USSA vs SL-ET Team: USSA look to record their first win of the series after registering two losses on the bounce
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University Sports South Africa Vs Sri Lanka Emerging Team One Day Best Dream 11 Team
They were dismissed to a horrendous defeat in their two encounters prior to Thursday, leaving University Sports South Africa with no points after their opening two fixtures in the CSA Emerging Triangular Series. However with a close and extremely thrilling 2 run win over counterparts SA-EP, the side have finally opened their account in the tournament, something they’ll be looking to build on come today.
After facing a predicament with not just the defeats on the bounce but with the way those losses came about for them, being trounced horrendously in their two fixtures, USSA knew they needed to win at any cost come Thursday. Putting on a resilient 297-7 while batting first, they went onto restrict South Africa Emerging Players to the 295 in an edge of the set thriller, a contest which went down right to the last ball.
Buoyed by that win, USSA will be looking to inflict the same damage on Sri Lanka Emerging Team, the only side who are yet to be beaten in the three team tournament. Currently occupying top spot in the standings, Sri Lanka will be looking to assert themselves of a place in the summit clash with a win here but things are no longer as straightforward for them against a revitalised USSA unit.
“We obviously didn’t start very well against Sri Lanka,” USSA coach Sukhri Conrad said. “I think with the way I am wanting this team to play, every now and then you are going to see a performance like that. That’s not to make excuses for our poor start. I think batting first in the winter here is also tough, while it was the first game of the series.
Probable Winner
The last time the two teams met, despite the defeat for USSA, the side would have been extremely happy with the resolute front they put up. Coming fresh off a 186 trouncing by SA-EP, USSA made things tough for Sri Lanka who just about managed to get past the 286 run target set to them by 2 wickets.
It’s this narrative paired by a buoyed USSA side which is set to make this match a humdinger as well. At the end of the day, we see SL-ET just about scraping through to a win here, solely on the basis on their overall better playing 11 and the complete nature it offers.
Wicket-Keeper for USSA vs SL-ET
He’s scored in excess of 200 runs in his previous 5 outings for his side and this sees us opt for Sandun Weerakkody based on his recent engrossing showings with the bat, pairing him alongside Hanno Kotze of USSA who impressed massively after his elevation yesterday with a strong innings of 39.
Batsmen for USSA vs SL-ET
He ended up falling cheaply for just 15 against SA-EP yesterday but the time Kabelo Sekhukhune spent at the crease epitomised the willingness and determination of the top-order bat to grind out an innings of note for his side. We are going to stick around with him here while from Sri Lanka it’s a two man partnership that comes in for us.
After scoring a half-century in their series opener, one which saw their side earn an extra bonus point from the match, both Shammu Ashan and Ashen Bandara have been opted by for us.
All-Rounders for USSA vs SL-ET
Finally getting their campaign underway on Thursday after stunning South Africa Emerging Players, USSA had to names to massively thank for taking them pat the finishing line. His resolve filled half-century saw Delano Potgieter’s 70 become the patron of his side putting on an extremely strong score, one which their bowlers were more than happy to defend.
Pairing up with him is Ruan de Swardt whose 39 was equally important to his side’s cause. From Sri Lanka we have Kamindu Mendis coming in for us as the only pick from the side.
Bowling Order for USSA vs SL-ET
His two wicket haul saw him pick up not only well set, timely wickets but also concede only 12 runs in the closing 2 overs of SA-EP’s innings alongside Delano and this is what sees us opt for Gideon Peters for this one.
From Sri Lanka it’s yet another duo coming in for us in the form of Amila Aponso and Asitha Fernando. Despite their incredible showing on Thursday, the fact that USSA do have a brittle batting order just can’t be ignored and we do see them being bowled out today.
Captain And Vice-Captain for USSA vs SL-ET
Delano is our captain for this one while we have opted for Sandun as our vice-captain.
Probable 11
University Sports South Africa
I Gafieldien, L Philander, B Swanepoel, N Brand, H Kotze, D Potgieter, G Peters, S Semetu, S Mallie, L Senokwane, K Sekhukhune
Sri Lanka Emerging Tem
Minod Bhanuka, Ashen Bandara, Chamika Karunaratne, Sadun Weerakkody, Shammu Ashan, Sangeeth Cooray, Lahiru Madhusanka, Asitha Fernando, Amila Aponso, Kamindu Mendis, Charith Asalanka
Match Details
CSA Emerging Triangular Series
Match: University Sports South Africa Vs Sri Lanka Emerging Team
Date And Time: 5th June, Friday- 1:30pm IST
Venue: CBC Old Boys Cricket Club, Pretoria