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

#3 Upul Tharanga

CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA - FEBRUARY 07: Upul Tharanga of Sri Lanka during the 4th ODI between South Africa and Sri Lanka at PPC Newlands on February 07, 2017 in Cape Town, South Africa. (Photo by Carl Fourie/Gallo Images/Getty Images) — Tharanga has been aggressive and positive upfront

In the absence of Angelo Matthews, Upul Tharanga is likely to lead the Sri Lankans similar to how he did when they toured South Africa a few months ago. The island nation lost 0-5 then and Tharanga would be itching to deliver some payback. That he might be skippering the side is an added incentive for him to upstage the Proteas.

Since making his return to the Sri Lankan ODI side, Tharanga has been a revelation at the top of the order. He has managed to score big and consistently making him a huge threat on the batting friendly strips in England. While the southpaw smashed a 119 in the recent series between the two sides, he wasn't exactly as consistent as he would have liked.