The 35-year-old veteran pacer Dane Paterson hit the ground running at St George's Park in Gqeberha where he registered his career-best 7-104 to power South Africa to a resounding 109-win in the second Test. He was roped in to replace an injured Gerald Coetzee and walked into the second Test averaging well over 36 with only 12 wickets in five matches. Not known for his ability to generate express pace or swing, Paterson was not a major threat Sri Lanka would have expected to contend with before the start of the first Test. 

However, as fate would have, he emerged as the unlikely hero for South Africa in the second Test. His ground-breaking five-wicket haul in the first innings, followed by figures of 2-33 helped South Africa conclude the Test series on a high and bolster their chances of securing their maiden spot in the WTC final. His three-wicket burst inside the space of one over played a crucial role in helping South Africa eke out a crucial 30-run lead which in turn paved the way for an emphatic win for his side. After the match, his figures improved drastically as his average dropped to 28 whilst his strike rate lowered to 58.6.

See also: SA-W vs ENG-W Dream11 Prediction, Fantasy Cricket Tips, Probable Playing XI For 3rd ODI Match

Paterson lashes out at his critics over his selection

Prior to his heroic exploits at St George's Park, Paterson came under intense scrutiny as many experts were skeptical about his place in the team. Against an underwhelming Test record, the veteran pacer became a prime target of several media houses. Following the conclusion of the second Test, Paterson was awarded the "Player of the Match" award and that was the very moment when the Cape Town-born pacer wasted no time in answering his critics with a befitting tweet on his Twitter account which read as follows:

Hi to all the haters that doubted my selection. This one is for you. Thanks for all the negative comments about my selection. At the end of the day it’s not about you. It’s about the team. @PoppingCreaseSA please relook at my first class stats before having a GO at me. Cheers🍺 pic.twitter.com/bsQSoTHGhj

— Dane Paterson (@DanePaterson44) December 9, 2024

Furthermore, he also tagged a sports journalist in his post advising them to revisit his first-class stats before making premature assessments about his capabilities. Paterson was pumped up after his maiden five-wicket haul and was happy to win a game for his side in such a crucial encounter. He went on to laud Rickelton, Bavuma, and Maharaj who performed well in certain passages of play. 

More about Dane Paterson

Paterson has over 166 FC games under his belt and has accumulated 603 wickets at a remarkable average of 23.67 which includes his best figures of 10/62. In addition, the 35-year-old also has 18 four-wicket hauls & 23 five-wicket hauls to his name as well. Paterson burst into the international stage when he made his Test debut against England in 2020 and has since then featured in six Tests, four of which came in this year alone.

Sri Lanka will be a little upset with the first Test after so much progress in recent months. They were in a good position after the first innings with the ball but some poor shots and good bowling from South Africa killed their game in a mere span of 13.5 overs. 42 all-out will be tough to come out of but with a WTC Final spot on the line they will desperately need to find a way to push forward, giving them a chance with home tests to come.

SA vs SL Match Details

Date: December 5th, 2024

Time:  2:00 PM IST

Venue: St George's Park, Gqeberha

SA vs SL Weather Report

Durban hosts a Test after a while and the weather looks pretty good for the Test.

SA vs SL Pitch Report

Swing is likely with clouds around and batting first may be a better choice with cloud cover coming in on days two and three.

SA vs SL Predicted Playing XI

SA Playing XI

Aiden Markaram, Tony de Zorzi, Tristan Stubbs, Temba Bavuma, David Bedingham, Kyle Verreynne, Wiaan Mulder, Kagiso Rabada, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Dane Paterson

SL Playing XI

Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Dinesh Chandimal, Angelo Mathews, Kamindu Mendis, Dhananjaya de Silva, Kusal Mendis, Asitha Fernando, Kasun Rajitha, Milan Rathnayake, Prabath Jayasuriya

See Also: Today’s Cricket Match Predictions – Cricket Winner

SA vs SL Key Players

Kamindu Mendis

Kamindu Mendis is in pretty good form and is running high on confidence. He has the next challenge here with South Africa against them now.

Temba Bavuma

Temba Bavuma is back after a long injury lay-off. He hasn't played much in recent times and some rustiness is likely to show in him given the gap.

SA vs SL Match Tips

Both teams are in good form but South Africa are likely to start favorites given their home advantage.

