Sri Lanka will take on South Africa in the first of the three-match One Day International series in Colombo today.
The game slated to be played without any spectators, will get underway at the R Premadasa International Cricket Stadium from 3pm.
Sri Lanka will be led by Dasun Shanaka today while the visitors will be captained by Temba Bavuma in the absence of Quinton de Kock.
Sri Lanka recalled Dinesh Chandimal and Nuwan Pradeep into the ODI set up while Kusal Perera who recovered from COVID-19 is also part of the squad.
Despite Perera’s inclusion he is unlikely to feature in today’s encounter.
Minod Bhanuka is expected to keep wicket and open the batting in the first ODI.
Sri Lanka who have lost their last four ODI series will be aiming to claim a decisive win with the World Cup Super League standings in focus.
Sri Lanka is currently placed 11th in the table behind even Bangladesh, Ireland and Afghanistan.
South Africa is currently placed 10th in the WSL table.
Meanwhile, the traditional Khettarama pitch should suit Sri Lankan slow bowlers and spinners could well be the deciding factor in today’s series opener.
However, thunder showers are predicted for this evening in Colombo and rain could play spoilsport during the first ODI between South Africa and Sri Lanka.
