RSA vs SL 2nd Test Match Preview

Date: December 5, 2024
Time: 08:30 GMT
Venue: St George's Park, Gqeberha, South Africa

Big Picture:
South Africa and Sri Lanka are set to face off in the second Test of the ongoing series, with both teams looking to make a statement in the World Test Championship. The Proteas come into this match on the back of a dominant 233-run win in the first Test, while Sri Lanka will be looking to bounce back and level the series.

Form Guide:
South Africa have been in excellent form, winning four of their last five Tests, while Sri Lanka have won three of their last five. However, the visitors have struggled in South Africa, winning just three Tests in the country since 1998.

In the Spotlight:
Tristan Stubbs has been in excellent form for South Africa, scoring two centuries and a fifty in his first 11 innings. He will be looking to continue his good form in this match. Lahiru Kumara, on the other hand, is just one wicket away from becoming the fifth Sri Lankan seam bowler to take 100 Test wickets.

Team News:
South Africa have been dealt a blow with the injuries to Wiaan Mulder and Gerald Coetzee, but they still have a strong attack led by Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, are likely to make some changes to their lineup, with Sadeera Samarawickrama and Oshada Fernando in contention for a place in the starting XI.

Pitch and Conditions:
The pitch at St George's Park is expected to be lively, with plenty of pace and bounce on offer for the fast bowlers. The weather forecast is good, with no rain expected over the five days of the match.

Stats and Trivia:

• South Africa have won 14 of the 32 Tests played at St George's Park, while Sri Lanka have won just three.
• Kagiso Rabada is the top wicket-taker for South Africa in the current World Test Championship cycle, with 36 wickets.
• Kamindu Mendis is the leading run-scorer for Sri Lanka in the current World Test Championship cycle, with 966 runs.

Quotes:

• "The way that we stacked up our lineup is that, we believe that with the runs on the board, that gives you enough time to get 20 wickets." – Temba Bavuma, South Africa captain
• "If we compare this cycle with the previous one, we are doing far better. I'm happy with the boys and how they've performed." – Dhananjaya de Silva, Sri Lanka captain

Prediction:
South Africa are likely to win this match, given their strong form and the home advantage. However, Sri Lanka will be looking to bounce back and make a statement in the World Test Championship.

Fantasy Tips:

• Marco Jansen and Kagiso Rabada are good options for the bowling department.
• Tristan Stubbs and Temba Bavuma are good options for the batting department.
• Dhananjaya de Silva and Kamindu Mendis are good options for the all-rounder department.

Probable XIs:
South Africa: Aiden Markram, Tony de Zorzi, Tristan Stubbs, Temba Bavuma (c), David Bedingham, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Marco Jansen, Wiaan Mulder, Gerald Coetzee, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada

Sri Lanka: Dimuth Karunaratne, Pathum Nissanka, Dinesh Chandimal, Angelo Mathews, Kamindu Mendis, Dhananjaya de Silva (c), Kusal Mendis (wk), Milan Rathnayake, Prabath Jayasuriya, Asitha Fernando, Vishwa Fernando