Match Prediction: South Africa Will Win The Match

SA vs SL Match Preview

South Africa and Sri Lanka will play their second Test on December 5th, 2024, at St George's Park in Gqeberha. Marco Jansen took 11 wickets in the first Test, which South Africa won by 233 runs. This victory increased South Africa's chances of achieving the World Test Championship (WTC) final. This match will also be the decider for the spot in WTC finals, as still 4 teams (India, Australia, South Africa, Sri Lanka) are fighting for the finals ticket.

SA vs SL Match Details

South Africa vs Sri Lanka – 2nd Match, Test Match

Venue: St George's Park, Gqeberha

Date & Time: 05th December 2024 at 02:00 PM IST 

Live Streaming: FanCode

SA vs SL Venue Stats

SA vs SL Pitch Report

The pitch flattens out over time and becomes easier to bat to serve as the match progresses, allowing teams batting second to fully capitalize and post a massive total.

SA vs SL Weather Report

The weather forecast calls for sunny skies for the first three days, with rain increasing over the last two.

SA vs SL Last Five Matches

SA vs SL Head-to-Head Stats

Injury News

No Injury. Will be added when there is an update.

Also Read: Sufiyan Muqeem creates T20I history for Pakistan in their one-sided win against Zimbabwe

SA vs SL Probable Playing XIs:

Sri Lanka Probable Playing XIs

Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Kusal Mendis(w), Angelo Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal, Dhananjaya de Silva(c), Kamindu Mendis, Prabath Jayasuriya, Lahiru Kumara, Asitha Fernando, Vishwa Fernando

South Africa Probable Playing XIs

Tony de Zorzi, Aiden Markram, Tristan Stubbs, Temba Bavuma(c), David Bedingham, Kyle Verreynne(w), Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Kwena Maphaka, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada

Topmost Picks for SA vs SL Dream11 Prediction:

Top Picks – South Africa

• Temba Bavuma –  His leadership and batting skills will be vital in the second Test against Sri Lanka. His stability at the top order sets up a strong team platform.
• Marco Jansen – Left-arm seamer who can trouble batsmen with his pace and swing. He has done well in recent months and looks forward to doing well.

Top Picks – Sri Lanka

• Kamindu Mendis – Talented top-order batsman who can provide a solid start to the team’s innings.
• Asitha Fernando – Asitha Fernando managed 5 wickets in the South African 1st Test after a long, hard toil.

Suggested Playing XI N0.1 for SA vs SL Dream11 Team:

Kusal Mendis, Aiden Markram, Tristan Stubbs, Temba Bavuma, Dhananjaya de Silva(VC), Kamindu Mendis, Marco Jansen(C), Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Asitha Fernando, Vishwa Fernando

Suggested Playing XI N0.2 for SA vs SL Dream11 Team:

Dinesh Chandimal, Pathum Nissanka, Tristan Stubbs(C), Temba Bavuma(VC), Dhananjaya de Silva, Kamindu Mendis, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Asitha Fernando, Vishwa Fernando

Captain and Vice-Captain Options:

Captain – Marco Jansen, Tristan Stubbs

Vice-captain – Temba Bavuma, Dhananjaya de Silva

Wicketkeeper – Kusal Mendis

SA vs SL Probable Winners:

South Africa is likely to maintain their dominant form, after taking the first Test convincingly. Nevertheless, Sri Lanka will attempt to level the series. The opponent will need to deal with their batting issues and devise a strategy to counter South Africa's potent pace attack. If they can do so, they might be able to push the opponents and make the game competitive. On the other hand, if South Africa maintains their intensity and discipline, they are likely to lead the series 2-0. Considering the team combination, South Africa is expected to win this match.

Temba Bavuma’s performance in 2024 showcased two contrasting tales across Test series. Against the West Indies in the Caribbean, Bavuma endured a tough outing, managing only 105 runs in four innings. Despite getting off to starts in some innings, his inability to convert those into substantial scores stood out. His best effort in the series was a gritty 86, which highlighted his resilience but came amid a lack of support and consistency. The skipper’s struggles with strike rotation and a high dot-ball percentage (71.2%) reflected his inability to control proceedings. This series marked a rare slump for Bavuma, as the team leaned on other players to shoulder the batting responsibilities.

However, Bavuma made a resounding comeback during the subsequent home series against Sri Lanka. In stark contrast to his earlier struggles, he amassed 183 runs in just two innings, including a sublime 113. Bavuma batted with greater fluency, improving his strike rate to 53.0 and reducing his dot-ball percentage. His partnership-building and ability to dominate the Sri Lankan bowling attack reinforced his role as a key figure in South Africa’s Test batting lineup. This turnaround not only silenced critics but also showcased Bavuma’s resilience and capacity to lead from the front when it mattered most.

