The ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 has begun with great excitement. Fans around the world are keen to see thrilling contests in the tournament. In Match 3, Sri Lanka will be taking on South Africa to kick off their campaign. The match is scheduled to take place on Saturday, October 7 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi.
Sri Lanka and South Africa have a good history in One Day Internationals (ODIs). They have played 80 matches against each other, with South Africa winning 45. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka has won 33 matches, with one ending with no result, and a tie.
The upcoming match promises to be a thrilling showdown between the two teams. Let’s take a look at the key player battles for the match.
ICC Cricket World Cup 2023: Key Player Battles for SA vs SL
Quinton de Kock vs Kasun Rajitha
Quinton de Kock will be playing his third ICC ODI Cricket World for South Africa. His experience will be crucial for the team to make a mark in the tournament. However, he hasn’t done much this year in the format. In 10 matches he has scored 343 runs at an average of 34.30, with just one fifty. He will be up against Kasun Rajitha in the opening clash. The pacer has dismissed de Kock twice in four matches in ODI cricket.
Dhananjaya de Silva vs Kagiso Rabada
Dhananjaya de Silva too hasn’t had much success with the bat for Sri Lanka this year. He averages 27.07 scoring 379 runs in 19 matches, with two fifties. He has faced Kagiso Rabada quite a few times in International cricket. However, he hasn’t been able to get the better of him in ODI cricket. Dhananjaya has been dismissed twice by Rabada in the format and has a strike rate of only 47.3 against the pacer.
Temba Bavuma vs Maheesh Theekshana
Temba Bavuma is the highest run-scorer for South Africa this year in One-day Internationals. In 10 ODI matches this year, he has scored 637 runs at an average of 79.62 with three centuries and two fifties. Leading the team at the marquee event, much responsibility will lie on his shoulders. However, he will be up against Maheesh Theekshana, who has done a terrific job for Sri Lanka. He will be lethal in Indian conditions for the island nation. Theekshana has taken 31 wickets this year in 15 ODIs.
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