T20 World Cup 2024: Today's Match Prediction: As New York gets ready to host the tournament's first-ever game, power-packed South Africa takes on Sri Lanka. The bowling assault of Sri Lanka should give them the advantage on Monday at the recently constructed Nassau County Cricket Stadium.
On Monday, June 3, play in the Group of Death of the T20 World Cup 2024 will begin with a match between South Africa and Sri Lanka in New York. The matchup between two countries ranked in the top 10 for the first time in the competition is expected to be a blockbuster at the recently constructed Nassau County Cricket Stadium. South Africa, the defending champions and a pre-tournament favorite, and Sri Lanka, will be looking to make an impression on monday after their quiet ascent to the top of the tournament rankings.
South Africa enters the match fresh from a crushing 0–3 loss to the West Indies in May. Although the Proteas haven't been playing well in T20I cricket, they are still a strong team thanks to the return of its key players from their IPL obligations. However, in the warm-up matches, Sri Lanka received a wake-up call. Before they overcame Ireland in Florida during their most recent practice match, they were taken aback by the Netherlands.
There will also be a match between one of the best batting teams in the competition against a formidable bowling attack. The return of players like David Miller, Heinrich Klaasen, Tristan Stubbs, and captain Aiden Markram will strengthen South Africa. However, with skipper Wanindu Hasaranga at the head of the attack along with players like Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana, Nuwan Thushara, Dilshan Madhushanka, and Dushmantha Chameera, Sri Lanka possesses one of its strongest bowling attacks in recent memory.
Under Aiden Markram's leadership, South Africa is eager to break through their championship drought, particularly following the heartbreaking loss to eventual winners Australia in the semi-final of the 2023 ODI World Cup. The Proteas have lost their last three opening games in the men's T20 World Cup, so they will need to get beyond their starting problems as they also face giant-slayers Netherlands and Bangladesh in Group D.
SRI LANKA vs SOUTH AFRICA HEAD-T0-HEAD IN T20 WORLD CUP
In T20Is, Sri Lanka and South Africa have played 17 games together. South Africa has a commanding head-to-head record after winning 11 of them.
As a matter of fact, this is the first time that Sri Lanka and South Africa have met since their 2021 T20 World Cup match in Sharjah.
In T20 World Cups, Sri Lanka has a dismal head-to-head record against South Africa, with their lone victory in four encounters being in the 2014 tournament.
SRI LANKA Vs SOUTH AFRICA: TEAM NEWS
Both sides don't have any injury concerns, therefore the emphasis will be on their two outstanding fast bowlers. After recovering from injury worries, Anrich Norje has not played at his peak level recently. He was not at his best in the IPL and South Africa will want their premier pacer to return to peak form.
However, for their first game in New York, Sri Lanka will be hopeful that their premier bowler, Matheesha Pathirana, is fully healthy. In the warm-up matches, Pathirana bowled and performed brilliantly against Ireland.
PREDICTED XIs: SL vs SA
Quinton de Kock, Reeza Hendricks, Ryan Rickelton, Aiden Markram (captain), Heinrich Klaasen, Tristan Stubbs, Keshav Maharaj, Anrich Nortje, Tabraiz Shamsi, and Tristan Miller are the South African players.
The following players represent Sri Lanka: Angelo Mathews, Dasun Shanaka, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana, Dhananjaya De Silva, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Charith Asalanka, and Wanindu Hasaranga (captain).
NEW YORK PITCH AND CONDITIONS
At the Nassau County Cricket Ground, South Africa and Sri Lanka should brace themselves for the unexpected if the warm-up encounter between India and Bangladesh provides any indication. On Saturday, the inconsistent bounce of the surface helped the fast bowlers, while the spinners found little hold. While it wasn't easy to bat, players like Hardik Pandya and Rishabh Pant demonstrated how important it was to come in and play a long innings.
The weather is expected to be clear for the big-ticket match on Monday.
SL vs SA, T20 World Cup 2024: Prediction - Who will Win?
With their batting strength, South Africa can score a high total. On the other hand, their hitting style might not be appropriate in New York. Expect Sri Lanka to ride on their bowling unit and clinch a win in a close contest.
