South Africa vs Sri Lanka Second Test: Online Preview

The second test of Sri Lanka’s South African tour begins at Newlands, Cape Town, later today. This is where Sri Lanka played their first ever test match in South Africa, back in 1998. Their overall performance in this ground clearly tells you where to put your money in the cricket betting for this match. Sri Lanka have played three test matches on this ground – and lost all three.

In the first test of the series, in Port Elizabeth, it looked like South Africa were playing well below their best, probably because of the festive environment. Still, they won the test without much fuss. In short, nothing in the past and present suggests a punt in favour of Sri Lanka in online betting.

Preview – South Africa

The wicket looks green and is expected to assist fast bowlers. South African quicks are likely to run through the Sri Lankan batting line-up. In fact, they are likely to do that even without the help of green wickets. However, over the years the wicket at Newlands has become batsman friendly. Test matches played in this ground on the same dates in the last two years. The 2015 test against England was a high-scoring affair that ended in a draw. South Africa won the test against West Indies last year, but there were no demons on the pitch – only the inefficiency of the West Indian batters did them in. South Africa will hope that their batsmen, especially Hashim Amla, who is struggling of late, will make the runs flow.

The all-round might of South Africa must attract almost all the cricket betting moves in their favour.

Preview – Sri Lanka

It became obvious in the first test that none of the Sri Lankan batters are capable of scoring a big hundred. They do not seem to have the self-confidence and batting technique to do that. It even looked they would be better off scoring quickly. A whirlwind counter attack could put the South African team under pressure. We all know how South Africa fare when put under pressure. Aggressive batting, coupled with disciplined bowling, seems to be the only way by which Sri Lanka can make something out of this match.

Prediction

It is advantage South Africa. It is better to play safe in online betting. Sri Lanka may be able to spring a surprise or two – however, it may not be good enough to win the test match.

Photo Credit: Daily Pakistan