A three-match ODI series will kick off Zimbabwe’s trip to Sri Lanka, with the first match taking place in Colombo on Saturday afternoon. This will be Sri Lanka’s first game since their elimination from the Cricket World Cup in 2023. Zimbabwe recently suffered a 2-0 home defeat to Ireland in an ODI series. Continue reading for our game preview. The game starts at 14:30 local time at the R Premadasa Stadium.
Only their net run rate kept them from finishing last in the 2023 Cricket World Cup, as Sri Lanka had a poor campaign, finishing in ninth place. Their lowly standing was unexpected, though, given that they had advanced to the Asia Cup final earlier in the autumn and had a successful 2023 in ODIs. They’ll be full of confidence that they can defeat a weak Zimbabwe in Colombo.
Zimbabwe has a new captain and coach going into this series, but they lack the elite players to have a significant impact on the best teams. They will undoubtedly be competitive at times, but Colombo may have a difficult day and evening if there aren’t many top-order runs.
After being named the team’s permanent ODI captain at the end of last month, Kusal Mendis will lead the side for the first time. Avishka Fernando, Jeffrey Vandersay, and Akila Dananjaya—who did not play in the 2023 Cricket World Cup—will be included in his initial team.
The 25-year-old top-order batsman Pathum Nissanka, who averages 38.40 in this format, will be participating in his 50th ODI. He has had success in this format. In this match, Kusal Mendis, the recently appointed captain, will try to increase his record of three centuries in the format, having amassed over 3500 runs in ODIs.
The pace bowler Dushmantha Chameera, who has participated in over 100 international matches, has a top bowling average of 5/16 from 47 innings in one-day formats. The 23-year-old left-arm fast-medium bowler Dilshan Madushanka was one of Sri Lanka’s very few bright spots at the 2023 Cricket World Cup.
Sri Lanka
Kusal Mendis (c) (wk), Pathum Nissanka, Charith Asalanka, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dushmantha Chameera, Dasun Shanaka, Dunith Wellalage, Avishka Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka
Craig Ervine is back and prepared to lead Zimbabwe in this series after being absent from the most recent home series against Ireland. Walter Chawaguta, a temporary replacement, will also coach the team. Sean Williams hurt his side against Ireland, so he’s not available.
While middle-order batsman Ryan Burl can also deliver good leg-spin, he has been a very reliable batsman for Zimbabwe in recent years, hitting 83 runs in just three One-Day Internationals. The captain, Craig Ervine, has amassed over 3200 runs in one-day internationals and will be attempting to score his sixth century in this format during this game.
The all-around player Sikandar Raza has a best score of 141 in this format and 85 ODI wickets going into this match. He can win a game with the bat or the ball. With a highest average of 4/43, 26-year-old left-arm fast-medium bowler Richard Ngarava is two wickets away from reaching 50 dismissals in ODIs.
Zimbabwe
Craig Ervine (c), Joylord Gumbie (wk), Milton Shumba, Ryan Burl, Faraz Akram, Luke Jongwe, Blessing Muzarabani, Sikandar Raza, Richard Ngarava, Tinashe Kamunhukamwe, Wellington Masakadza
SL vs ZIM Match Details | ||
Match | Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe, 1st ODI | Zimbabwe tour of Sri Lanka 2024 | |
Date | 06/01/2024 (Saturday) | |
Time | 14:00 (GMT+5) / 14:30 (GMT+5.5) / 15:00 (GMT+6) | |
Format | ODI | |
Venue | R.Premadasa Stadium, Colombo | |
Recent performance | Sri Lanka – L L L L W | Zimbabwe – L L NR L L |
R.Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
The team batting first has won five of the last seven One-Day Internationals at the R Premadasa Stadium. So, ahead of this ODI, we anticipate that both captains will prefer to bat first.
On Saturday, overcast conditions are predicted during the afternoon and evening. There will be a lot of humidity along with a persistent chance of showers and thunderstorms.
The pitch in Colombo will give the spinners some turn as usual, and the fast bowlers will also see some movement from it. A score below 300 is considered par.
In the last five games, Sri Lanka has won four matches and Zimbabwe won just one match.
Winning the toss
Player of the Match
Most runs
Most wickets
Most sixes
Team Scores Batting First
According to cricket analysts, Sri Lanka has a 73.2% chance of winning.
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