SL vs SA 1st T20I: Possible Playing 11 of Sri Lanka

SL vs SA, SL Playing 11: Sri Lanka is back on track. After being bullied by England a few months before, the island nation has bounced back and has started off their resumption in prime fashion. Last month they defeated India in a T20 series and now they have overpowered the mighty proteas in ODIs as well. Under Dasun Shanaka, the team has pushed above their weight. With T20 World Cup around the corner, they will be hoping to get their combinations right as they will have to first play in the Qualifiers. The addition of Kusal Perera who is coming back after COVID-19 will boost the team’s batting lineup.

Team News

Kusal Perera who was infected with COVID-19 is now fully recovered and is available for selection.
Praveen Jayawickrama who impressed in the last ODI may get his chance in the shortest format as well.

SL Playing 11 (likely)

With Kusal Perera back in the side, the batting is boosted a bit. The likes of Avishka Fernando and Asalanka are in fine touch right now and hence not many changes are expected in the batting department. In the bowling department Praveen Jayawickrama, who resembles Ajanta Mendis in his action is expected to make his T20I debut in this match.

Kusal Perera
Avishka Fernando
Kamindu Mendis
Dhananjaya de Silva
Charith Asalanka
Dasun Shanaka (c)
Wanindu Hasaranga
Chamika Karunaratne
Dushmantha Chameera
Praveen Jayawickrama
Mahesh Theekshana

Sri Lanka Squad

Dasun Shanaka, Minod Banuka, Dinesh Chandimal, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Pulina Tharanga, Ramesh Mendis, Sahan Aarchchige, Dushmantha Chameera, Binura Fernando, Nuwan Pradeep, Dhananjaya de Silva, Pathum Nissanka, Charith Asalanka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamika Karunaratne, Ashen Bandara, Kamindu Mendis, Lahiru Madushanka (Subject to fitness), Dilshan Madushanka, Lahiru Kumara, Mahesh Theekshana, Lakshan Sandakan, Asitha Fernando, Ishan Jayaratne, Akila Dananjaya, Praveen Jayawickrama, Kusal Janith Perera, Avishka Fernando, Dananjaya Lakshan, Shiran Fernando

Where to Watch SL vs SA Live 1st T20I

Sports Network will live stream the South Africa Tour of Sri Lanka in India. Fans can watch the SL vs SA LIVE Streaming on the Sony Liv app while Sony Ten 2 will live telecast the match on TV for the Indian audience.

4 Fantasy picks for Sri Lanka vs South Africa from SL

Wanindu Hazaranga

The crafty leg spinner is in fine form right now. He was the man of the series in the latest T20I series against India. On average he picks up 2-3 wickets per match and provides valuable contribution with the bat in the lower order. He is an ideal option for fantasy cricket.

In T20s since 2019
Matches	Wickets	Economy	3 Wicket +
44	68	6.04	8

2. Avishka Fernando

Avishka got back to form in the ODI series against South Africa. From the 3 ODIs that he played in this series, he has scored 136 runs at an average over 45.

In this series (ODIs)
Matches	Runs	Average	Strike Rate
3	136	45.33	91.89

3. Dushmantha Chameera

Chameera has been roped in by the RCB for IPL 2021 second leg. He is a good enough bowler and can be a reliable option at the death and in the powerplays.