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The much-anticipated two-match Test series between South Africa and Sri Lanka is set to commence on November 27, marking a critical juncture in the ongoing ICC World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. Both teams remain firmly in contention for a spot in the coveted WTC final 2025, adding extra significance to this encounter. With points and pride at stake, the series promises to deliver high-quality cricket and intense competition. For Sri Lanka, 2024 has been a year of revival and promise. The island nation has displayed remarkable form, recently clinching a commanding 2-0 Test series victory over New Zealand. This impressive feat has boosted their confidence and placed them as formidable contenders against a South African side undergoing a period of transition. Led by experienced players and fueled by emerging talent, Sri Lanka will look to capitalize on their momentum and make a strong statement on South African soil.
Meanwhile, South Africa is navigating changes in their squad, but they remain a tough team to beat, especially at home. With a mix of seasoned campaigners and fresh faces, the Proteas will aim to use this series as an opportunity to reassert their dominance in Test cricket. Playing in familiar conditions, they’ll look to exploit their home advantage and test Sri Lanka’s mettle. As both teams gear up for this crucial South Africa vs Sri Lanka Test series, fans can expect thrilling battles and intriguing narratives to unfold. The outcome of these matches will significantly shape the WTC standings and determine each side’s path toward the final.
As we inch closer to the upcoming Sri Lanka vs South Africa two-match Test series, both these teams have announced their respective squads. Hosts South Africa will be led by their skipper Temba Bavuma who has been termed fit while Sri Lanka will be captained by Dhananjaya de Silva in the SA vs SL series. Fast-bowler Kasun Rajitha and left-arm spinner Lasith Embuldeniya have returned to Sri Lanka’s Test squad for the upcoming series against South Africa. Their inclusion comes as the selectors aim to bolster the bowling attack following changes to the squad that faced New Zealand earlier this year. However, all-rounder Ramesh Mendis and spinner Jeffrey Vandersay have been omitted, signaling a shift in strategy for the challenging South African tour.
Rajitha, a key figure in Sri Lanka’s historic series win against South Africa in 2019, will be eager to replicate his past success. In that memorable series, he was instrumental in dismantling the Proteas’ batting lineup, claiming nine wickets across two Tests and earning acclaim for his consistent accuracy and movement. His experience and proven ability to thrive in South African conditions make him a vital asset for the team. Embuldeniya, on the other hand, marks his return to the Test setup after a two-year absence. The left-arm spinner has earned his place back in the squad following outstanding performances in domestic cricket. Known for his ability to extract sharp turn and bounce, Embuldeniya’s inclusion strengthens Sri Lanka’s spin department, adding variety and depth to their bowling options.
On the other hand, South Africa’s captain Temba Bavuma has been declared fit to lead his side in the upcoming two-Test series against Sri Lanka, starting in Durban on November 27. Bavuma, who missed South Africa’s dominant series victory in Bangladesh last month due to an elbow injury, returns to bolster the team’s middle order. His comeback is a significant boost as the Proteas aim to strengthen their position in the race for a spot in the ICC World Test Championship final at Lord’s next year.
A mainstay of South Africa’s batting lineup, Bavuma’s consistency and leadership will be pivotal in countering a Sri Lankan side coming off a strong Test series win against New Zealand. His experience and ability to steady the innings make him a key player in the team’s quest for success on home soil. In addition to Bavuma, South Africa welcomes back all-rounder Marco Jansen and fast bowler Gerald Coetzee. Jansen, who was rested for the Bangladesh series, brings balance to the side with his dynamic batting and left-arm pace. Coetzee, returning from injury, adds firepower to the Proteas’ already potent pace attack. Both players’ presence enhances the depth and versatility of the squad as they prepare for the crucial series.
Sri Lanka vs South Africa squads
Sri Lanka squad: Dhananjaya de Silva (c), 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.
South Africa squad: Temba Bavuma (captain), David Bedingham, Gerald Coetzee, Tony de Zorzi, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Dane Paterson, Kagiso Rabada, Tristan Stubbs, Ryan Rickelton and Kyle Verreynne.
South Africa vs Sri Lanka schedule
Date | Match | Teams | Timings (IST) |
27 November, 2024 | 1st Test | South Africa vs Sri Lanka | 1 PM |
5 December, 2024 | 2nd Test | South Africa vs Sri Lanka | 2 PM |
SA vs SL live streaming
For all the viewers in India, the SA vs SL two-match Test series will be live streamed on the Jio Cinema app and it will also be televised on the Sports18 network.
WTC Points table
Pos. | Team | Matches | Won | Lost | Drawn | Points | PCT |
1 | Australia | 12 | 8 | 3 | 1 | 90 | 62.50 |
2 | India | 14 | 8 | 5 | 1 | 98 | 58.33 |
3 | Sri Lanka | 9 | 5 | 4 | 0 | 60 | 55.56 |
4 | New Zealand | 11 | 6 | 5 | 0 | 72 | 54.54 |
5 | South Africa | 8 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 52 | 54.17 |
6 | England | 19 | 9 | 9 | 1 | 93 | 40.79 |
7 | Pakistan | 10 | 4 | 6 | 0 | 40 | 33.33 |
8 | Bangladesh | 10 | 3 | 7 | 0 | 33 | 27.50 |
9 | West Indies | 9 | 1 | 6 | 2 | 20 | 18.52 |