Things in ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 get intense as we move to knock-out stages from the ‘relaxed’ league stage. To get the ball rolling onetime champions Sri Lanka meet none-time champions South Africa in 1st quarterfinal at Sydney Cricket Ground on March 18. Both South Africa and Sri Lanka made it to next round by winning four of their six pool games. South Africa, who on paper look the strongest team, started ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 as one of the favourites while Sri Lanka were not in that elite list. As the tournament proceeded Sri Lanka improved and it was South Africa who looked a bit out of sorts, particularly against India and Pakistan.
Out of four quarterfinals, this fixture is the one which is between two closely matched sides, none of the teams start as favourites to win. Both South Africa and Sri Lanka had similar run in league stage, winning four out of six matches. If form favours South Africa it is the knock-out format that bends the game slightly towards Sri Lanka, as Proteas have a history of choking when it comes to business end of a major event. To add to it they have never won a knock-out game at World Cup.
South Africa, who are chasing their elusive title, always come into the tournament with a strong team, but they somehow fail to wind-up things as desired. Hashim Amla and AB de Villiers are vital for Proteas’ scheme of things. These two will be the most feared by Sri Lanka and rightly so, they are the ones capable of turning tides anytime. Century against Ireland and fifty against West Indies is all Amla boasts off ahead of this crucial tie, but the class he possesses can make things difficult for Lankan Lions. Skipper de Villiers is in top-notch form and Proteas largely bank on this man to take them step closer to the coveted trophy. If it is Amla and de Villiers in batting, in fast bowling department it is the pair of Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel who will be looked upon to deliver the match winning spells.
In Sri Lankan line-up, one man stands tall after the record four successive centuries- Kumar Sangakkara. His batting has been instrumental in revamping Sri Lanka’s outlook this tournament. Sri Lanka’s top order comprising of Lahiru Thirimanne, Tillakaratne Dilshan and Sangakkara looks in the pink and have been scoring bulk of runs for team. Sri Lanka will need middle-order to step-up, especially Mahela Jayawardene, who notched a match-winning century against Afghanistan but after that could not get going. Dinesh Chandimal looked in good touch at Sydney against Australia but unfortunately for Sri Lanka he was ruled out of the tournament due to injury. Kusal Perera, an attacking batsman comes in place of him and Sri Lanka will be hoping he shores up the brittle middle order.
With spinner Rangana Herath facing injury concern role for Lasith Malinga doubles up. Sri Lankan bowling has struggled so far and Malinga can come to the rescue when it matters the most. His pace and variation will be crucial for Sri Lanka’s success. In case Herath fails to play, Sri Lanka might look to Sachithra Senanayake, but after his remodelled action he is yet to find his feet.
Squads:
South Africa: AB de Villiers (c), Hashim Amla, Kyle Abbott, Farhaan Behardien, Quinton de Kock (wk), JP Duminy, Faf du Plessis, Imran Tahir, David Miller, Morne Morkel, Wayne Parnell, Aaron Phangiso, Vernon Philander, Rilee Rossouw, Dale Steyn.
Sri Lanka: Angelo Mathews (capt), Lahiru Thirimanne, Dushmantha Chameera, Kusal Perera, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Sachithra Senanayake, Mahela Jayawardene, Nuwan Kulasekara, Suranga Lakmal, Lasith Malinga, Thisara Perera, Seekkuge Prasanna, Kumar Sangakkara, Upul Tharanga, Rangana Herath.
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