BSP-24 South Africa bowl against Sri Lanka

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ZCZC

BSP-24

CRICKET-RSA-SRI

South Africa bowl against Sri Lanka

JOHANNESBURG, March 3, 2019 (BSS/AFP) – South Africa won the toss and
decided to bowl in the first one-day international against Sri Lanka at the
Wanderers Stadium on Sunday.

Captain Faf du Plessis said there could be some early life in the pitch
because of a 10am start in a day game. He expected the pitch likely to
“flatten out” later.

The South African team included only four of the players beaten in a Test
series last month. “There is a freshness and energy about this group,” said
Du Plessis.

All-rounder Andile Phehlukwayo was missing because of a hand injury. Fast
bowler Anrich Nortje was selected to make his international debut.

Sri Lankan captain Lasith Malinga said he was happy to bat first.

“We are playing two spinners. It (the pitch) is a bit dry so it may help
in the second half.”

Batsman Oshada Fernando, who made his Test debut in the recent series
against South Africa, was set to play in his first one-day international. Six
of the team played in the Test matches.

Teams:

South Africa: Faf du Plessis (captain), Reeza Hendricks, Quinton de Kock
(wkt), Rassie van der Dussen, David Miller, Wiaan Mulder, Dwaine Pretorius,
Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Imran Tahir, Lungi Ngidi.

Sri Lanka: Lasith Malinga (captain), Niroshan Dickwella (wkt), Upul
Tharanga, Dhananjaya de Silva, Kusal Mendis, Oshada Fernando, Kusal Perera,
Thisara Perera, Akila Dananjaya, Vishwa Fernando, Lakshan Sandakan.

Umpires: Bongani Jele (RSA), Richard Kettleborough (ENG)

TV umpire: Aleem Dar (PAK)

Match referee: Richie Richardson (WIN)

BSS/AFP/ARS/1702 hrs