SL vs SA: Statistical preview, pitch report and head-to-head
Sri Lanka and South Africa lock horns in match number 35 of the ICC World Cup 2019 on Friday. It's a must-win game for Lanka, who could climb up the table to be in the hunt for a semi-final qualification. SA are out of the tournament, but they will be playing for pride. Here's more.
Head-to-head clashes between the two sides
Overall in ODIs, Sri Lanka have pocketed 31 matches, whereas, the Proteas have sealed 43 games. One match didn't have any result and one ended in a tie. The two teams have met five times in total in Cricket World Cups. South Africa lead the show 3-1. One game was a tie. Their last meeting came in 2015 World Cup. SA won that match.
Top run-scorers for SL and SA in World Cup
For Lanka, Kumar Sangakkara amassed the most runs in the World Cup. Sanga scored 1,532 runs and smashed five tons and seven fifties at an average of 56.74. Former South African hero AB de Villiers amassed the most runs for South Africa in the World Cup (1,207) at an average of 63.52. He slammed four tons and six half-centuries.
Top wicket-takers from SL and SA in World Cup
Legendary off-spinner Muttiah Muralitharan holds the record for most scalps taken (68). He averaged 19.63 with the ball and played a strong role. South Africa's leg-spinner Imran Tahir holds the record for the most wickets (39). He recently surpassed Allan Donald (38). Tahir has a splendid average of 19.28 with a best of 5/45.
Chester-le-Street: Here's a look at the ground stats
England (314/4 versus Australia in 2018) have the highest team total here. England (99 versus Lanka in 2014) have the lowest team total as well. Ian Bell (206) has the most runs at this venue. Mahela Jayawardene (126* versus England in 2006) holds the highest individual score. Graeme Swann (9) has the most wickets at The Riverside Durham in Chester-le-Street.
Pitch report, TV listing and timing
According to reports, a bright day is expected at Chester-le-Street on Friday. We are expected to get a full game. The pitch will assist batsmen at large and score of 300-plus could be ideal. The match is set to be telecast live on the Star Sports Network. It is scheduled for a 3:00 PM IST start.
