Going into the second ODI match between Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe, this will be a true test to see if a winner emerges from this series or if it ends in a 1-1 tie. As “The Lions” struck a beautiful comeback in the first match when it seemed they were out of it towards the later overs, this unit will look to replicate a very similar performance. Despite not having their leading spinner, Wanindu Hasaranga, the plan of using more pacers during this first game had worked to full fruition during crunch times. With a few of their second-level players getting a chance last match, they will be having one more nod in this and try building confidence for when these pieces become regular starters.
Captain Charith Asalanka will lead this crew once again and continue building on his elite field placement plus motivation abilities to help push Sri Lanka forward. Meanwhile, Zimbabwe will be as hungry for a victory tomorrow, since they have shown so much promise in this series so far, and hope to finally close out one game. Seeing that Craig Ervine, who is normally their captain, has been ruled out due to a calf injury, they will need to figure out a way of replacing such an important middle-order piece. Hoping to finally put an end to their massive losing streak, Zimbabwe will be led by Sean Williams, who has shown some very underrated leadership characteristics, alongside influencing his side’s batting lineup.
Sri Lanka: Firepower Will Come From A Loaded Unit Once Again
Talking about Sri Lanka’s batting side, they have one of the deepest units that can easily help them score high runs without much pressure. Opening will once again be Pathum Nissanka, who had a 76-run knock last match and continues knocking drives in a very controlled manner. Very strong against spin, it was on full display during the first ODI and should be a massive part once again with Nishan Madushka’s power-hitting style on the other end. Having been at around a 26 average, it will be important for him to build from that, while Kusal Mendis comes in at one down. Known as the most experienced batsman this squad has, he’s amassed 4,692 runs during his ODI career and had another 35+ performance during his last innings. Seeing that he is a right-handed piece, they will likely send left-handed batsman Charith Asalanka around there to create confusion against opposing bowlers.
As Aslanka did have one of his less impressive games last time out, this is someone who always recovers very well and has already had a great track record in 5 years of ODIs with 2550 runs during just 69 innings. Sadeera Samarawickrama has been a solid wicket-keeping batsman who’s always tended to score 30 runs and been a nice bridge heading into the part where true all-rounders come. Looking at Kamindu Mendis being a switch-hitter, he’s accounted for 459 runs during a short time and shown how he can launch maximums, while mixing it with top-class boundaries. Having hit a half-century himself last match, both him and Janith Liyanage, 47.35 average in ODIs, will be real threats down the order, while Dusmantha Chameera closes it out.
Sri Lanka: One Of The Better Attacks Despite Having A Couple Of Vital Injuries
For Sri Lanka in bowling, their group will be without the previously mentioned Wanindu Hasaranga, and also pacer Mateesha Pathirana, in this match. Knowing that, the major fast-bowling option is going to end up being Asitha Fernando, as he got off to an extremely fast start last match. Being a piece that has shown ability to a consistent length on every delivery, he’s picked up 33 wickets in just 24 ODIs and always been relatively economical by giving up less than 5.6 runs per over. Given that he will bowl his full 10 overs, their other big-time piece is Dilshan Madushanka, as his 4-wicket haul was absolutely masterful last match with a historic final over. Amazingly strong with his accuracy towards the stumps and a consistent figure for this side, Madushanka has taken 49 career ODI wickets.
With Dushmantha Chameera having been another veteran bowler on this group, his experience and ability to take 60 wickets during 55 ODIs has always made him a reliable threat. Kamindu Mendis should also be a key part-time option, as he got someone out last match and could really create confusion as a bowler from both ends. Now going into the spinners, Maheesh Theekshana has been nearly impossible to hit for boundaries and has removed 77 batsmen in just 55 outings. Having a 4.57 economy throughout his career and showing how he could control Zimbabwe’s batsmen last match, this unit gets closed out by captain Charith Asalanka, bowling 3 to 4 overs every single match.
Zimbabwe: Lineup Has Started Showing Their Potential In Various Different Ways
Now, going into the Zimbabwe squad, their batting unit has slowly started coming together and proving what they could really be during future times. Opener Ben Curran is a key left-handed batsman who showed his strength last match after knocking 70 runs and is now moving his average up to 43.50. Playing in a very classy way with great touch and ability to find gaps, he should create something vital with Brian Bennett, who went for a clean duck last match. Having scored over 30 runs in this format on average, if this opening duo can do well, it opens up a lot of room for superstar Brendan Taylor. Seeing that he wants to break a record that he nearly didn’t have a chance of doing at one point during his ban, Taylor has combined for 6684 runs during his ODI career.
Having hit 11 centuries and 39 fifties, he is going in full control as someone who can mix up long-ball hitting with drives down the ground. Averaging 35.36 runs per match, after him will come in Sean Williams, who has also been a dynamic batsman that’s scored over 5,000 runs and been very consistent at two-down. With Sikandar Raza also available as someone who can play a huge range of shots, he will try going down the ground or over the top more often this match after being limited to a few fours one game prior. Another batsman who has scored over 4,000 runs for this unit, Wessly Madhevere, is going to try attacking bowlers at ease and create a partnership with Tony Munyonga, 43 not out, down the order.
Zimbabwe: Pacers Should Really Do A Great Deal Of Work With Spinners Helping
Zimbabwe’s bowling attack should be promising in this match because of the number of fast-bowling options they have. Led by Blessing Muzarabani, his massive height and great ability to deliver with pace help create bouncers, while being someone who has taken 70 wickets in just 56 matches for Zimbabwe. Knowing that he will be doing his full 10-over spell in this match, another guy who will replicate that as more of a true bowler that creates speed with his run-up is Richard Ngarava. Taking 68 wickets in his 54 innings, this is a strong second option with Trevor Gwandu making up a big three as he hopes to improve heavily on that economy. Sikandar Raza will be coming in from the right end as well with his limited overs, while spinners Sean Williams and Wessly Madhevere should be pretty economical throughout.
Previous Matches
Matches Played: 65
Sri Lanka Won: 50
Zimbabwe Won: 12
Matches Drawn: 3
Last 5 Matches: Sri Lanka has won 5 of the last 5
Predictions
Sri Lanka Bat 1st: They will score 290-300 runs with 6 wickets lost
Zimbabwe Bat 1st: They will score 275-285 with 7 wickets lost
Sri Lanka Bat 2nd: They will win by 4 wickets
Zimbabwe: They will lose by 15 to 20 runs
Final Prediction: Sri Lanka will win by 4 wickets if batting 2nd and 15 to 20 runs if batting 1st
Key Players
Sri Lanka
Maheesh Theekshana: Tremendous spinner that can really create strong angles against batsmen of both hands
Pathum Nissanka: Top-order batsmen who continues playing with full class
Dushmantha Chameera: Great pacer who has always bowled at similar lines and lengths with full pace
Charith Asalanka: Captain and amazing all-round batsman who can put fielding on display
Zimbabwe
Brendan Taylor: Legendary one-down batsman who has always been extremely consistent for this team
Blessing Muzarabani: Tall bowler who’s been known for creating bouncers and creating speed with his action
Sean Williams: Captain that has created deep batting performances in the middle
Sikandar Raza: Amazing all-rounder who can close and bowl well during overs
Also Read: ZIM vs SA : Wiaan Mulder Reflects On His Unbeaten 367 After Conversation With Brian Lara