Sri Lanka could hardly have picked a tougher opponent to face first up at the World Cup than South Africa.
The Sri Lankans come into this game with big question marks over their batting and have an injury-weakened bowling attack; South Africa, in contrast, seem to be a well-oiled machine,primed for the flat tracks this World Cup is expected to offer.
In their last 15 games, Sri Lanka have bowled out the opposition in 14. Sure, the ease with which both Bangladesh and Afghanistan brushed them aside in the warm-ups highlighted the task their bowlers are likely to face, but in Delhi, they might just have their way.
South Africa meanwhile won’t have fond memories of Delhi, with their last outing there in October 2022 seeing them skittled for 99.
South Africa and Sri Lanka have faced each other six times in the ICC Men’s ODI World Cup. South Africa holds the edge in these matches, having won 4 out of 6. One game was tied and one was won by Sri Lanka.
