<p><strong>South Africa vs Sri Lanka – 1<sup>st</sup> ODI - Match Preview </strong>
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<p>After winning their first Test series at home in over three years, South Africa will take on Sri Lanka in the fifty-over version of the game with the 1<sup>st</sup> ODI being played today January 11, 2012 at Boland Park, Paarl</p>
<p>Both sides had mix fortunes in cricket’s shorter version when one takes into consideration the past 12 months, where the hosts lost at home to India before underperforming yet again on one of cricket’s biggest stage – World Cup 2011.</p>
<p>The Lankans were impressive in the first quarter of last year, where they beat West Indies at home before finishing runners up to India in the World Cup. After that, they have lost three successive series which includes away trips to England and UAE while
home assignments against Australia.</p>
<p>Dubbed as under-dogs for the Test series against the Proteas, the Lankans managed to conjure up a win- their first in over a year, before falling flat in the deciding third Test. </p>
<p>The major worry remains the form of their skipper, Tillakaratne Dilshan, who is yet to match the dizzy heights of the World Cup and has remained winless (on a full ODI series basis) since taking over the captaincy.</p>
<p>Surely, his leadership, along with his place in the team, will be questioned if the Lankan failed to improve over the coming days. However, their ODI side (at least on paper) gives a flattering look, especially with the return of pacer, Lasith Malinga.</p>
<p>The pacer remains their safest bet in the bowling department and is amongst the most feared fast bowlers in the world. He had an impressive 2011 in which he stood shoulder the rest of the pack by claiming 48 wickets in the ODI circuit.</p>
<p>Also, the return of Dilhara Fernando and Nuwan Kulasekara after injuries will boost the bowling line up immensely. </p>
<p>Their opponents will also have household changes to the limited over squad, which also includes a shift in leadership. AB de Villiers will take the captaincy from Test skipper, Graeme Smith, who stepped down following disappointment in the World Cup.</p>
<p>De Villiers has been the Proteas’ top performer over the past two years, but it will be interesting to see how he manages the added responsibility of leading the side, while also doing the glove work – much like MS Dhoni.</p>
<p>Other than that, the changes in the lower-middle order will see JP Duminy and Faf du Plessis coming in, while there will be also room for all-rounders in Albie Morkel and Johan Botha. The bowling line up will have a familiar look with Morne Morkel and Lonwabo
Tsotsobe partnering Dale Steyn.</p>
<p>Their main work horse remains Jacques Kallis, who despite his age recently stated his desire to play until 2015. His eagerness again proved beneficial for the team as he started the New Year by helping his side claim their first series win since 2008 with
a characteristically sublime career best double ton.</p>
<p>The pitch is expected to aid the batters but will help the spinners due to its slow nature. The temperature at Paarl is expected to touch 35 degrees so one must expect a lively stadium atmosphere.</p>
<p>Both sides have met the least amount of time in the past decade however; will know the importance of beginning the New Year on a high.</p>
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