South Africa are once again being touted as tournament favourites. However, South Africa want to make a good start to the ICC Champions Trophy and they will have the opportunity to do that against Sri Lanka.
Even the number one ranked team in the ICC ODI rankings would take Sri Lanka lightly at their own peril. However, starting in home conditions, the South Africans will feel a little relaxed and the fact that they have not played in the heat of the moment in the last couple of months will leave them fresh and raring to go.
On the other hand, Sri Lanka would be in match readiness for the first Group B match having played the Compaq Cup more recently. But that they have had two failed finals in the 2009 ICC World Twenty20 against Pakistan in England and in the tri series at home against India will leave them feeling like they have a point to prove.
South Africa will know all about it. Their progress in the last two years should rid them on the unkind chokers tag. The South Africans have lost significant weight during the break, including the much leaner looking South African captain, Graeme Smith, and amongst others, Jacques Kallis and even coach Mickey Arthur.
They appear refreshed from the break, far from rusty and hopefully the sting of losing the 2009 ICC World Twenty20 semi final to Pakistan will pump them to go for this one. Their only loss ahead of the first match is Herschelle Gibbs whose rib injury will see Hashim Amla open with Smith.
Sri Lankan skipper Kumar Sangakkara believes his team has the right balance of flair and fascinating batsmen as well as world class bowlers. Perhaps this is the perfect match up between the two seemingly settled teams. But whether Sri Lanka can change their history in South Africa remains to be seen. It is a tease.
