Defeat to Sri Lanka Leave Proteas as Favourites for World Cup

South African cricket team, dubbed the Proteas went into the last game of the ODI Series against Sri Lanka with only pride to play for. Despite the fact that there was a floodlight failure on the last day, the Proteas had already wrestled their way to an unassailable lead. Starman Aiden Markram played brilliant cricket to score an unbeaten 67 to put the Proteas in position to win on a clean sweep on Saturday.

South Africa Dominant in ODI Series Against Sri Lanka

The hosts had already secured the ODI Series win going to Saturday’s international cricket match against Sri Lanka at Newlands. Sri Lanka’s were playing for pride when they battled to a 225 all out stand on the final day. Unfortunately, South Africa hit 135 for two after 28 overs in response. It was Sri Lanka’s fourth whitewash defeat in a five-match series in less than two years.

The ODI Series would serve as one of the last assessments for both teams to select the squad for the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup later this year. Markram’s heroics on the day definitely put him in place to get the nod for South Africa’s squad. He was named Man of the Match for the final match despite being left out of the opener.

Fine-tuning Before the World Cup

For the visitors, it was yet another desperate fight as they fell to South Africa. This will leave the coach with some difficult decisions to make. Sri Lanka’s most promising player was Kusal Mendis. Mendis’ half-century meant that they had something to play for in the last day. However, the lack of fortunes seems to follow the Sri Lankans as the poor run of form seems to be unrelenting. With the fast-approaching cricket world cup tournament, it would be prudent to try something new.

Punters can look at the recent results of both teams before they place their next bet. For the latest cricket news, keep your dial locked at www.videoclubsonline.com and remain informed all the time.