Match Preview – 3rd June – 1030- venue - The Oval, London.
South Africa will be hoping to start positively against Sri Lanka after a disappointing series loss to England in preparation for this event. The South Africans are the number one ranked one-day side in the world, but were thoroughly out-played for two out of the three matches against hosts England. They ended the series with a big win to grab some momentum heading into their tournament opener. Sri Lanka are ranked a lowly seventh in the world and have struggled in recent times. They will be hoping they can string some performances together in English conditions and be the surprise package in the competition.
Odds available at Bet365
Both sides fall into the category of bridesmaids when it comes to major international tournaments with Sri Lanka and South Africa either dominating early stages before losing in the knockout stages or just falling short all together. This South African side has plenty about it though with AB DeVilliers, Quentin DeKock and Hashim Amla among the best run-scorers in the world, while all-rounders Chris Morris and David Milleras well as number one ranked ODI bowler Imran Tahir provide the threat with the ball. Sri Lanka always seem like a side in transition and will all need to get behind captain Angelo Mathews with the talismanic all-rounder key to Sri Lanka’s chances.
Odds available at Bet365.