Sri Lanka is set to face South Africa in the fourth game of the T20 World Cup 2024. The highly anticipated match will take place at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, starting at 8:00 PM IST on June 3.
Where to Watch: Live Streaming and TV Channels
TV Channels: You can catch the live broadcast on Star Sports, PTV, Ten Sports, Willow TV, ESPN Caribbean, Sky Cricket, Sky Sport NZ, and SuperSport.
Live Streaming: The match will be live-streamed on Disney+ Hotstar, Myco, Tamasha, ESPN Play Caribbean, SkyGO, NOW TV, Prime Video, and SuperSport.
Toss Prediction
Both teams are expected to prefer batting first. Given the daytime match conditions, the absence of dew will make it advantageous to set a target and apply pressure on the opponent.
Pitch Report
The pitch at Nassau County International Cricket Stadium is known to be challenging. Spinners will find the conditions favorable during the middle overs, and bowlers with variations will thrive due to the lack of pace. A total of around 180 runs is predicted to be a strong, defendable score.
Weather Report
The weather in New York on match day predicts a 20% chance of rain. However, the game is scheduled for the daytime when clear skies are expected. Temperatures will range between 28°C and 18°C, providing pleasant conditions for cricket.
Team News and Predicted Playing XIs
Sri Lanka
Team News: Sri Lanka faces a selection dilemma with their bowling attack. They must decide between fielding three spinners and two pacers or vice versa. Given the pitch conditions, an additional spinner might be beneficial, but with all-rounders like Dhananjaya de Silva and Charith Asalanka in the mix, three pacers could be a strategic choice. Matheesha Pathirana and Dushmantha Chameera are certain to play, with the final pacer spot between Dilshan Madushanka and Nuwan Thushara.
Key Players:
- Kusal Mendis: The standout batter from their recent T20I series against Bangladesh.
- Wanindu Hasaranga: The captain and all-rounder is vital with both bat and ball.
- Matheesha Pathirana: Known for his yorkers and death-over bowling.
- Maheesh Theekshana: Expected to leverage the spin-friendly conditions.
Predicted Playing XI: Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Angelo Mathews, Dhananjaya De Silva, Wanindu Hasaranga (c), Charith Asalanka, Nuwan Thushara, Matheesha Pathirana, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana
South Africa
Team News: South Africa’s squad is strong despite the absence of former captain Temba Bavuma. Aiden Markram faces a tough choice between Gerald Coetzee and Anrich Nortje, with Nortje likely to be favored.
Key Players:
- Quinton de Kock: A proven match-winner in major tournaments.
- Aiden Markram: Despite a lackluster IPL, expected to excel in national colors.
- Heinrich Klassen: In excellent form, vital for South Africa’s middle order.
- Kagiso Rabada: Leading the pace attack with experience and skill.
Predicted Playing XI: Aiden Markram (c), Quinton de Kock, Reeza Hendricks, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Tabraiz Shamsi, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje
Recent Form
- Sri Lanka: W L W L W
- South Africa: L L L L W
Head to Head
- Overall: 17 matches – Sri Lanka 5 wins, South Africa 12 wins
- Last 5 matches: South Africa has won all 5
Betting Odds and Match Prediction
South Africa is favored to win, boasting a superior squad with powerful batting and a potent bowling attack. Their recent dominance over Sri Lanka further strengthens their position as favorites.
Prediction: South Africa is expected to win the match, given their recent form and strong lineup. Sri Lanka will need standout performances from their key players to overturn the odds.