South Africa vs Sri Lanka: As the series reaches its climactic 2nd Test, South Africa holds a 1-0 lead after a dominant performance in the first Test. A win here would not only secure a clean sweep for the Proteas but also strengthen their position in the World Test Championship (WTC) standings. On the other hand, Sri Lanka, languishing in 5th place in the WTC table, faces a do-or-die situation as they aim to level the series and revive their fading hopes of making it to the WTC final at Lord’s.

Match Details:

• Venue: St George’s Park, Gqeberha
• Date & Time: Thursday, 5th December, 13:30
• Series: Sri Lanka in South Africa, 2-Test Series, 2024

South Africa vs Sri Lanka Head-to-Head

• Total Matches: 32
• South Africa Wins: 17
• Sri Lanka Wins: 9
• Draws: 6
• South Africa Win Percentage: 53.13%
• Sri Lanka Win Percentage: 28.13%

Pitch Report: St George’s Park, Gqeberha

The pitch at St George’s Park typically offers something for everyone. Fast bowlers enjoy assistance in the initial stages, with swing and seam movement on offer. As the match progresses, spinners tend to come into play, especially on the fourth and fifth days. The batting surface is known to be slow, requiring batters to adapt to conditions.

• Expected Conditions: Partly cloudy, with mild temperatures and occasional breezes aiding swing bowling.

Form Guide (Last 5 Matches)

South Africa: D, W, W, W, W

Sri Lanka: L, W, W, W, L

Last 5 Meetings

1. 27-Nov-2024: South Africa won by 233 runs
2. 03-Jan-2021: South Africa won by 10 wickets
3. 26-Dec-2020: South Africa won by an innings and 45 runs
4. 21-Feb-2019: Sri Lanka won by 8 wickets
5. 13-Feb-2019: Sri Lanka won by 1 wicket

South Africa vs Sri Lanka Playing XI

South Africa

1. Temba Bavuma (C)
2. Tony de Zorzi
3. Aiden Markram
4. Marco Jansen
5. Wiaan Mulder
6. David Bedingham
7. Tristan Stubbs
8. Kyle Verreynne (WK)
9. Gerald Coetzee
10. Keshav Maharaj
11. Kagiso Rabada

Sri Lanka

1. Pathum Nissanka
2. Dimuth Karunaratne (C)
3. Dhananjaya de Silva
4. Angelo Mathews
5. Kamindu Mendis
6. Kusal Mendis (WK)
7. Dinesh Chandimal
8. Vishwa Fernando
9. Prabath Jayasuriya
10. Lahiru Kumara
11. Asitha Fernando

Key Players to Watch

South Africa

• Kagiso Rabada: With 40 wickets in his last 8 matches, Rabada’s ability to strike early and contain runs is crucial.
• Tony de Zorzi: The young batter has shown promise, averaging 39.21 in his recent outings.
• Keshav Maharaj: The spinner could exploit the pitch’s turning nature in the latter half of the game.

Sri Lanka

• Dhananjaya de Silva: A reliable middle-order batter, de Silva has amassed 713 runs in his last 10 matches.
• Prabath Jayasuriya: The left-arm spinner has been a wicket-taker with 44 dismissals in his last 9 matches.
• Asitha Fernando: Known for his pace and bounce, Fernando’s consistency will be vital in dismantling the Proteas’ batting line-up.

SWOT Analysis

South Africa

• Strengths: A balanced team with a potent pace attack and depth in batting.
• Weaknesses: Middle-order inconsistencies when under pressure.
• Opportunities: A win would solidify their 2nd spot in the WTC standings.
• Threats: Over-reliance on Rabada and Maharaj in bowling.

Sri Lanka

• Strengths: Strong spin bowling contingent with Jayasuriya leading the charge.
• Weaknesses: Vulnerability against pace in seaming conditions.
• Opportunities: A win could reignite their WTC campaign.
• Threats: Fragility in the top order under pressure.

South Africa vs Sri Lanka Prediction

Given their current form, home advantage, and superior head-to-head record, South Africa is favored to win. However, Sri Lanka’s spinners could play a decisive role if the Proteas fail to capitalize on early momentum.

Predicted Outcome: South Africa to win and seal the series 2-0.