Sri Lanka vs South Africa: A Thriller on the Cards

Cricket is a funny game. We've all heard that phrase countless times, but there's no denying the quantum of truth it conveys. Before the World Cup began, South Africa were one of the hot favourites. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, were not even on the list of dark horses. Now, the Sri Lanka vs South Africa quarter final is being tagged as the most exciting contest to watch out for in the round of 8 clashes. With the World Cup being played in Australia and New Zealand, South African cricket fans have been viewing this as their best chance perhaps to win that elusive World Cup title. However, as we stand on the threshold of the knockout stages, you would have to be very brave to place your bet on the Proteas. The Lankans are still not on anyone's favourites list, but very few will predict a South African win. This clash has everything it takes to be a real thriller. Former West Indian captain and NDTV World Cup expert Brian Lara has said, "South Africa vs Sri Lanka is maybe the best quarter final game we could see and I'm looking forward to that. I will be there." (NDTV Experts' Top World Cup Players)

Mr Cricket, Michael Hussey echoed that sentiment, while picking South Africa as the winner of this clash, but the Proteas will know the biggest mistake they can commit is to take the Lankans lightly. Angelo Mathews' team have been under the radar from the beginning of the tournament and they have quietly gone about their business, picking up pace and building confidence after a morale shattering 98 run loss to New Zealand in the tournament opener. They have the leading run-getter of the tournament, Kumar Sangakkara in their ranks. Sanga's form, in what is his last ODI tournament, has made almost everyone ask the question, "Is he really retiring after this?" The answer to that question (for now) is yes, but the answer to the question 'can the Lankans beat the Proteas on Wednesday' is not that simple. NDTV World Cup expert VVS Laxman feels, "Sri Lanka rely heavily on Malinga and the match is at the SCG. I wasn't very impressed with the way Senanayake and Prasanna have bowled. They (Sri Lanka) are overly dependent on their batsmen." Angelo Mathews will be aware of that chink in their armour and so will AB de Villiers. (Who Plays Who in Quarters | Full World Cup Coverage)

That spin will play a big role in Sydney is no secret and the Lankans are dearly hoping their premier spinner Rangana Herath is fit for this crucial clash. Herath had the stitches to his spinning finger removed on Friday, but his availability hasn't been confirmed yet. (De Villiers, Sangakkara Battle top spot in ODI Rankings)

A potent spinner can dry up the runs and the Lankans' quarter final opponents are a team that will have to once again try and get the 'choke' monkey off their backs. South African coach Russell Domingo in fact admitted, "It has been part of South African cricket for a period of time. Every time we get to these events, it is going to be questioned. We have faced the fact that in the past we have let opportunities slip and hopefully we would have learnt from the mistakes previous sides have made in events like this." The coach might be putting on a brave face, but the team will no doubt have this sickening statistic at the back of their minds - South Africa have never won a World Cup knockout match.

South Africa lead Sri Lanka 2-1 in World Cup head-to-heads.

© Getty Images

The Proteas hold a slim edge over Sri Lanka when it comes to World Cup encounters. Out of 4 matches played, South Africa have won 2 and Sri Lanka 1, while 1 game was tied, but even the staunchest South African supporter will know that AB de Villiers and his team are not playing their best cricket. Their losses to India and Pakistan might just have exposed a weakness against Asian teams. Laxman (who is backing South Africa to win) has also admitted, "South Africa are a settled unit, but it depends on how they turn up on that day. Both matches which they lost to India and Pakistan, they were defensive right from the beginning and they don't need to be like that." Though their fast bowling is talked about a fair bit, the main cog in the South African wheel is AB de Villiers. If the captain has a bad day with the bat, chances are the Lankans will be on top. (Jayasuriya Hails Unbelievable Sanga)

So here's the breakdown. There's the likes of AB, Amla, Steyn and Morkel on one side and Sangakkara, Dilshan, Mathews and Malinga on the other. Too tough to call? That's probably the understatement of the World Cup.