South Africa will use their one-day series in Sri Lanka to prepare for the Twenty20 World Cup later this year, skipper Temba Bavuma said.
South Africa will play three ODIs and three T20s from September 2-14, with many key players resting or injured for the 50-over series.
Quinton de Kock and Lungi Ngidi will be rested, while David Miller is recuperating from injury. All should be ready for the T20 matches starting September 10.
“We have a chance and a task to succeed under those circumstances,” Bavuma said before the squad left on Monday.
“It’s a maiden ODI series, but it’s still a build-up to the World Cup in terms of confidence.”
Surprisingly, South Africa won both of its limited overs trips to Sri Lanka in 2014 and 2018.
“It is good for us, particularly the hitters, to be under pressure. The bowling group has been excellent recently.
“Now the hitters will have to put their abilities to the test. We anticipate similar circumstances during the World Cup.
“We know it is not simple to play red or white ball cricket there. So we are confident in our team’s success.”
The whole series will be held in Colombo.
Junior Dala, who tested positive for COVID-19, was replaced by Lutho Sipamla.