World T20: Group 1 Preview - Sri Lanka vs South Africa
The first match of Group 1 can be termed as a match between Team consistent and Team chokers. Sri Lanka has been the most consistent team in the ICC World tournaments, having reached the knock-out stages more often than any other team in the last decade. Yet an ICC trophy eludes them since 1996, when Arjuna Ranatunga and company put the Sri Lankan cricket team on the global map.
South Africa on the other hand have been termed as the perennial chokers on the world stage. In spite of an outstanding record in bilateral tournaments, save for the ICC knockout trophy in 1998, they have never managed to win any major ICC tournament. They have been notoriously guilty of throwing away matches from winning positions.
The Consistent vs The Chokers
Build up
The Sri Lankans come in to this tournament high on confidence. Having won the Asia cup and also a series against Pakistan and Bangladesh prior to that, they couldn’t be in a better position as far as on field performances are concerned. The return of the explosive Tillakaratne Dilshan to the top of the batting line up should be enough to ensure extended team meetings in the opposition camp.
With quality spinners such as Rangana Herath and Ajantha Mendis in their ranks, the slow and low pitches of Bangladesh are certainly going to aid their style of play. But what has transpired off the field will certainly worry skipper Dinesh Chandimal.
Before their departure for the World T20, Sri Lanka’s national cricketers and their board have squared off over player income for the third year running, with the players rejecting the new contracts. This was followed by a statement from their chairman of selectors, Sanath Jayasurya expressing shock at the sudden retirements of the two stalwarts of the Sri Lankan team, Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene from the T20 format.
Not the ideal frame of mind to start the tournament, but being the only Asian team in a relatively easier group and the familiarity of the conditions should be enough to carry the Lankans into the knock out stages.
The South Africans have had a mixed lead up to the World T20. While they beat India comfortably in both the Tests and the ODIs, they lost a hard fought Test series and the T20 series to the Aussies. The hamstring injury to their captain Faf du Plessis and their strike bowler Dale Steyn isn’t doing them any good either. But any line up comprising of AB de Villers, David Miller and Albie Morkel is sure to keep the opposition on its toes.
World T20 performance
| Year | 2007 | 2009 | 2010 | 2012 |
| Sri Lanka | Knocked out in the Super-8 stage | Finalists | Semi Finalists | Finalists |
| South Africa | Knocked out in the Super-8 stage | Semi Finalists | Knocked out in the Super-8 stage | Knocked out in the Super-8 stage |
SWOT Analysis – Sri Lanka
Strength - The immense experience in both the batting and the bowling line up is sure to aid the number one team in this format. The pitches are certain to help the spinners and Sri Lanka should look to use this to their advantage. Malinga’s performance in their practice match against the Indians will give his confidence a huge boost. Also, Dilshan’s contribution with both bat and ball gives them the much needed flexibility.
Weakness - If the practice matches were anything to go by, the lower middle order batting is definitely a matter of concern. In case of a top order collapse, Thisara Perera and Angelo Mathews have always found it difficult to play the waiting game and have perished to big shots.
Opportunity - The conditions in Bangladesh are surely going to be a stern test for the South Africans. Their weakness against spin and their lack of preparation on these kinds of wickets can be exploited by the Lankan spinners. With the game starting in the afternoon, the dew factor wouldn’t come into play, hence providing further assistance to the spinners.
Threat - A fit Steyn and Morkel can run through any batting line-up and an in form AB de Villers can change the course of the game in a matter of a few deliveries.
SWOT Analysis – South Africa
Strengths - With a batting line up capable of chasing down any target from even the most improbable situations, they also have the calm head of Hashim Amla at the top of the order. The South Africans have always been a strong fielding outfit which is going to prove to be more important than ever given that there is very little to choose between the two teams.
Weakness - The South Africans have traditionally been poor players of spin bowling, and with two quality spinners bowling on slow turners, it is going to be a challenge for them. The absence of a quality spinner in their line up is also a matter of concern. Also if Steyn’s injury is serious, his absence is going to be a serious blow.
Opportunity - They would certainly look to exploit the weak Sri Lankan middle order by picking up early wickets and putting pressure on them. Playing an all pace attack is also an interesting option as the Lankans are traditionally good players of spin.
Threat - The mystery spin of Ajantha Mendis could prove to batsmen who haven’t played a lot against him. The batsman might also find it difficult to score of Malinga’s toe crushing yorkers in the death. The chokers tag isn’t going to leave them easily too.
Recent Performances (most recent first)
South Africa LLLWW
Sri Lanka WWWLW
Head to head in T20s
Total T20s played – 4
Sri Lanka – 1
South Africa – 3