of Junior Dala and Lungi Ngidi make them an exciting attack. It will once again be a trial by spin for South Africa, but will the change of format bring better luck to them?

Stats
– Sri Lanka have lost 16 of their last 20 ODIs.
– Sri Lanka have lost their last eight ODIs against South Africa.
– Sri Lanka have lost only four of 19 ODIs at home against South Africa.
– South Africa have lost five of last six ODIs.
– South Africa’s Faf du Plessis has four 50+ scores in his last six knocks as captain.

TIP: Sri Lanka to win the series – $2.20 at Sportsbet
TIP: Series correct score 3-2 Sri Lanka – $3.30 at Ladbrokes