http://www.senore.com/Cricket/South-Africa-c757 v Sri Lanka – 3rd ODI – Match Preview
With series win in sight, South Africa take on http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Sri-Lanka-c758 in the 3rd One Day International, played at the Chevrolet Park, Bloemfontein, January 17, 2012.
It has been turbulent times for the touring Lankan party, which simply has lacked the http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Neil-Killeen-c79132 instinct and the confidence to mount any sort of pressure on their opponents. The major concern is an overall deficiency which is evident in both departments of
their game play.
The batsmen offer no sort of conviction especially the likes of http://www.senore.com/Cricket/TM-Dilshan-c2691 seems no stopping after he remains eager
to repeat the same mistakes.
Also Kumar Sangakkara’s form provides a bench mark of the shortfall that has been haunting the side. Despite all this, the major positive for the team remains the young guns, notably http://www.senore.com/Cricket/AD-Mathews-c913.
After capitulating on a thwarting 43 in the first game, the Lankans managed to lift themselves up and put on a decent 236 in the second game. With heavy defeat at Paarl, many would have written them off but they geared up to their task well with Chandimal
and company proving their worth to the side.
The third bout at Bloemfontein will be good outing for the team to cause an upset given the flat track on offer. Their vice-captain, Mathews emphasized on the importance of making a score in excess of 250 and more importantly, pointed out at clicking as
a unit.
For all their endeavours, the Lankans will be hoping that luck favours them to ensure that they keep the series alive, at least for the time being.
The hosts so far have remained one step ahead of their opponents and have all in place to claim a third straight victory. However, their task will be made difficult after opener http://www.senore.com/Cricket/JH-Kallis-c1692 has
been rested for the remaining encounters.
This means a reshuffle of the top order which will see http://www.senore.com/Cricket/GC-Smith-c1473 underperforming with the bat, the pressure will be on the top three to perform,
something which could be capitalized on by http://www.senore.com/Cricket/SL-Malinga-c2540 and Co.
The other selection dilemma concerns http://www.senore.com/Cricket/LL-Tsotsobe-c1842 providing a deadly combination it makes Philander’s inclusion a remote possibility.
http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Dale-c52110 Steyn’s position could be up for grabs given his work load in the past month or so.
http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Allan-Robert-Border-c43726 de Villiers’ captaincy has not been tested by the Lankans but a win will give him his first series win which will be a great confidence booster. The major concern at the start was adapting to three roles (captain, wk and batsman) and so far, he has done
well in all departments.
The pitch is expected to be a flat, which will offer plenty of runs for the batters. Also, spinners will come into play due to the slow nature but given the pace powers in both ranks; one should expect a feisty encounter.
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