South Africa v Sri Lanka: Live scorecard

Right. That will be that from us for this game. Don’t go anywhere though as England prepare to take on Australia at Dubai. Head over to our coverage to see how the eternal rivals fare! Goodbye, stay safe!

Phew! That was some game. Sri Lanka and South Africa exchanged blows throughout the encounter, with the Proteas ultimately triumphing at the death. In the end, it boiled down to which team was better suited to handling pressure. South Africa won that particular contest and stand atop the Sri Lankans, with four points out of three games. Having said that, this was far from the perfect display the Proteas have been craving. They looked a touch shaky with the bat and had to rely on Miller’s heroics. They also need to work out how to best utilize the array of top order batters at their disposal. For now, though, they would want to savour this victory and prepare themselves for another crucial match against Bangladesh on the 2nd of November.

As far as Sri Lanka are concerned, they would be gutted that they let this game slip. Remember, Hasaranga, courtesy of his hat-trick, almost single-handedly turned the game in their favour. But, the lack of experience showed towards the end, especially with Kumara cracking under pressure. Their batting too, seems a tad undercooked and they would ideally want a few more of their batters to contribute. Nevertheless, they would be happy with the fight they showed in the second innings, considering they didn’t put up too many runs on the board. Their next game is against England, who have been battering each and every opposition in its path. Should be interesting!

Over 19.5: South Africa 146-6 – Rabada takes South Africa across the line

Kumara bowls another length delivery and it flies off the outside edge of Rabada’s bat for four. South Africa inch past the finish line and they have Miller and Rabada to thank for it. What a game this has been! Slightly unfair on Sri Lanka, considering how they came back. But that is how the sport goes sometimes!

Over 19.3: South Africa 141-6 – Miller on a roll

Kumara keeps bowling length and keeps getting clattered onto the road. Kumara seems to have cracked under pressure. Miller pumps himself up after that big hit and this has suddenly become South Africa’s game to lose. 2 from 3 balls now!

Over 19.2: South Africa 135-6 – Miller comes to the fore

Rare length delivery by Kumara and it gets clubbed onto the road by Miller. South Africa need 8 off 4 now and another hit will reduce the equation further. The pressure is on! And, Kumara is feeling every bit of it!

Over 19: South Africa 128-6 – Rabada keeps Proteas dreaming

Rabada bludgeoned a six down the ground and that has kept South Africa afloat. The good bit for Sri Lanka is that they have kept Miller off strike for the final over. Rabada has shown that he can hit it out of the park. Can he do it under pressure though? 15 runs needed off 6 balls.

Over 18: South Africa 118-6 – South Africa have a mountain to climb

The equation (25 runs off 12 balls) is perilous enough and South Africa will try to achieve it with David Miller not at a 100%. He seems to be struggling with a hamstring injury and that could come into play as he looks to power the ball over the leg side. Chameera to bowl the 19th over!

Update: Kagiso Rabada survives a DRS call and just about prevents Hasaranga from picking four wickets off four deliveries. Hasaranga is having some game, eh?

Over 17.2: South Africa 112-6 – Hasaranga gets his hat-trick

Hasaranga seems to come up trumps when Sri Lanka require him most! Another vital breakthrough and with Pretorius’ dismissal, Hasaranga becomes only the third bowler in T20 World Cup history to achieve the feat. What a bowler he is turning out to be!

Over 17.1: South Africa 112-5 – Hasaranga breaks through, again

Just as we were talking up how crucial Bavuma has been, he perishes to a rank long hop. Bavuma could have hit that anywhere but hits it straight down deep mid wicket’s throat. And, South Africa now need a massive knock from Miller or Pretorius to get across the line. Sri Lanka’s game to lose! Hasaranga is also on a hat-trick, by the way!

Over 17: South Africa 112-4 – Bavuma keeps South Africa in the hunt

Sri Lanka applied the brakes wonderfully in the 16th over but Bavuma, who has been batting since the Power Play, turned on the heat in the 17th over. The equation is now reduced to 31 runs off 18 balls, meaning that the game is finely balanced. Wanindu Hasaranga to bowl the 18th.

[caption id=”attachment_223232″ align=”alignnone” width=”2560″] SHARJAH, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – OCTOBER 30: Sri Lankan fans have flogged the stadium[/caption]

Over 15: South Africa 96-4 – Hasaranga rips the game open

Just as Markram was looking to increase the tempo, Hasaranga deceives him with a slider to throw the game wide open. South Africa still need 47 runs and they have to do that without their middle order enforcer. Sri Lanka might slightly be ahead at this stage, you know!

Over 13: South Africa 84-3 – Proteas generating a bit of momentum

Bavuma seems to have put behind his tough start and his rattling along well now. Markram has also not gotten stuck at the crease and has done his bit. South Africa are nudging closer to the target and if they continue in similar fashion for an over or two, Sri Lanka might feel the pinch.

