Two under-performing sides seek redemption (Preview)

South Africa vs Sri Lanka

1st One Day International

Venue: Boland Park, Paarl

Start Time: 12:30 GMT (18:00 IST)

After a well-contested Test series between South Africa and Sri Lanka, focus has now shifted to the five-match ODI series. The opener at Boland Park happens to be the first 50-over contest of 2012. Since, both the teams had a forgettable last year in the one-day arena, this is good opportunity to start a new year on a positive note and hopefully take forward the momentum for rest of the year.

To sum up recent performances of South Africa and Sri Lanka, we can safely say that they have not been up to the mark. Even though the visitors finished as runners-up at the 2011 world Cup but three consecutive series’ losses has seen them plummet to the bottom of the pile. Similarly, South Africa after a disappointing quarterfinal exit in the World Cup, failed to clinch the three-match ODI series at home against Australia.

That being said, South Africa will have a new leader at the helm of affairs. AB de Villiers will start his stint as captain of the limited overs side, having missed the Australia series due to injury. With his predecessor Graeme Smith still part of the team as batsmen, it would be interesting to see how AB handles his new job.

Coming to the team composition, the revised ODI rules have tilted the balance in favour of seamers in the bowling department. The fact a new ball is available from each end; swing for the white ball would last longer on South African pitches. That makes the likes of Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel dangerous. With decent support bowlers in the form of Jacques Kallis, Lonwabo Tsotsobe and Morne Morkel, the hosts have a clear advantage as far as bowling is concerned.

On paper, Sri Lanka look a stronger outfit in the coloured clothing than the one in the whites. Return of Lasith Malinga provides their bowling a much-needed boost. Moreover, impact players like Tillakaratne Dilshan, Upul Tharanga and Angelo Mathews have better record in ODIs than in longer version of the game.

All in all, both sides would want better things to happen in 2012 and what better way to do it than win a series in first month of the year.

South Africa Squad: AB de Villiers (Capt & wk), Hashim Amla, Johan Botha, JP Duminy , Faf du Plessis, Albie Morkel, Jacques Kallis, Rory Kleinveldt, Morne Morkel, Wayne Parnell, Robin Peterson, Graeme Smith, Dale Steyn, Lonwabo Tsotsobe

Sri Lanka Squad: Tillakaratne Dilshan (Capt), Angelo Mathews (vc), Upul Tharanga, Kumar Sangakkara (wk), Mahela Jayawardene, Dinesh Chandimal (wk), Kosala Kulasekara, Thisara Perera, Lasith Malinga, Nuwan Kulasekara, Ajantha Mendis, Rangana Herath, Dhammika Prasad, Dilhara Fernando, Lahiru Thirimanne