The second test between Sri Lanka and South Africa gets underway in Colombo on Friday and the Proteas need a vast improvement if they are to salvage a draw from the series.
South Africa were trading at around even money to win the first test of this two match series but after starting well enough their game fell apart and the batsmen struggled in both innings. In the end Sri Lanka won by a margin of 278 runs with Dimuth Karunaratne named Man of the Match on the back of a magnificent unbeaten 158 in the first innings.
Batting first Sri Lanka looked to be in trouble at 176/8 but Karunaratne stayed resolute and some late support saw the innings close on 287 all out with Rabada taking 4 wickets and Shamsi 3.
The Proteas reply was a shocker with Faf du Plessis (49) top scoring in a total of just 126 all out. The next highest individual score was Philander’s 18 and Dilruwan Perera took 4 wickets and Lakmal claimed 3.
The writing was on the wall and Sri Lanka added another 190 to an already healthy lead with Karunaratne again top scoring with 60. Maharaj took 4 wickets and Rabada 3 but the damage was done and the Proteas were subsequently bowled out for just 73 with only 3 batsmen reaching double figures. Dilruwan Perera took another 6 wickets to claim 10 for the match and it was all very one sided.
The teams move on to the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo and at the time of writing there are doubts over the ability of Shamsi (personal reasons) whilst Dinesh Chandimal remains suspended for Sri Lanka.
Recent Series Head to Head
Dec 2016 to Jan 2017, 3 matches in South Africa, Proteas won 3-0
July 2014, 2 matches in Sri Lanka, Proteas won 1-0
Dec 2011 to Jan 2012, 3 matches in South Africa, Proteas won 2-1
July / August 2006 2 matches in Sri Lanka, SL won 2-0
The Venue, Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo
The most recent test match at this venue came in August 2017 when India beat Sri Lanka by an innings and 53 runs. India piled on 629 runs batting first and Sri Lanka were bowled out for 183 and 386.
When South Africa last played here in 2014 the match ended in a draw with the Proteas, chasing 369 for victory, holding on at 159/8 in the fourth innings in a series they won 1-0.
Betting - Match Result
Sri Lanka 12/10
Draw 3/1
South Africa 18/10
Note: Prices are an average of what was available at the time of writing but are subject to change
The Verdict:
The match result betting looks very different for this second test and whilst it’s hard to believe the Proteas were so poor last week, I’m not sure they will find a way back.
I’ll go with the form men in the first innings top home bat and top away bowler markets.
Bet: Top Away Bowler - 1st Inns Rabada at 5/2
Top Home Batsman - 1st Inns Karunaratne at 3/1
Remember you can have your own say on all this week’s matches on our discussion forum
