The quarterfinals of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 dawns upon us as South Africa and Sri Lanka battle it out in the first game of the last eight stage at the Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney on Wednesday. The Proteas chasing their first knockout win seem to have chance as there is enough awareness in the squad about the choke factor. The Lankans finished third in Pool A and although they’re a weaker squad on paper, it is difficult to predict a winner given the weight of history which is against the AB de Villiers’ side. We take a look at the five key players who have performed in the group stages and will be the catalyst in bolstering their respective teams’ fortunes. South Africa vs Sri Lanka, ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 1st Quarterfinal Preview: No favourites in SA vs SL clash.
AB de Villiers: The South African skipper’s name should be declared as a synonym for records as he continues to rewrite history books. After scoring the quickest 150 runs in record 64 deliveries, De Villiers ousted Matthew Hayden’s record (18) of most sixes in a single World Cup by racing to 20 against United Arab Emirates. The explosive 31-year-old batsman found his rhythm against West Indies, scoring 162 and went on to score 77 and 99 in the concluding matches of the Group Stage. He is vying for the top spot in most runs scored table and his aspirations of finishing there will be dependent on his performance against the Lankans.
Kumar Sangakkara: Like De Villiers, Kumar Sangakkara too etched his name in to the record books by becoming the first batsman to score four consecutive centuries in One-Day Internationals. Sri Lanka failed to beat co-hosts Australia and New Zealand but convincingly crushed the others in Pool A due to his presence. Currently holding the perch for most runs scored in the World Cup with 496 runs, the 37-year-old will be eager for the side led by Angelo Mathews to help end his career on a high
Hashim Amla: However his performances have been in this World Cup so far, it is difficult to ignore what he is capable. Hashim Amla produced a fine batting display against Ireland and bagged a half-century against the West Indies but failed to come up with the necessary heroics against the rest in Pool B. The 31-year-old is currently 10th in the list of most runs scored in the 11th edition of the World Cup and expectations will be heavy on his shoulders to give the three time semi-finalists a blistering start against the Lions. Also Read- South Africa’s road to Quarter Finals in ICC Cricket World Cup 2015.
Morne Morkel: South Africa’s leading wicket taker in the tournament, Morne Morkel displayed significant consistency in the group stage. The 30-year-old is doing what Dale Steyn should have done but for the Proteas it’ll matter less as long as someone is terrorising the opposition batting lineup. The right handed pacer has 13 wickets to his name and sits in the top 10 list without managing anything over a three-wicket haul. Should Steyn and Vernon Philander fail to break the Lankan top order; the onus will fall on Morkel to halt their opponents from plundering the runs.
Lasith Malinga: Sri Lanka’s bowling has been inconsistent and the situation could have been worse if not for the 11 wickets snapped by Lasith Malinga. Like Morkel, the right-arm pacer too hasn’t grabbed more than three wickets in an innings but is the highest wicket taker for his team. There may not be any favourites between Sri Lanka and South Africa but the 31-year-old’s bowling figures can swing the tie in the former’s favour.
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