It’s certainly taxing times for the Sri Lankan cricketers. Outplayed in all three departments, a 3-0 Test whitewash is tough to absorb. Now we’re into the shortest format, a glimmer of hope for the Lions to regain some pride. Let’s take a closer look at the T20 numbers between the two sides.
Since 2012
It was a mere 4 years ago that these two sides first played a T20. During the 2012 T20 World Cup, at Hambantota, South Africa won by 32 runs in a rain impeded game. Reduced to only 7 overs, South Africa smashed 78/4. Skipper ABD was on song making a brutal 30 off just 13 deliveries. The hosts managed only 46 runs in their 7 overs.
After two more encounters, the first win for Sri Lanka came in the following year at Hambantota. Under Dinesh Chandimal’s captaincy, Sri Lanka recorded a 6 wicket win, chasing 163. TM Dilshan top scored with an unbeaten 74 off 51 balls.
The last time these two sides met was during the 2016 T20 World Cup in India. South Africa registered a massive 8 wicket win at New Delhi.
South Africa vs Sri Lanka Head to Head T20 record –
– Played – 6
– South Africa – 4
– Sri Lanka – 2
In South Africa
Sri Lanka are yet to face South Africa in their home territory. South Africa have played 41 T20s on home soil and have registered victories in 24 T20s losing 17.
The Proteas have a relatively balanced record in the three venues where the games will be played. South Africa have played 5 games at the Centurion, winning 2 and losing 3. At Johannesburg, the Proteas have won 11 and lost 5. Under the Table Mountains, South Africa has played 7 T20s at Newlands, winning 3 and losing 4.
Batting Records
Most runs – J.P. Duminy (183 runs in 5 innings) (Avg. 61.00)
Most runs for Sri Lanka – Kumar Sangakkara (125 runs in 4 innings) (Avg. 41.66)
Highest individual score – Faf du Plessis (85 at Hambantota, 2013)
Highest individual score for Sri Lanka – T.M.Dilshan (74* at Hambantota 2013)
Bowling Records
Most wickets – Imran Tahir (7 wickets in 5 innings) (Avg. 15.28)
Most wickets for Sri Lanka – Sachithra Senanayake (7 wickets in 4 innings) (Avg. 10.57)
Best bowling – Sachithra Senanayake (3 for 14 at RPS, 2013)
Best bowling for South Africa – J.P. Duminy (3 for 18 at RPS, 2013)
