Sri Lanka vs South Africa 1st ODI: Five talking points

JP Duminy

3. Top-order collapse

South Africa were without key batsman Hashim Amla as he was suffering from a slight neck-strain. That was a key absence in the side that was already short on experience.

Colin Ingram, who walked out to bat alongside Alviro Petersen, did not bother the scorers as his defense was exposed against an unexpected toe-killer that Lasith Malinga hurled.

JP Duminy was promoted to number three as the only player in the side who has the experience of batting in Sri Lankan conditions but failed to make a substantial impact. This aspect of their game will be strengthened by the return of Hashim Amla but given the Proteas’ ineptitude against spin bowling, they must ensure that they keep wickets in hand in the first 15 overs.