Cricket Match Prediction | South Africa vs Sri Lanka | 2nd Test | Dec 05 – Can RSA win the series or will it be a draw?

RSA vs SL Match Analysis

On December 05, 2024, at St George’s Park, Gqeberha, Sri Lanka and South Africa will play the second Test of a two-match series at 2:30 p.m. BST. 

South Africa secured a 233-run victory over Sri Lanka in the first Test at Durban. After posting 191 in the first innings, the Proteas bowled out Sri Lanka for a mere 42, with their pacers dominating. South Africa declared their second innings at 366/5, setting a daunting target of 516.

Despite a valiant fightback in the fourth innings, led by contributions from the middle order, Sri Lanka managed only 282. The hosts showcased their strength with both bat and ball, particularly their pace attack, which proved too much for the visitors in a thrilling display of Test cricket.

RSA vs SL Team Preview & Squads

South Africa 

South Africa boasts a dynamic opening partnership with Aiden Markram and Tony de Zorzi, combining elegance and flair from a right-hand and left-hand duo. De Zorzi, in fine form, has amassed 549 runs in his last eight Tests, while Markram’s stroke play remains a key asset.

Captain Temba Bavuma anchors the middle order, consistently delivering under pressure. He is supported by the explosive Tristan Stubbs and David Bedingham, who provide firepower around him. Wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne contributes steady batting and sharp glovework, often excelling in high-pressure situations. In Durban, Bavuma and Stubbs shared a record-breaking stand, each scoring centuries, with Bavuma also adding a valuable 70 in the first innings.

The bowling attack is spearheaded by the formidable Kagiso Rabada, whose pace and precision cement his status among the world’s best Test bowlers. All-rounder Marco Jansen complements the attack with left-arm pace and lower-order runs, claiming an impressive 11 wickets in the match to dismantle Sri Lanka’s batting lineup.

Spin duties lie with Keshav Maharaj, known for his accuracy and knack for breakthroughs after the pacers’ efforts. Maharaj has 31 wickets in his last six Tests, while Senuran Muthusamy offers additional depth as a left-arm spinner and handy batter. Dane Paterson bolsters the pace unit, providing cover for the injured Wiaan Mulder, while Gerald Coetzee’s absence may create opportunities for others. 

South Africa Squads

South Africa

Tristan Stubbs, Kagiso Rabada, Wiaan Mulder, Dane Paterson, Kyle Verreynne, Aiden Markram, Marco Jansen, Ryan Rickelton, Gerald Coetzee, Temba Bavuma, Tony de Zorzi, David Bedingham, Keshav Maharaj, and Senuran Muthusamy.

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka’s batting lineup is anchored by openers Pathum Nissanka and Dimuth Karunaratne. Nissanka’s technical skills complement the wealth of experience Karunaratne brings to the top order. In the middle, seasoned campaigners Dinesh Chandimal and Angelo Mathews add much-needed stability. Chandimal impressed with a gritty 83 in the second innings of the Durban Test.

Kamindu Mendis is a standout performer in Test cricket, starting the series with an impressive career batting average of over 95. His stellar form includes 966 runs in his last eight Tests, making him a crucial asset. Wicketkeeper Kusal Mendis combines reliable glovework with aggressive batting in the middle order.

Dhananjaya de Silva plays a key role in linking the top and lower orders, showcasing a versatile batting style alongside his useful off-spin. Left-arm spinner Prabath Jayasuriya is pivotal in the later stages of matches, boasting 44 wickets from his last nine Tests.

The pace attack features the trio of Vishwa Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, and Asitha Fernando, each offering distinct strengths. Vishwa’s left-arm swing complements Asitha’s ability to move the ball with his right-arm deliveries, while Kumara brings raw pace and aggression. Both Asitha and Kumara claimed three wickets each in the first innings of the previous Test, showcasing their effectiveness. 

Sri Lanka Squads

Sri Lanka

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

South Africa vs Sri Lanka outfield report

St George’s Park, Gqeberha

In the first Test, Sri Lanka chose to field first. It would have been a conditional decision. In the end, batting first helped South Africa win the Test. In the second Test, both teams would prefer to bat first because the pitch might slow down in the later days.

On day one, the likelihood of rain is five percent; on days two and four, that rises to 10 and twenty-five percent, respectively. There shouldn’t be any rain on days three or five. All five days will have warm, muggy temperatures. For the seamers, the surface should offer a respectable amount of bounce and velocity. It can feel a little slower than most because it’s one of South Africa’s seaside Test locations.   

RSA vs SL Head-to-Head Stats of Last 5 Matches

RSA won three of their five games, while SL won two.

South Africa vs Sri Lanka Prediction

Cricket analysts predict South Africa has a 55% chance of winning.

Disclaimer: This cricket prediction is based on the author’s insights and analysis. Readers should consider the points discussed and draw their own conclusions.