By C. Perera, JadeTimes News
The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Group D opener, considered the "group of death," features former champions Sri Lanka against South Africa, often labeled underachievers, in New York. The match will take place on June 3 at 10.30am local time at Nassau County International Cricket Stadium on Long Island.
South Africa, ranked seventh in the ICC T20 team rankings, will rely on a pace heavy attack, including right arm pacer Gerald Coetzee. Captain Aiden Markram is confident in his team’s ability to adapt to the new conditions and end their history of underperforming at global events. Despite a recent 3to 0 series loss to West Indies, Markram believes his team can compete with the best if they find their form.
Sri Lanka, led by captain Wanindu Hasaranga, will depend on their strong bowling lineup. Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana are both in the ICC top five rankings for bowlers, and the team has prepared well with practice sessions and matches in the United States. Sri Lanka has a recent record of winning three consecutive T20 series against Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Zimbabwe.
The match will be played on a drop in pitch, previously used in a warm up game where India's seamers dominated. Both teams will need to quickly assess and adapt to the conditions. South Africa's squad includes a mix of pace and spin options, while Sri Lanka will leverage their bowlers' IPL experience.
Historically, South Africa has the upper hand, winning 12 of their 17 encounters against Sri Lanka. The Proteas’ squad features notable players like Quinton de Kock and Kagiso Rabada, while Sri Lanka's lineup includes experienced names such as Angelo Mathews and Dushmantha Chameera.
