Protea powerhouse against diverse Sri Lanka in the battle of ICC underdogs: Despite being one of the finest sides in world cricket, Proteas have always been the underachievers in the ICC tournaments. The Lankans, on the other hand, were undoubtedly considered one of the most heavyweight sides of the format since its starting days, but having won the T20 World Cup 10 years ago in 2014, they have failed to even make it to the final four of any major ICC tournament.
South Africa’s recent form in ICC tournaments
Though South Africa has had a conventional run into the semis of the 50-over World Cup in 2015 and last year in 2023, they would need to be reminded of their lack of dominance in the bigger stage of the game’s shortest format.
Since the start of 2023, the African side has had a terrible record in T20s, losing nine of their 11 completed T20s, the most recent one at the hands of the co-hosts just days before the T20 World Cup.
Sri Lanka has, however, managed three wins in a row before the World Cup, but all of them came from low-rated teams like Bangladesh, Zimbabwe, and Afghanistan, which lack their most comprehensive set of players. Hence, both teams cannot be expected to perform overwhelmingly in the upcoming World Cup.
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A neck-to-neck contest between the two underperforming sides
However, the Protea’s taking on the Lankans would be an interesting contest as the teams have contradicting strengths and weaknesses.
While the Protea batters are pumped up with confidence after having dominating form in the last World Cup in India and a convincing IPL season, the Lankan attack comprises an amazing blend of hostile pacers and tricky spinners who would look to have their chances on the slow tracks of New York.
Led by the most experienced campaigner, Quinton de Kock, at the top, they will look to dominate in the batting front, expecting their informed player, Hendricks, to perform at the top. Scoring quick runs is not a reason to worry, as their middle order is lined by power-hitters Miller, Klaasen, and Stubbs, who have had a terrific season in franchise cricket.
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Sri Lanka would be eager to bowl first on a track like New York, especially with the likes of Pathirana, Madushanka, and Thusara, along with a well-equipped spin attack comprising skipper Hasaranga and Theekshana. Lacking big-hitters at the end of the innings and underwhelming performances from the middle order, the bowlers are Sri Lanka’s only hope in the upcoming T20 World Cup. Hence said that the World Cup will witness Protea powerhouse against the diverse Sri Lanka in the battle of ICC underdogs.
However, other than these known facts, either team’s dominance would depend on the behaviour of the track and also on the return of their major players from injury. South Africans would look to play with a ton-percent fit Kagiso Rabada, who will spearhead their pace attack, while the men from the subcontinent would once again pin hopes on their key spinner Hasaranga.