Over 10: South Africa 62-3 – South Africa ambling along

Bavuma has managed to pick up a few ones and twos lately and that, coupled with Markram hitting his straps has meant that South Africa are not in as much trouble now. They still need 81 runs off the final 10 overs but if Markram continues batting this way, that might not be a problem.

Over 8: South Africa 49-3 – Bavuma runs van der Dussen out

Since 2020, Bavuma has a healthy strike rate in the middle overs (135.32). He has an excellent strike rate against leg spin too (154.54). Today, though, he has looked woefully out of touch and has been fidgety, meaning that he has played a huge role in van der Dussen’s run out. After countless missed attempts, Sri Lanka finally hit the stumps to pile on the pressure!

[caption id=”attachment_223216″ align=”alignnone” width=”2560″] SHARJAH, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – OCTOBER 30: Quinton de Kock throws his head back after getting dismissed[/caption]

Over 6: South Africa 40-2 – South Africa continue chipping away

South Africa have, at times, resembled a cat on a hit tin roof. But they are doing enough to push the singles and have been fortunate to be gifted a couple of boundaries in the process. The middle overs will be crucial, though, considering Wanindu Hasaranga is expected to spearhead Sri Lanka’s charge.

Update: Over 4.3 – The umpires are checking for a possible “obstructing the field” incident. Replays though, indicate that van der Dussen was inside his crease and the ball was close enough to the body for him to take his bat away in time. Not out, it is!

Over 3.4: South Africa 26-2 – Chameera has two in the over

Two deliveries after snapping up Hendricks, Chameera accounts for de Kock too. South Africa are in a spot of bother now. Remember, Bavuma hasn’t been in great form and van der Dussen has also blown more cold than hot at this T20 World Cup.

Over 3.2: South Africa 25-1 – Chameera removes Hendricks

Just as we were talking up Hendricks, he gets trapped on the crease and plays all around a straight back of a length delivery. He also uses up a review. This is just the breakthrough Sri Lanka wanted. They can now look to squeeze the new batter and put de Kock under more pressure.

Over 3: South Africa 21-0 – de Kock gets into his groove

de Kock and Hendricks have an excellent record in the Power Play since 2020. While the former strikes at 146.16 and averages 44.45, Hendricks averages 58.25 and strikes at 123.28. Sri Lanka need to get rid of them as quickly as possible.

Over 1: South Africa 4-0 – Lively start by Chameera

Despite the No Ball, Chameera looked in good rhythm and didn’t offer the batters any width. As South Africa showed, that is the way to bowl on this surface and Chameera’s extra pace could be a handful on a pitch that is intermittently coming onto the bat. Sri Lanka would hope that he gets an early wicket though and puts a spoke in the South African wheel.

Update: Quinton de Kock will open the batting alongside Reeza Hendricks, meaning that Temba Bavuma has dropped down a spot. Chameera will take the new ball. We are moments away from the start of the second innings. Bring it on!

Sri Lanka didn’t make the most of the Power Play and were stifled considerably through the middle phases too, especially as Shamsi grew in stature. Nissanka, in particular, seemed the only batter capable of thwarting the South African charge and he did excellently to bat as deep as the 19th over. His knock powered Sri Lanka to a total in excess of 140, which on a surface that has shown signs of wear and tear, seems quite good.

South Africa would be ruing the fact that they couldn’t bundle Sri Lanka out for a lower total, considering how the Proteas tightened the screws in the middle overs. Kagiso Rabada was again expensive towards the end. Pretorius, however, was impressive and played a major role as the South Africans kept the Sri Lankans under 150.

At the half-way stage, the game seems to be evenly poised, although you feel that the Proteas might be a tad happier, considering how teams have been better at chasing at Sharjah. That said, the Islanders do have the bowlers capable of ruffling a few feathers and it would be interesting to see how they exploit the conditions on offer. Do join us in a bit for the chase!

Over 20: Sri Lanka 142 all out – Sri Lanka trudge their way to 142

As expected, Nortje didn’t concede a lot of runs in the final over. However, there was an outside edge that flew down to the third man fence for four. Sri Lanka have managed to breach the 140-run barrier and as the West Indies showed yesterday, it is enough to make a decent fist of it.

Update: Sri Lanka are 134-8 after 19 overs. Chameera will be on strike for the final over and he has the ability to launch a few lusty blows into the stands. If he can do it against Nortje is another matter altogether but from Sri Lanka’s perspective, they at least have the right batter on strike.

Over 18.4: Sri Lanka 131-8 – Pretorius reigning supreme at the death

Plenty of eyebrows were raised when Pretorius was brought in to bowl at the death against West Indies. With each passing game, though, it is becoming clear that this is, in fact, the role that he is most suited to. He has three wickets today as well and he has bowled with the kind of temperament and skill South Africa have been crying out for. More importantly, he has outwitted Nissanka and that lone should curtail Sri Lanka’s score by 10-12 runs.