See Also: Punjab Kings dominate IPL auction with three top signings

Rise of Temba Bavuma at International Stage 

Temba Bavuma's recent outings against Sri Lankan bowlers painted a vivid picture of a batter adapting his game to varied challenges. Facing a diverse attack featuring pacers and spinners, Bavuma showcased moments of determination, occasional aggression, and a willingness to grind out runs. However, his overall performance was marked by inconsistency, as he faced difficulty finding rhythm against some bowlers while excelling against others.

Bavuma's excellence against the ace bowlers

Against the veteran Angelo Mathews, Bavuma was unusually subdued. In a solitary inning, he faced 12 deliveries without scoring, registering a strike rate of 0. Mathews' experience seemed to keep him in check, forcing Bavuma into a defensive shell. This particular contest highlighted how even accomplished batters can struggle to assert themselves against seasoned campaigners who exploit subtle variations.

Bavuma found some success against Asitha Fernando, collecting 42 runs in two innings, though at an average strike rate of 54.5. While he struck five boundaries, Fernando's disciplined line and length accounted for Bavuma’s wicket on both occasions. With a dot-ball percentage of 71.4, it was clear that Fernando's control often tied Bavuma down, preventing him from dominating. Yet, his highest score of 23 against Fernando suggested glimpses of intent to break free.

The standout battles were against Lahiru Kumara and Prabath Jayasuriya, where Bavuma displayed his composure. He amassed 54 runs against both bowlers, although the styles of play differed. Against Kumara's pace, Bavuma batted at an impressive strike rate of 77.1, scoring six boundaries and a six. His highest score of 32 against Kumara reflected his ability to counterattack. On the other hand, Jayasuriya’s left-arm spin posed a different challenge, and Bavuma responded with a patient 52 off 105 deliveries, even reaching a fifty. This performance underlined his adaptability in handling spin with a measured approach.

The rest of the bowlers, however, kept Bavuma relatively quiet. He managed just 20 runs off Vishwa Fernando's left-arm seam across two innings at a strike rate of 31.2, with Fernando’s nagging accuracy reflected in his 73.4% dot-ball percentage. Meanwhile, Dhananjaya de Silva and Kusal Mendis bowled only briefly to Bavuma but kept him in check. De Silva’s off-spin gave away just 9 runs in 14 balls, while Bavuma scored 4 runs off 3 balls against Mendis, capitalizing on rare scoring opportunities.

In summary, Temba Bavuma’s campaign against Sri Lanka was one of fluctuating fortunes. While he demonstrated skill and grit against the likes of Kumara and Jayasuriya, his struggles against Mathews and Asitha Fernando revealed areas for improvement. His performance highlighted both his technical acumen and the challenges posed by a disciplined bowling attack. Bavuma’s ability to anchor innings against spinners and counterattack against pacers remains a positive takeaway, but converting starts into more impactful contributions would be key to ensuring greater consistency in the future.

South African left-arm fast bowler Marco Jansen bagged seven wickets as Sri Lanka were bundled out for only 42 runs. While Sri Lanka scored their lowest completed total in Test cricket, South Africa and Marco Jansen created history.

After South Africa were all out for 191 runs in the first innings of the Test series opener at Durban, Sri Lanka recorded their lowest completed Test innings total of 42 all out. Their previous lowest Test innings total record was 71 all out against Pakistan in the 1994 Kandy Test.

Meanwhile, it was also the lowest completed Test innings total for a team against South Africa. The previous record was 45 all out for New Zealand during the 2013 Cape Town Test. 

On the other hand, Marco Jansen recorded the second-best bowling figures by a left-handed pacer in a Test innings. The record is 24-4-61-8 by former Australian left-arm fast bowler Mitchell Johnson against South Africa during the 2008 WACA Test.  

SA vs SL Match Preview

The hosts, South Africa, will look to take a quick advantage in the two-match Test series over Sri Lanka. The team recently suffered consecutively series losses to South Africa and England and will be looking for a turnaround. Sri Lanka will also hope to reverse their fortunes following their series loss to India. South Africa has a good record against Sri Lanka. They have won the last four Tests against Sri Lanka and will look to extend that streak. The South Africa players are well aware of the conditions and intend to take advantage of them. Sri Lanka is fielding a young team, so it will be interesting to observe if they can deliver.

