South Africa vs Sri Lanka test series - Key players for Sri Lanka

Updated At: 2025/01/23

The time has come for Sri Lanka to come out of their comfort zone and travel to South Africa for a 2-match Test series. South Africa vs Sri Lanka Test series will begin with the first fixture taking place on 27th November. Check out the best odds for cricketbetting on the Test series between South Africa and Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka currently stands at the 3rd spot in the World Test Championship 2023-25-point table. They have a good chance of reaching the finals of the WTC at Lord’s but facing the Proteas in away conditions won’t be an easy task.

Since the appointment of Sanath Jayasuriya, Sri Lanka has shown positive signs in international cricket. They have won an ODI series against New Zealand, India, and West Indies. Lankans also defeated England in the 3rd Test at the Oval in September and won a Test series at home against the Kiwis.

There is a ray of hope for Sri Lanka considering their recent performance. However, the team still needs to improve in the red-ball cricket on foreign pitches. There are a few areas where the team still needs some major improvements.

South Africa is currently at the 5th spot in the WTC point table and they are also targeting the final fixture at the Lord’s. The opposition will do anything in their hand to cement their space for the final game of WTC. We expect both fixtures to be an absolute thriller between the two teams.

South Africa vs Sri Lanka Test Series - Head-to-Head

South Africa	Matches (31)	Sri Lanka
16	Won	9
9	Lost	16
6	Drawn	6
0	Tied	0
13	Home Won	6
3	Away Won	3
0	Neutral Won	0
246.5	Average Runs	247
621	Maximum Runs	613
80	Minimum Runs	77

South Africa vs Sri Lanka Test Series - Sri Lanka Squad

Dhananjaya de Silva (capt), Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Dinesh Chandimal, Angelo Mathews, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Oshada Fernando, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Prabath Jayasuriya, Nishan Peiris, Lasith Embuldeniya, Milan Rathnayake, Asitha Fernando, Vishwa Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Kasun Rajitha

Sri Lanka is travelling to the African continent after some minor changes in the squad. The team management has selected the squad focusing on seam bowling and a good batting depth.

Dhananjaya de Silva will be the leading man for the team. He will be expecting a positive approach from the players in both Tests. Kusal Mendis, Asitha, Kamindu Mendis and Pathum Nissanka will be his primary weapons in the batting unit.

Oshada Fernando is one name that is making his comeback to the team in the Test format after a year of absence. Lasith Embuldeniya is another player who is making his comeback for the team in red-ball format after 2 years. It should be noted that both these batters didn't have a good domestic tournament but their selection came on the basis of their previous performance in Tests in Durban back in 2019.

Lasith Embuldeniya will be a good addition to the team in their bowling unit as well. He is a left-arm spinner and might stun the opposition. Nishan Peiris, the new debutant, has also been named in the squad.

Nishan Peiris made his debut for the team against New Zealand and the selectors have shown trust in the player for the South Africa tour. Surprisingly, Ramesh Mendis has been excluded from the team even after showcasing a good performance in recent times.

Prabath Jayasuriya will be the leading man in the spin division. He will be a key bowler when the South African pitches take a turn at the later stage of the game. Asitha Fernando, Vishwa Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Kasun Rajitha and all-rounder Milan Rathnayake will be part of the pace attack. The cricket betting websites will have the best odds for the key players of Sri Lanka.

Probable Playing XI for South Africa

Dhananjaya de Silva (capt), Pathum Nissanka, Dinesh Chandimal, Angelo Mathews, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Oshada Fernando, Milan Rathnayake, Asitha Fernando, Vishwa Fernando, Prabath Jayasuriya