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South Africa and Sri Lanka gear up for the second and final Test of the series at St George’s Park. With the hosts already leading 1-0 after an emphatic 233-run win in Durban, this match holds significant importance for both sides in the race to the World Test Championship (WTC) final. South Africa, buoyed by their maiden Test win against Sri Lanka at Durban, will be looking to seal the series, while Sri Lanka will aim to bounce back from their crushing defeat.
Match Details
- Event: 2nd Test, Sri Lanka tour of South Africa 2024
- Date & Time: December 5, 2024, 1:30 PM IST
- Venue: St George’s Park, Gqebera
Teams Preview
South Africa Preview
South Africa enter this match brimming with confidence after dominating Sri Lanka in Durban. Temba Bavuma’s leadership has been commendable, highlighted by his resilient batting performances in both innings of the first Test. His 70 and match-winning 249-run partnership with Tristan Stubbs in the second innings set the tone for the hosts.
Marco Jansen was the standout bowler, dismantling the Sri Lankan batting lineup with match figures of 11/86. However, injuries to Coetzee and Mulder have forced South Africa to shuffle their bowling lineup. The inclusion of uncapped teenager Kwena Maphaka and potentially Dane Paterson or Senuran Muthusamy offers a fresh look to the squad.
Key Players:
- Temba Bavuma: Leading from the front, his batting consistency is vital for South Africa’s middle order.
- Marco Jansen: A game-changer with the ball, his pace and bounce can trouble any batting lineup.
- Kagiso Rabada: A proven match-winner in South African conditions.
Predicted Playing XI:
Tony de Zorzi, Aiden Markram (c), Tristan Stubbs, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Dane Paterson/Senuran Muthusamy, Temba Bavuma, David Bedingham, Marco Jansen, Kwena Maphaka, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada
Sri Lanka Preview
Sri Lanka’s confidence took a massive hit after their disastrous batting collapse in Durban, where they were bowled out for their lowest Test score of 42. Their pace trio of Lahiru Kumara, Asitha Fernando, and Vishwa Fernando showed promise but lacked support from the batting unit.
Skipper Dhananjaya de Silva will look to inspire his side with a stronger display. Sri Lanka’s batters, including Kamindu Mendis and Angelo Mathews, need to stand firm against the Proteas’ fiery pace attack. Youngster Sadeera Samarawickrama could be a key addition, bringing stability to their batting order.
Key Players:
- Lahiru Kumara: His fiery pace was one of the few bright spots in the first Test.
- Dhananjaya de Silva: A versatile leader, his role as an all-rounder is crucial for Sri Lanka’s chances.
- Kamindu Mendis: An emerging talent, his ability to handle pace and spin will be tested.
Predicted Playing XI:
Sadeera Samarawickrama, Pathum Nissanka, Dinesh Chandimal, Angelo Mathews, Kamindu Mendis, Dhananjaya de Silva (c), Prabath Jayasuriya, Kusal Mendis (wk), Vishwa Fernando, Asitha Fernando, Lahiru Kumara
Fantasy Team XI
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| Batsmen | Temba Bavuma, Aiden Markram, Kamindu Mendis |
| All-rounders | Dhananjaya de Silva, Keshav Maharaj |
| Bowlers | Kagiso Rabada, Marco Jansen, Lahiru Kumara, Vishwa Fernando |
| Wicketkeeper | Kusal Mendis |
Pitch Report
The track at St George’s Park is traditionally lively, offering ample assistance to pacers with sharp bounce and seam movement. Batting gets progressively tougher as the cracks open up, making fourth-innings chases incredibly challenging. Spinners like Keshav Maharaj could play a key role as the match progresses.
Par Score: 312 (1st innings average).
Toss Prediction: To Bat First. With deteriorating conditions and difficulty in chasing, batting first provides a significant advantage.
Weather Report
- Conditions: Partly cloudy but no rain interruptions expected.
- Temperature: 19°C to 27°C.
- Wind Speed: 20-35 km/h.
The weather will remain warm with a slight breeze, ensuring uninterrupted play throughout the Test.
Winning Prediction
South Africa’s dominance in home conditions and Sri Lanka’s poor record in South Africa make the hosts clear favorites. With a balanced squad, confidence, and a lethal bowling attack led by Marco Jansen and Kagiso Rabada, South Africa should comfortably seal the series.
Prediction: South Africa to Win
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