Over 18: Sri Lanka 129-5 – Nissanka continues waging a lone battle

Nissanka seems to be batting on a different pitch altogether. After biding his time through the middle, he is opening up his shoulders, with Rabada bearing the brunt of it in the 18th over. He seems to be every bit the batter who was touted for greatness by coach Mickey Arthur. Unfortunately, from a South African perspective, they are experiencing it first-hand. Any score above 140 would be decent here. But the way things are going, Sri Lanka might fancy their chances to get up to 150.

Over 16: Sri Lanka 101-5 – Shanaka finds a much-needed boundary

Runs have been hard to come by in the past few overs. Sri Lanka are now into the death overs and seem to be in the mood to change things up. To South Africa’s credit, they have hardly given the batters any width and have protected the shorter boundary to perfection. Shanaka signaled his intentions towards the end of the over with a boundary. Can the skipper continue in a similar vein? And, can Nissanka join in on the fun? A total of 140 would be very competitive on this sluggish surface.

[caption id=”attachment_223180″ align=”alignnone” width=”2560″] SHARJAH, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – OCTOBER 30: Tabraiz Shamsi has thoroughly enjoyed himself against Sri Lanka[/caption]

Over 13.4: Sri Lanka 91-5 – Hasaranga bites the dust; Shamsi has another

Shamsi has been all over Sri Lanka like a rash today and his wicket-taking prowess has put the Islanders in a spot of bother. The ball is not turning a great deal but is holding in the surface enough to not allow too many lofted shots down the ground. Shamsi has utilized the assistance to perfection and has induced the batters into strokes that they should ideally avoid playing at Sharjah.

Over 11.4: Sri Lanka 77-4 – Shamsi breaks through again

Shamsi hadn’t been among the wickets before today but has regained his mojo at Sharjah. He is tossing the ball devilishly, is getting it to dip at the last moment and is inducing false strokes. He has now accounted for Fernando and Rajapaksa and will be looking to add to his tally in the 10 balls that remain in his spell.

Over 11: Sri Lanka 72-3 – South Africa continue building pressure

The South African spinners have come into their own and they have not allowed the batters to get away. Nissanka has looked comfortable while rotating strike but hasn’t had a chance to flex his muscles. Maybe he will try it against Shamsi, considering that the ball will spin into him. It will be interesting to see how that transpires!

Over 9.3: Sri Lanka 62-3 – Rajapaksa departs for a duck

South Africa are turning the screw now and Sri Lanka seem to have no answers to it. The wicket of Asalanka has been swiftly followed by Rajapaksa’s dismissal, meaning that Sri Lanka, who were looking to generate a head of steam, now have to rebuild again. Remember, their middle order hasn’t had a lot of batting in recent times, although a few of their batters have points to prove.

[caption id=”attachment_223169″ align=”alignnone” width=”2560″] With Asalanka back in the shed, a lot rests on Nissanka[/caption]

Over 8.5: Sri Lanka 61- 2 -Asalanka runs himself out

The Sri Lankans seemed to have flicked a switch against Maharaj earlier in the over. Both Asalanka and Nissanka have looked to attack the spinners. However, indecisive running on the pair’s part has meant that Asalanka has to now walk back to the pavilion. This could be a huge moment in the game, considering how well Asalanka has been playing. Not the smartest bit of running you’ll ever see.

30 Oct, 2021, 11:35 (UK Time) – The sun is beating down at Sharjah and the players are feeling the heat. There is not a lot of breeze as well and it is making things tougher for the players. Seems like a long day in the field already!

Over 6: Sri Lanka 39-1 – Asalanka gets going

Asalanka has, by far, been the most impressive young batter on display in the T20 World Cup. He has looked untroubled against both pace and spin, with his straight drive against Nortje today emphasizing that fact. Sri Lanka will need him to bat deep into the innings to ensure that they make the most of whatever batting conditions are on offer. Nissanka has also ticked along nicely, although his biggest test would be his batting in the middle overs.

[caption id=”attachment_223161″ align=”alignnone” width=”2560″] SHARJAH, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – OCTOBER 30: Sri Lanka and South Africa unite in their stand against racism[/caption]

Over 3.5: Sri Lanka 20-1  – Nortje breaks through

Nortje has been South Africa’s most threatening bowler throughout the T20 World Cup and he gets in on the act very early. He removes Perera and that now exposes Asalanka to the Power Play. If South Africa can get Asalanka, they will well and truly be in control. That, though, might not be easy considering the form the Sri Lankan is in.

