Head into the second T20 match between Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe, one side will have a chance to win this whole series, while the other hopes to make up for a very tight loss by tying it up. With Sri Lanka having won by four wickets during their first match, this was another victory they pulled out in crunch time after Kamindu Mendis had a match-winning knock. Hoping to complete this set of matches fast and efficiently, it will give them a great boost going into a massive tournament like the Asia Cup. Still missing Wanindu Hasaranga due to injury, this group has made great strides using bench pieces and giving them chances so they can prove to be very deep as a squad, plus a full-fledged attack.
Charith Asalanka will once again lead the way, as he’s proven in time-in and time-out that his ability to manage this side helps them get out of a bunch of tension situations. Meanwhile, Zimbabwe have shown great fight at the start of this series and will look to recover after nearly beating Sri Lanka during their first match. Although their losing streak continues in this short format, it’s starting to become very clear that they are continuing to improve and are now nearing a stage where they can defeat some top nations. Looking at this side being without Craig Ervine once again, Sikandar Raza will lead the charge and be vital in all phases of the game, while putting his players in numerous positions to succeed.
Sri Lanka: Batting Unit Continues Showing How Deep They Are
After watching the last match, it’s clear to say Sri Lanka possesses one of the most loaded batting attacks around world cricket from top to bottom. Opening batsman Pathum Nissanka will once again be a threat as he dominated during the first T20I with a 55-run knock and scored his 15th half-century in this format. Someone who continues showing consistency no matter which team his side is playing, Nissanka has been able to carry an average of over 30 runs to go along with another threat on the other side in Kusal Mendis. As Mendis continues building on his already brilliant career, he’s shown capability to hit ground shots and play at a more controlled pace, while going big later on during his innings. Having hit 85 sixes during 82 games, this is a key piece that’s amassed over 2,000 20-20 runs.
Coming in at one-down, Kusal Perera has been this side’s most dangerous left-handed batsman as he’s created 2,084 runs and also hit one magnificent century in this short format. Known for striking the ball hard and at a resilient pace, he will always have a great strike rate to help Sri Lanka add runs in a hurry. At two-down, new batsman Nwanidu Fernando finally hopes to break out and show the same class by hitting drives, like he did during domestic cricket. With him being around that area, another key name to mention is Charith Asalanka, who mixes the batting order as a lefty and bats with total command plus clean strokes all-around. Being their captain, he’s always stayed late into innings, while this Lions group will have Kamindu Mendis, 21.09 average, and Dasun Shanaka making noise down the order as well.
Sri Lanka: Bowlers Might Have A Very Strong Or Up-And-Down Day
For Sri Lanka’s bowling attack, not having a top spinner in Wanindu Hasaranga hurts them and could result in another very middle-of-the-pack day, unless they pick things up. Their main piece in this match is Dusmantha Chameera, who had a three-wicket haul a couple days back and has taken 58 wickets in T20I cricket. Keeping his economy a little over 8, there are times he could be pretty expensive, but it all depends on the situation and surface of their cricket ground. Following him, Nuwan Thushara has been a very solid piece for this group, allowing under 7.95 runs per over and also being a vital wicket-taker with 30 throughout his short career. If he can hit that same line on every ball, this is a bowler to watch out for because that is when he hits another level.
Dusan Hemantha had a terrific debut as this group’s 2nd-most impactful spinner and held Zimbabwe in check when it seemed like they were cruising along. Allowing just 28 during his full four overs, he was able to also get a vital wicket and has shown that he can really swing the ball around to make batsmen uncomfortable. With that being said, Maheesh Theekshana will be their number one spinning option and hopes for revenge after a tough first match where he leaked 40+ runs. Known for being a mystery piece who can create trickery with the new ball, he’s someone who’s usually impossible to hit for boundaries, while also picking up 60+ wickets during these T20 games for Sri Lanka. Charith Asalanka and Dusan Shanaka should also be vital options of spin plus pace as part-time pieces when their main bowlers need a breather.
Zimbabwe: Their Batsmen Continue Proving How Worthy They Are As Each Match Goes On
Looking at Zimbabwe’s batting attack, this group has continued showing immense improvement by each match and shown they have note-worthy batsmen that can carry along innings. One such piece is opener Brian Bennett, who delivered another 80+ knock last match and keeps showing his amazing form at such a young age. Scoring 886 runs during just 35 T20Is for Zimbabwe, he’s already managed to knock in 5-half half-centuries and managed to develop into an aggressor during that top order. Although Tadiwanashe Marumani only could get 7 runs during their last outing, he’s slowly showing a new element of his game of boundary hitting. Having one clean one during their last match, this someone who’s now climbed up to 106 total ones in this format alone.
At one-down, Sean Williams will look to be a major aspect because of his experience and abilities as a left-handed piece. Scoring over 1,700 runs during this format, one key shot of his in the reverse-sweep should be in full display once again as he continues creating a threat with those type of shots. Sikandar Raza will be their two-down option and should really play in a finishing style, while adapting to the surface pretty easily from the first ball itself. Reaching over 2,500 runs during his last match, his leading by example should give Ryan Burl chances to attack bowlers with true power and 360 shots. Finishing it out, Tashinga Masekiwa plus Tony Munyonga really will develop a key partnership towards the last couple overs to add more runs to Zimbabwe’s score-line.
Zimbabwe: Pace Attack Looks Very Dangerous For This Unit And Should Be Complemented By Spin
Zimbabwe continues showing that their three major pacers can really change matches on their own, while building confidence for spinners near the middle. Blessing Muzarabani has that really lengthy ability to create bouncers with pace and should be set for a far better performance after getting crushed last match. Developing a career with 80 wickets, he will be the main piece from the right end, while Richard Ngarava should really be cruising from the left. Known for creating pressure by getting dot balls, they turn into removing batsmen as this lefty leads all Chevrons in career wickets during T20Is with 90. With Trevor Gwandu most likely back in action after missing that first match, they will also have Tinotenda Maposa for a few vital overs. On the spinning side, Sikandar Raza will be the leader as he’s gotten 82 people and always manages to bowl a near full spell. Brad Evans and Sean Williams will potentially also be in during some balls to change up the attack and make Sri Lanka rethink their approach.
Previous Matches
Matches Played: 7
Zimbabwe Won: 1
Sri Lanka Won: 6
Last 5 Matches: Sri Lanka have won 4 of the last 5
Predictions
Sri Lanka Bat 1st: They will score between 170-180 runs for 5 wickets lost
Zimbabwe Bat 1st: They will score between 165-175 runs for 6 wickets lost
Sri Lanka Bat 2nd: They will win by 4 wickets
Zimbabwe Bat 2nd: They will win by 2 wickets
Match Prediction: Whoever bats 2nd will win this match as Sri Lanka could potentially win by 4-5 wickets, while Zimbabwe could by 2 wickets
Key Players
Zimbabwe
Sikandar Raza: All-rounder who is known for his finishing ability and can bowl very well in the middle
Blessing Muzarabani: Tall bowling option that creates havoc with his bouncer prowess
Richard Ngarava: Left-handed piece that will continue taking wickets with pace
Brian Bennett: Top-order stud that continues showing what he can really become
Sri Lanka
Pathum Nissanka: Opener who can play at a very fast rate and create several boundaries
Charith Asalanka: Captain and player who knows how to set orders, plus a great motivator
Kamindu Mendis: Switch-hitter that comes down the order to get his team back into a winning position
Nuwan Thushara: Most impactful pacer who can create wickets when his side is in need
Also Read: ZIM vs SA : Wiaan Mulder Reflects On His Unbeaten 367 After Conversation With Brian Lara