Pallekele International Cricket Stadium was modeled on Supersport Park
in Pretoria. The grass banks and open spaces are similar, the stands
bear the same minimalistic, angular roof and even the floodlight towers
seem like carbon copies. Unlike Supersport Park, the Pallekele ground is
nestled in the hills and closeted by heavy vegetation, but having
struggled with adapting to Sri Lankan conditions, the South Africa team
will hope it is more like home than the Premadasa Stadium.
The surface has gained a reputation for being more conducive to fast
bowling than most in the subcontinent, and the tall South Africa quicks
should enjoy the bounce and carry that has often been a feature at the
venue. They are on an 11-loss streak against Sri Lanka in Sri Lanka, but
perhaps they will also be buoyed by the fact that Sri Lanka have lost
half their completed matches at the ground, most recently to Bangladesh
in March. Kandy's cooler temperatures, and mountain breeze will be a
welcome change from Colombo's heavy heat as well.
Despite the attack having been dismantled in the first match, it is the
batting that appears the area of deepest concern for South Africa, with
no batsman having breached 30 in the two matches thus far. They have
been somewhat short of opportunities to play long innings, given their
chase was shortened to 21 overs in the second ODI, but they did not
mount a serious challenge to Sri Lanka's totals in either match, and
will almost certainly be bereft of
Hashim Amla's services again, as they attempt to ignite the talent in their batting order.
Angelo Mathews returns for Sri Lanka, and the balance he brings,
particularly with the ball, may prove crucial if the pitch assists the
seamers. He will also be motivated by the prospect of overseeing his
first ODI-series victory, even if some of the work has already been done
for him. Sri Lanka will hope too, that the psychological position they
have earned in this series will not be squandered at a less favoured
venue, as they begin to eye a rare whitewash against a top side.
Form guide
(most recent first, last five completed matches)Sri Lanka: WWLLW
South Africa: LLLTW
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