ICC Champions Trophy 2017, South Africa vs Sri Lanka: 5 players to watch out for

Modified Jun 02, 2017 18:40 IST

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - MAY 26: AB De Villiers of South Africa in action during a South Africa nets session at Ageas Bowl on May 26, 2017 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Ben Hoskins/Getty Images) — AB de Villiers will hope for a winning start when South Africa take on Sri Lanka in their first match

#4 Hashim Amla

Hashim Amla South Africa — Amla has regained some lost touch and should anchor the Proteas line-up

The experienced South African opener has entered England on the back of a good IPL, where he smashed two hundreds for the Kings XI franchise in the recently concluded IPL. An exquisite timer of the ball, Amla enjoys batting in the powerplay overs. The tracks in England are flat and hard this time around, which would make Amla an even bigger threat.

The Proteas opener wasn't in the best of nicks when Sri Lanka toured South Africa a few months back (except for a smashing 154), he has since found his mojo back. In the company of a belligerent opener like Quinton de Kock, Amla can milk the bowlers for some easy runs. He has also added some power hitting to his repertoire, which should stand him in good stead in the tournament.