Over 2: Sri Lanka 14-0 – Rabada leaks runs in his first over

Things didn’t go to plan for Rabada and to an extent, he was guilty of bowling a tad short. There was an inside edge involved as well but one feels this is not the sort of length Rabada would want to operate at throughout this game. Much needed momentum for Sri Lanka at the start of their innings.

Over 1: Sri Lanka 5-0 – Tidy start for both sides

The early indications are that the ball is not coming onto the bat. There is not a lot of bounce either, meaning that the Sri Lankan batters might have to make the most of the field restrictions. South Africa, meanwhile, would want to bowl as close to the stumps as possible and deny the batters any sort of width.

Update: Kusal Perera and Pathum Nissanka walk out to the centre. Aiden Markram to start off proceedings with the ball. South Africa take the knee before the start of play, with Sri Lanka also lending their support to the Black Lives Matter movement. Moments away from action now!

Both teams have sung their respective national anthems proudly and there is a buzz around the ground already. Remember, this could be a crucial game for both sides’ qualification hopes. Neither would be eliminated if they lose but both would like nothing more than a victory to ensure breathing room.

South Africa win the toss and elect to bowl first; Quinton de Kock returns

South Africa, as expected, choose to bowl first. Teams have been very successful when chasing at Sharjah and even though that trend was broken yesterday, it still seems the right way to go about things. South Africa also did well when chasing against the West Indies and they would have seen how Sri Lanka struggled to put up a decent total against Australia. For the Islanders, this is a chance to make the most of whatever pace is on offer and then apply the brakes as the game progresses.

South Africa XI: Temba Bavuma, Quinton de Kock, Reeza Hendricks, Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Dwaine Pretorius, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Tabraiz Shamsi

Sri Lanka XI: Kusal Perera, Pathum Nissanka, Charith Asalanka, Avishka Fernando, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dasun Shanaka (C), Chamika Karunaratne, Dushmantha Chameera, Lahiru Kumara, Maheesh Theekshana

Spin to win at Sharjah?

After a couple of high-scoring games (Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka and Afghanistan’s first innings against Scotland), Sharjah seems to have reverted to its 2021 roots. The surfaces haven’t been conducive to stroke-making and teams batting first have found it tough to gauge what would be a good score. In fact, when the West Indies won yesterday, it was only the second occasion of a team batting first and winning at Sharjah in this year’s T20 World Cup. The same pitch is going to be used today as well. Spinners and fast bowlers willing to take pace off the ball have been successful so far. Will that trend continue? And, if it does, could it skew the contest slightly towards Sri Lanka, considering the spinners they have at their disposal? Remember, South Africa have never played a T20I at Sharjah before!

Sri Lanka hope to show how far they’ve come since last South African meeting

Just before the T20 World Cup, Sri Lanka and South Africa were busy engaging in an engrossing T20I rubber. The series, which took place in Sri Lanka, was comfortably won by South Africa. It was perhaps also the first time people thought that the Proteas could achieve great things at this year’s edition. For Sri Lanka, though, it was more about how a top-class outfit exploited the shortcomings that existed in their ranks. Not only did the Proteas do so convincingly, they also showed Sri Lanka how far they needed to traverse to consistently challenge the top teams in this format.

Since then, the Islanders have turned a corner. They breezed through Round 1 and then made light work of Bangladesh at Sharjah. Though they did find their match in Australia on Thursday, the Sri Lankans have largely enjoyed a campaign they can be proud of. However, that doesn’t mean they will be satisfied with being an also-ran at this tournament because, well, that certainly isn’t the way Sri Lanka have played their cricket over the years. From that perspective, the fixture against South Africa is the ideal chance to show the world how far they’ve come since being hammered by the Proteas.

South Africa, on the other hand, would want to illustrate that the series victory against Sri Lanka wasn’t an aberration and that they have the quality and wherewithal to make such performances the norm. So far, they’ve not been at their best but have still found ways to compete. They almost pulled a victory out of the fire against Australia and were clinical in their run-chase against the West Indies. A few off-field issues have threatened to mar their campaign. But they seem to have put those behind them, meaning that the Proteas might be quietly confident of emerging relatively unscathed from this group.

For that to happen, they need to stitch together a few victories. And, after what transpired against the defending champions, they would hope that they can continue the trend and inch closer to that elusive semi-final berth.

T20 World Cup 2021 South Africa squad: Full team list for SA

T20 World Cup 2021 Sri Lanka squad: Full team list for SL

T20 World Cup 2021 South Africa v Sri Lanka: Where to watch live

India: Star Sports Network; Disney+ Hotstar

UK & Ireland: Sky Sports Cricket, Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Mix; Sky Sports app, www.skysports.com

Sri Lanka: Star Sports, Siyatha TV

South Africa: S Cricket, S Grandstand, S Variety 1 and S CSN

The complete list of broadcast (TV and live streaming) options for the tournament can be found here.