The Women’s ODI Tri-Nation Series in Sri Lanka has delivered a compelling narrative, with the hosts riding a wave of confidence into the final after back-to-back victories. For South Africa, this final league game is a matter of pride and an opportunity to salvage some positives after a disappointing campaign. Here’s your guide to the best Fantasy 11 for this intriguing clash at the iconic R Premadasa Stadium.
Fantasy 11 picks for Sri Lanka Women Vs South Africa Women
Wicketkeeper:
Anushka Sanjeewani (Sri Lanka):
Sanjeewani’s selection is rooted in her dual value as a reliable glove woman and a steady presence with the bat. She has a knack for anchoring the innings and can accelerate when required, making her a dependable Fantasy option. Her sharp reflexes behind the stumps could also fetch valuable points through catches and stumpings, especially on a surface that tends to aid spinners. She has scored 46 runs in three innings with the bat for Sri Lanka in the ongoing tri-nation series so far.
Batters:
Harshitha Samarawickrama (Sri Lanka):
Harshitha is a technically sound batter, a pillar in Sri Lanka’s top order. Her ability to play long, composed innings is perfectly suited to the demands of Colombo’s conditions, where patience is often rewarded. She’s adept at rotating strike and building partnerships, which makes her a consistent Fantasy performer. She has been sensational with the bat, she is currently the leading run-scorer for Sri Lanka and the 6th highest run-scorer of the tournament with 144 runs at a strike rate of 80.89 and an outstanding average of 48 in three innings, including a couple of half-centuries to her name in the series for her side in the ongoing series so far. She has been a vital cog in the Sri Lankan batting line-up.
Laura Wolvaardt (South Africa):
South Africa’s captain is a natural inclusion, even in a tough campaign. Wolvaardt’s elegant stroke play and leadership make her a constant threat at the top. She’s known for her temperament and ability to adapt to different situations, qualities that could see her anchor the innings or launch a counterattack, depending on what her team needs. She missed the game against India due to illness. However, she is expected to be available for the game against the hosts, Sri Lanka. She has scored 53 runs in a couple of innings with the bat for her side in the ongoing Tri-Nation series. She is poised to play a crucial role if South Africa is to salvage some pride.
All-rounders:
Chamari Athapaththu (Sri Lanka):
Athapaththu is the heartbeat of this Sri Lankan side and a Fantasy must-have. Her aggressive batting can single-handedly change the course of a match, and her off-spin is a genuine wicket-taking option on home soil. As the captain, she relishes big moments and often leads by example, making her the standout choice for Fantasy captaincy. Her all-round prowess ensures she’s always in the thick of the action, maximising her Fantasy point potential. She has scored 36 runs in three innings with the bat and picked up three wickets with the ball for her side in the series so far.
Sune Luus (South Africa):
Luus brings versatility to the table with her ability to contribute in both departments. She’s a composed batter who can stabilise the middle order and has the knack for breaking partnerships with her spin. On a pitch likely to assist slower bowlers, her experience and guile could prove invaluable. She has 61 runs at an average of 30.50 in three innings with the bat for her side and picked up one wicket in three innings with the ball for her side in the series so far.
Kavisha Dilhari (Sri Lanka):
Dilhari’s inclusion is based on her growing reputation as a dynamic all-rounder. She’s effective with the bat, capable of accelerating in the middle overs, and her off-breaks are tailor-made for the R Premadasa surface. Her energy and enthusiasm often translate into game-changing moments, making her a smart Fantasy pick. She has scored 121 runs at a strike rate of 90.97 and an impressive average of 40.33 in three innings, including one half-century with the bat for her side and has also been impressive with the ball for her side in the series. As a result, she could be a game-changer for your fantasy side.
Nadine de Klerk (South Africa):
Nadine de Klerk’s value lies in her ability to influence the game at multiple junctures. She’s a tenacious batter and a disciplined medium-pacer who can exploit any assistance from the pitch. Her fighting spirit and knack for stepping up in pressure situations make her a valuable Fantasy asset. She has scored 39 runs at an average of 19.50 in three innings with the bat for her side. She has also picked up four wickets at an average of 31.25 and an economy of 4.71 in three innings with the ball for South Africa in the series. She could be the Impact-creator and a must-have on your side.
Chloe Tryon (South Africa):
Tryon is a genuine game-changer. Her explosive batting can turn matches in a matter of overs, and her left-arm spin adds a crucial dimension to South Africa’s attack. Even if South Africa’s campaign has faltered, Tryon’s penchant for big performances in challenging circumstances makes her a high-upside Fantasy pick. She has picked up one wicket at an economy of 5.16 in three innings with the ball for her side in the series. Besides her effectiveness with the ball, she has also been the 3rd highest run-scorer for South Africa with 120 runs at an impressive strike rate of 114.28 and an outstanding average of 40 in three innings, including one half-century in the previous game against India, her 12th in the ODI format.
Annerie Dercksen (South Africa):
Dercksen’s all-round skills make her an exciting Fantasy prospect. She brings aggression with the bat and can chip in with key wickets using her medium pace. Her recent performances have shown a hunger to make an impact, and with South Africa looking to finish on a high, she could be given more responsibility. Her dual-threat potential justifies her selection as vice-captain.
She is a shrewd vice-captain pick. She’s been steadily growing in stature, and her dual role as a batter and bowler means she’s likely to be involved throughout the match. With South Africa seeking a consolation win, Dercksen could be unleashed more with the ball to go along with her impactful performances with the bat in the series, maximising her Fantasy points potential.
She has been one of the best performers, especially with the bat, as she is currently the leading run-scorer for South Africa and the 2nd highest run-scorer of the series with 172 runs at a strike rate of 107.50 and a mind-boggling average of 86 in three innings including a couple of half-centuries, coming in successive innings for her side. Her best performance with the bat for her side in the series came against India, when she scored 81 (80 balls), which is also her career-best score in the ODI format with the bat for South Africa. She has also picked up a couple of wickets at an economy of 8.09 in three innings with the ball for her side in the series so far.
Dewmi Wihanga (Sri Lanka):
Vihanga’s off spin is likely to be a handful on the Colombo track, and she hasn’t yet got the opportunity to show glimpses of her batting ability lower down the order. Her ability to contribute in both facets add depth to the Fantasy lineup, especially in conditions favouring spin. She has picked up 4 wickets at an impressive average of 23.75 and an economy of 4.75 in a couple of innings with the ball for her side in the series so far.
Bowler:
Nonkululeko Mlaba (South Africa):
Mlaba’s left-arm spin is well-suited to the slow, turning pitches of Colombo. She’s known for her accuracy and ability to stifle batters in the middle overs, making her a strong candidate for wickets. Her inclusion adds balance to the Fantasy side, ensuring coverage across bowling styles. She is currently the leading wicket-taker for South Africa and the 2nd highest wicket-taker of the series with 6 wickets at an average of 28.33 and an economy of 6.07 in three innings with the ball for her side in the series so far. She would be keen to play a decisive role in order to help her side sign off the tournament on a high.
In matches where one team has already qualified and the other is playing for pride, all-rounders and in-form players often shine as they’re given more opportunities to make an impact. Prioritise multi-dimensional cricketers who can contribute to more than one discipline, and don’t overlook players with a point to prove. With this balanced, dynamic Fantasy 11, you could be well-placed to finish the league stage on a high.
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