South Africa and Sri Lanka Second Test: Top Wagers & Forecast for the Match
CrickTwist: South Africa vs Sri Lanka Showdown Looms!
It's time for the final showdown of the South Africa-Sri Lanka series at St George's Park, Port Elizabeth! After a thrilling win in Durban, the Proteas hold a commanding 1-0 lead and are on track to secure a spot in the World Test Championship final.
Let's take a look at the odds and better predictions for this exciting encounter.
Venue: St George's Park.
Bet Now: SA 1.34 | X 13.00 | 4.05 Sri Lanka
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Marco Jansen, South Africa's star bowler, shone in Durban with a standout 11-86 performance, earning Player of the Match honours. Captain Temba Bavuma stood tall with both bat and ball, scoring 71 and 113 in the two innings, while newcomer Tristan Stubbs delivered his second Test century.
However, injuries to Wiaan Mulder and Gerald Coetzee may force changes in the Proteas lineup, with Dane Paterson and Kwena Maphaka or spin all-rounder Senuran Muthusamy as potential replacements.
Despite collapsing to their lowest-ever Test score in Durban (42), Sri Lanka batting coach Thilina Kandamby remains optimistic, citing their comeback win against England earlier this year after an initial heavy loss. To keep their WTC final hopes alive, Sri Lanka must win this Test and sweep Australia at home.
The Proteas boast an impressive record at St George's Park, winning 14 of 27 matches, including four of their last six.
South Africa has proven to be a tough nut for many touring teams, particularly Asian sides. While Sri Lanka remains the only Asian team to win a Test series on South African soil, they face a steep challenge against the Proteas, who recently scored a historic victory in Durban, their first-ever Test win against Sri Lanka at the venue.
With momentum on their side, South Africa is expected to seal the series 2-0, boosting their position in the 2023-25 World Test Championship standings. Back South Africa to win at 1.43.
Key Battle: Sri Lankan opener Dimith Karunaratne has struggled in Tests this year, with a steep drop in his average from 60.80 to 32.06. He's had severe troubles against South African pace ace Kagiso Rabada, who holds a formidable record against him. Back Rabada to strike again at 10.00 for Player of the Match.
Key Stats
- The average first innings score at St George's Park is 312.
- Marco Jansen has gone wicketless in only one of his 14 Test innings at home.
- Keshav Maharaj has 29 wickets in only nine Tests against Sri Lanka, but has struggled in recent matches.
- Kagiso Rabada has figures of 2-38 from 114 balls bowled to Dinesh Chandimal.
- Temba Bavuma has scored over 70 in three of his last four Test innings against Sri Lanka.
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Best Bets
Prediction: South Africa to win at 1.34.Best Bet: Highest individual score to be over 133.5 at 1.86.Value Bet: Kagiso Rabada to be Player of the Match at 10.00.
Stay tuned for live updates and more cricket action!
- In the upcoming South Africa vs Sri Lanka showdown at St George's Park, Marco Jansen, South Africa's standout bowler, may further strengthen his performance with his impressive record in home Tests.
- Despite their low score in Durban, Sri Lanka's batting coach, Thilina Kandamby, believes they can build on their comeback win against England earlier this year to take on South Africa.
- Key battle in the South Africa-Sri Lanka showdown could be between Sri Lankan opener Dimuth Karunaratne and South African pace ace Kagiso Rabada, with Rabada holding a formidable record against Karunaratne.
- With a formidable record at St George's Park and a sweep of the series at stake, South Africa is expected to maintain their average first innings score of 312, aiming for a 2-0 series victory.
