After winning the first match by an innings and 45 runs, South Africa will look to claim the series against Sri Lanka by clinching the second match in Johannesburg.
Put in to bat first, the visitors managed a total of 396 with Dinesh Chandimal's 85 and Dhananjaya de Silva's 79. In reply, the hosts amassed a mammoth 621 led by Faf du Plessis's scintillating knock of 199 and Dean Elgar's 95. Forced to follow on, Sri Lanka were skittled out for just 180 runs.
Head to Head
Matches Played- 30, South Africa- 15, Sri Lanka- 9, Draw- 6
Team News
The visitors have a long list of injuries in their depleted squad. Kasun Rajitha (groin), de Silva (left thigh), Lahiru Kumara (groin), and Chandimal (groin) have come as a big blow to their side. Suranga Lakmal damaged his hamstring ahead of the first test and has still not recovered. Lahiru Thirimanne may make a comeback and Minod Bhanuka who made heads turn in the LPL will make his test debut. Vishwa Fernando and Dushmantha Chameera will have to shoulder the responsibility with the ball. Asitha Fernando may also play his first test.
South Africa have all bases covered. Kagiso Rabada has been added to the squad but coach, Mark Boucher said that he will not surely be a starter for the match. Lungi Ngidi was niggling with a small injury in the last game. They have Dwaine Pretorius in reserve. The possibility of an all-pace attack has been ruled out by Boucher. Beuran Hendricks has also been added to the squad. Raynard van Tonder, Glenton Stuurman, and Migael Pretorius have been released from the squad due to injuries.
Pitch and Conditions
The Wanderers has some produced some of the best matches in the history of the game. It has quick outfields and an equal gripping contest can be expected from the bat and the ball. The team batting first has won 20 times out of 41 test matches played in this venue so far. No rain is expected during the match.
Probable Playing XI
South Africa (SA): Dean Elgar, Aiden Markram, Rassie van der Dussen, Faf du Plessis, Quinton de Kock (c &wk), Temba Bavuma, Wiaan Mulder, Keshav Maharaj, Anrich Nortje, Lutho Sipamla, Lungi Ngidi/Dwaine Pretorius
Sri Lanka (SL): Dimuth Karunaratne (c), Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis, Minod Bhanuka, Lahiru Thirimanne, Niroshan Dickwella (wk), Dasun Shanaka, Asitha Fernando, Wanindu Hasaranga, Vishwa Fernando, Dushmantha Chameera/Lasith Embuldeniya
Key Battles
Lutho Sipamla (RSA) vs Niroshan Dickwella(SL)
Dickwella scored 49 runs in the first innings in the last match. The southpaw is an attacking middle-order batsman. He rotates the strike frequently to keep the scoreboard ticking. He needs to play a big knock and must not throw his valuable wicket away by playing a rash shot.
Sipamla took six wickets in his debut test match. The 22-year-old can bowl express pace. He is a tireless workhorse and can bowl long spells with real character. He did not show any signs of nerves and kept his gameplan simple by bowling a fuller length to make the breakthroughs.
Faf du Plessis (RSA) vs Wanindu Hasaranga (SL)
du Plessis missed out on a well-deserved first double century getting out for 199. He possesses a dogged approach and a composed mindset. Since he has an orthodox technique, he can survive well even in hostile conditions. He is blessed with immense grit and strong resolve.
Hasaranga took four wickets in his test debut including that of du Plessis. The leggie bowls a tight line and length and his clever variations can unsettle the batsmen. He can clean up any batting line-up on his day
Prediction
The hosts have more balance in the batting and bowling departments. The visitors have been hit hard by unfortunate injuries to their front-line players and have to salvage some pride by putting up a fight in this match to avoid a whitewash.
Cricwizz predicts South Africa to win the match and the series 2-0
