South Africa vs Sri Lanka 1st Test Predictions - Proteas in for a tough series

Marc Thomas

Editor

Last updated: 1 hour ago

Add to Calendar

Listen

Marc Thomas 1 hour ago

Share this article

South Africa favored but Sri Lanka competitive away.
Key players: Tony de Zorzi (SA) and Kamindu Mendis (SL).
Spin advantage may shift strategy; watch Durban's pitch.

Kamindu Mendis has made an extraordinary start to life as a Test cricketer (Getty Images)

South Africa vs Sri Lanka Preview

The hosts are favoured in this first Test but Sri Lanka have shown they can compete away from home by winning the last test against England away earlier this year. The value is, however, in the run scoring markets with Tony de Zorzi and Kamindu Mendis in good touch.

South Africa vs Sri Lanka Preview
Head to Head
South Africa Form
South Africa Injuries & Team News
Sri Lanka Form
Sri Lanka Injuries & Team News

South Africa have won their last 2 Test matches against Sri Lanka.
South Africa have won their last 2 Test matches.
South Africa’s Tony de Zorzi scored 150+ runs in his last Test innings.
Sri Lanka have won their last 3 Test matches.
Sri Lanka’s Kamindu Mendis averages over 91 in 8 Test matches.

Head to Head

The last two Test matches between these sides have both been won by South Africa.

South Africa Form

South Africa will be confident coming into their home season after a commanding win in their last Test series in Bangladesh. The Proteas have certainly not been at their best in recent years in Test cricket, but the team is starting to find some form.

South Africa beat Bangladesh 2-0 in a series, winning the second Test by an innings and 273 runs. Batting first, Tony de Zorzi scored 177 runs while Tristan Stubbs added 106 in a 201-run second-wicket partnership. Wian Mulder also scored his maiden Test ton later on.

Bangladesh were then all out for 159 as Kagiso Rabada took five wickets and the Proteas enforced the follow-on. In the second innings, it was the turn of the spinners – Keshav Maharaj and Senuran Mtusamy who took five and four wickets respectively.

South Africa Injuries & News

South Africa opted for two spinners in Bangladesh and are likely to revert back to just one at home. However, Durban is the one pitch where spin has in the past dominated, but a new pitch has been created which offers more pace.

Sri Lanka Form

Sri Lanka will also be confident coming into this series in South Africa. They have been playing some good cricket, beating New Zealand at home 2-0 in their last series. The series before that they lost to England but managed to win the last Test away from home.

In the second Test against New Zealand, Sri Lanka amassed a whopping 602 runs batting first. Dinesh Chandimal, Kamindu Mendis and Kusal Mendis all scored 100+ runs.

The bowled New Zealand out for just 88 runs in the visitors first innings and then for 360 after enforcing the follow-on.

Sri Lanka Injuries & News

Sri Lanka’s strength lies with their spinners, and they may opt to play two in Durban. The real concern for them will, however, be how the batsmen get along in foreign conditions. If they score runs with the bat, they are in with a chance against the Proteas.

Verdict

South Africa v Sri Lanka 1st Test

I am backing Tony de Zorzi and Kamindu Mendis to top score in the first innings for their respective teams.

Tony de Zorzi

To Score 50+ Runs in 1st Innings

@120.00 - 3 Units

Free R50 + 150% MATCH to R1500

use promo code NEWBONUS

18+. T&Cs apply.

Bet at Easybet

Tony de Zorzi

Best South Africa 1st Innings Batsman

@300.00 - 1 Unit

R5,000 bonus

with bonus code NEWBONUS

18+ only. T&Cs apply. New customers only. Email must be verified prior to participation. Min deposit R50. Max bonus amount R5000. Exclusive offer when you use the bet.co.za promo code NEWBONUS.

Bet at Bet.co.za

Kamindu Mendis

Best Sri Lanka 1st Innings Batsman

@250.00 - 1 Unit

Deposit R3,000 Get R3,000

100% bonus up to R3,000

Your first deposit at 10bet should be of at least R20. Get 100% up to R3,000 Bonus to bet on sports or games. New customers only. 18+ T&Cs and wagering requirements apply. To activate the bonus, select it from the cashier.

Bet at 10bet