The Proteas won the toss and will bowl first against Sri Lanka in the first T20I at Newlands, KHALID MOHIDIN reports.
For the first T20I, the Proteas have picked what seems to be their favourite XV. This is the squad that approximates their best ODI combination and may be the closest squad to what seems to be their chosen World Cup XV.
With Lungi Ngidi carrying a small niggle, the Proteas have opted for Lutho Sipamla as a replacement, while Anrich Nortje has been rested due to a right shoulder issue.
Surprisingly, Aiden Markram has been left out of the side and Reeza Hendricks has received a start in the opening position while David Miller will be the designated wicketkeeper to give him some glove-time ahead of the World Cup.
The Sri Lankans will aim to dish out some punishment in the T20I series after having been completely dominated in the ODI series. Their batsmen seem to be better suited to the shortest format, with explosive players such as Kusal Mendis, Thusal Perera and Niroshan Dickwella in their XI.
Avishka Fernando will make his T20I debut for Sri Lanka.
Proteas XI
1) Quinton de Kock
2) Reeza Hendricks
3) Faf du Plessis (c)
4) Rassie van der Dussen
5) David Miller (wk)
6) JP Duminy
7) Andile Phehlukwayo
8) Dale Steyn
9) Kagiso Rabada
10) Lutho Sipamla
11) Imran Tahir
Sri Lanka XI:
1) Niroshan Dickwella
2) Avishka Fernando
3) Kusal Mendis
4) Angelo Perera
5) Dhananjaya de Silva
6) Thisara Perera
7) Jefferey Vandersay
8) Lasith Malinga (c)
9) Akila Dananjaya
10) Kamindu Mendis
11) Isuru Udana
Photo: Lee Warren/Gallo Images