SA vs SL Match Details

South Africa vs Sri Lanka – 1st Match, Test Match

Venue: Kingsmead, Durban

Date & Time: 27th November 2024 at 01:00 PM IST 

Live Streaming: FanCode

SA vs SL Venue Stats

SA vs SL Pitch Report

The pitch flattens out over time and becomes easier to bat to serve as the match progresses, allowing teams batting second to fully capitalize and post a massive total.

SA vs SL Weather Report

The weather forecast calls for sunny skies for the first three days, with rain increasing over the last two.

SA vs SL Last Five Matches

SA vs SL Head-to-Head Stats

Injury News

No Injury. Will be added when there is an update.

Also Read: Sanjiv Goenka shares their thoughts of buying Pant

SA vs SL Probable Playing XIs:

Sri Lanka Probable Playing XIs

Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Dinesh Chandimal, Angelo Mathews, Kamindu Mendis, Dhananjaya de Silva, Kusal Mendis, Asitha Fernando, Kasun Rajitha, Milan Rathnayake, Prabath Jayasuriya

South Africa Probable Playing XIs

Aiden Markaram, Tony de Zorzi, Tristan Stubbs, Temba Bavuma, David Bedingham, Kyle Verreynne, Wiaan Mulder, Kagiso Rabada, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Dane Paterson

Topmost Picks for SA vs SL Dream11 Prediction:

Top Picks – South Africa

• Tristan Stubbs –  Tristan Stubbs is the rising star in the team, and he must do well in the middle order.
• Marco Jansen – Marco Jansen has done well in recent months and looks forward to doing well.

Top Picks – Sri Lanka

• Kamindu Mendis – Kamindu Mendis's experience and solid technique will bolster the middle order.
• Kasun Rajitha – Kasun Rajitha managed a five-wicket haul in the South African first innings of the second Test after a long, hard toil.

Suggested Playing XI N0.1 for SA vs SL Dream11 Team:

Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, Tony de Zorzi, Tristan Stubbs, Aiden Markaram, Marco Jansen(C), Kamindu Mendis(VC), Dhananjaya de Silva, Keshav Maharaj, Asitha Fernando

Suggested Playing XI N0.2 for SA vs SL Dream11 Team:

Kusal Mendis, Kyle Verreynne, Pathum Nissanka(C), Tony de Zorzi, Tristan Stubbs(VC), Aiden Markaram, Marco Jansen, Kamindu Mendis, Dhananjaya de Silva, Keshav Maharaj, Asitha Fernando

Captain and Vice-Captain Options:

Captain – Marco Jansen, Pathum Nissanka

Vice-captain – Kamindu Mendis, Tristan Stubbs

Wicketkeeper – Kusal Mendis

SA vs SL Probable Winners:

Sri Lanka has struggled with maintaining consistency. The team will be missing key players for this game, so the youngsters must step up and meet the challenge. South Africa has a strong bowling attack and a good record against Sri Lanka. Based on their current performance, we believe the South Africa have a slight advantage. Considering the team combination, South Africa is expected to win this match.

Sri Lanka are a team in form and South Africa are a strong team at home. Both sides have good lead-ups coming into the series and they will be looking desperately for some points with a WTC Final spot on the line.

SA vs SL Match Details

Date: November 27th, 2024

Time:  1:00 PM IST

Venue: Kingsmead, Durban

SA vs SL Weather Report

Durban hosts a Test after a while and the weather looks pretty good for the Test.

SA vs SL Pitch Report

Swing is likely with clouds around and batting first may be a better choice with cloud cover coming in on days two and three.

SA vs SL Predicted Playing XI

SA Playing XI

Aiden Markaram, Tony de Zorzi, Tristan Stubbs, Temba Bavuma, David Bedingham, Kyle Verreynne, Wiaan Mulder, Kagiso Rabada, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Dane Paterson

SL Playing XI

Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Dinesh Chandimal, Angelo Mathews, Kamindu Mendis, Dhananjaya de Silva, Kusal Mendis, Asitha Fernando, Kasun Rajitha, Milan Rathnayake, Prabath Jayasuriya

See Also: Today’s Cricket Match Predictions – Cricket Winner

SA vs SL Key Players

Kamindu Mendis

Kamindu Mendis is in pretty good form and is running high on confidence. He has the next challenge here with South Africa against them now.

Temba Bavuma

Temba Bavuma is back after a long injury lay-off. He hasn't played much in recent times and some rustiness is likely to show in him given the gap.

SA vs SL Match Tips

Both teams are in good form but South Africa are likely to start favorites given their home advantage.

Match Prediction: Pakistan Will Win The Match