The Sri Lanka batters looked well set to launch from a strong foundation, but Tabraiz Shamsi and Dwaine Pretorius helped South Africa pull things back.
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South African bowlers Tabraiz Shamsi and Dwaine Pretorius accounted for three dismissals apiece, to help dismiss Sri Lanka for 142. Shamsi sent Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Avishka Fernando and Wanindu Hasaranga back to the pavillion. Pretorius accounted for the dismissals of Pathum Nissanka, skipper Dasun Shanaka and Chamika Karunaratne respectively. Anrich Nortje further chipped in with two wickets. Nissanka was the top run-getter for Sri Lanka, accumulating 72 runs off 58 deliveries. The opener’s knock comprised of six boundaries and three sixes respectively. Charith Asalanka was the second highest run-getter, with 21 runs from 14 balls.
Shamsi termed the wicket as a tough one to bat on, indicating that Sri Lanka still have a chance of pulling off a triumph. It will be interesting to see how the latter react in the current situation.
“It’s quite a tough wicket to bat on, for the bowlers hitting the areas is the key, that’s what I was focusing on. We always try, at least one run out in a game, and that (Asalaka’s) run-out was crucial. The amazing thing about our bowling is that it’s not a one man show. It’s a collective effort, but I’m happy with the accolades that come along the way,” said Shamsi as quoted by Cricbuzz.
South Africa skipper Temba Bavuma opted to field after winning the toss in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2021 encounter against Sri Lanka. There is some good news from the viewpoint of the former with wicketkeeper-batsman Quinton de Kock back in the lineup. De Kock was sidelined for South Africa’s previous encounter, following his refusal to take a knee, before withdrawing from the T20 World Cup 2021 fixture against West Indies. Sri Lanka will be eager to make their presence felt and record a vital win as the race for the knockouts heats up.
“We have played a couple of games, so the ball might keep low. Bowlers and batters have been exposed to this wicket before, so that might be an advantage for us. We have planned after that loss against SA, so hopefully we’ll be able to execute them today. We are playing with the same team,” said Dasun Shanaka as quoted by Cricbuzz.
South Africa skipper Temba Bavuma confirmed that De Kock was in a much better state.
“We are going to bowl first. Quinton comes in for Klaasen. The team is feeling much better, de Kock is in a much better state. The first 5 overs will be key for us. We are expecting the pitch to be different here in Sharjah. We are expecting it be a slow and low wicket,” stated Bavuma.
Lineups:
Sri Lanka (Playing XI): Kusal Perera(w), Pathum Nissanka, Charith Asalanka, Avishka Fernando, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Dasun Shanaka(c), Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamika Karunaratne, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Lahiru Kumara.
South Africa (Playing XI): Temba Bavuma(c), Quinton de Kock(w), Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, Reeza Hendricks, David Miller, Dwaine Pretorius, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Tabraiz Shamsi.
