The ongoing T20I World Cup 2024 will be witnessing a high-octane showdown when formidable Sri Lanka and South Africa come face-to-face in their opening game of the the tournament on Monday at Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, New York. 

In the last few years, not much has been achieved by Sri Lanka and South Africa in Global events, despite having one of the robust T20 sides. Over the Last 10 years, Sri Lanka have been slogging to turn their fortunes but repeated failures have seen them exit the tournament early on. Sri Lanka won the T20I World Cup title ten years back (2014), but since then it’s been a goal too far to achieve for them. 

Sri Lanka, however, enter the T20I World Cup 2024, on the back of some enthralling success, having won three T20I series on the bounce against Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Zimbabwe. This time around, Sri Lankan outfit looks incredibly formidable under the leadership of Wanindu Hasaranga. They have the splendid batting and bowling attack. Moreover, they have the presence of most experienced Angelo Mathews. 

South African team, being led by young Aiden Markram, brings a blend of youth and experience to the tournament. They have an explosive batting lineup with Quinton de Kock, David Miller, Heinrich Klaasen and Tristan Stubbs in the side, who all had good outings at the IPL 2024 and would hope to carry on with the momentum. South Africa, with their potent pace attack, spearheaded by Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje, will aim to dominate Sri Lanka’s batting attack. Keshav Maharaj is the seasoned spinner for South Africa. 

Head to Head - T20Is

Matches - 17

South Africa Won - 12

Sri Lanka Won - 5

Sri Lanka probable XI: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kamindu Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Angelo Mathews, Wanindu Hasaranga (c), Dasun Shanaka, Maheesh Theekshana Dushmantha Chameera, Matheesha Pathirana

South Africa probable XI: Quinton de Kock (wk), Reeza Hendricks, Aiden Markram (c), Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Bjorn Fortuin, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje