Sharjah: South Africa will face Sri Lanka in a Super 12 match at the T20 World Cup here on Saturday, following star batsman Quinton de Kock’s expected return from a knee-jerk agreement.
De Kock’s return for refusing to be part of an anti-racism gesture in the game against the West Indies sparked a storm, which was quelled on Thursday with a lengthy statement in which he made himself available, saying that It’s okay to take a knee if it “educates others”.
The off-field drama around the wicketkeeper-batsman, who is a key member of the team, did not deter the team as it beat the Caribbean by eight wickets. De Kock, who felt deeply saddened at being called racist for his earlier post, also apologized for the confusion the whole situation caused. If captain Temba Bavuma and the team “take me back” he would now want to make a statement by scoring big.
Hyderabad News
Bavuma, whose leadership has been excellent during the mini crisis, wants the players and the team to leave the controversy behind as soon as possible. He has stood firmly behind de Kock during the media storm and has not hesitated to say that Cricket South Africa’s times were not ideal when it asked players to take a knee before every match a few hours before the game against the West Indies. asked for had ordered.
Bavuma would now like to lead with his batting. The right-handed opener has scores of 12 and 2 so far and will be eager to find form. South Africa have aggressive batsmen in the form of Reeza Hendrix, Russell van der Dussen, Aiden Markram and the always dependable David Miller who can isolate any opposition attack in their day and Sri Lanka will be no exception.
But all South African batsmen need to be wary of Sri Lankan spin duo Wanindu Hasaranga and Mahesh Thekshana, who have troubled the opposition batsmen. South Africa’s bowling took three wickets in their game against West Indies with right-arm medium pacer Dwayne Pretorius. He also has two of the best death bowlers in Kagiso Rabada and Enrique Nortje, whose roles will be crucial on Saturday afternoon. A key role will be played for the Proteas by their spinners – Keshav Maharaj and Tabrez Shamsi – who are looking to rush through the talented but inconsistent Sri Lankan batting order. South Africa are unlikely to tinker with their winning combination.
Sri Lanka will quickly go past the seven-wicket haul by Australia and need to start afresh. Charit Aslanka’s form has been positive for the Islanders. Wicketkeeper Kusal Perera, who started against Australia, will have to put up a big show against South Africa.
However, the consistent failure of openers Pathum Nishanka and Avishka Fernando will be a matter of concern for the team management. The role of Bhanuka Rajapaksa, who has shown glimpses of his talent against Australia and the flamboyant Wanindu Hasaranga, will also be crucial if Sri Lanka are to chase or chase down a big target.
The Sri Lankan pace trio of Chamika Karunaratne, Dushyant Chameera and Lahiru Kumara looked poor against Australia and would have to bowl in the right areas to stop South Africa’s batting. Though the dew will have no effect on the game, the results will be crucial for both the teams as they aim to qualify for the semi-finals.
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