Entering the first ODI between Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka, this matchup includes two sides who are hoping for a victory after struggling immensely in recent times. For “The Lions”, these games will be vital leading up to the Asia Cup, as they need to get back into complete form before tougher matches come on their schedule.
With no Matheesha Pathirana or Wanindu Hasaranga available for this series, Sri Lanka’s bowling attack will take a significant hit and hope for new players to help revive their side. Coming off a 2-1 series loss in T20I cricket against Bangladesh, playing in matches like this might be a key factor to help them regain confidence and transition them to dominate at a much higher level later on.
Led by captain Charith Asalanka, his never-give-up mentality could really be a massive factor in controlling these matches and bringing up some pieces that could change Sri Lanka for the foreseeable future. Meanwhile, their opponents in Zimbabwe have had an extremely busy last couple months by playing four tests and even participating in a tri-series. Seeing that they had a continuation of problems during these games, this group is also looking for signs of life before some enormous upcoming events. With pieces like Richard Ngarava making their return after an extremely long time, Craig Ervine hopes to provide the leadership plus motivation, as captain, this group needs in order to come out on top.
Sri Lanka: Batting Lineup Will Be More Than Stable To Provide Big Score
Looking at Sri Lanka’s batters, they really have an opportunity to help this team pile on runs with ease and show their full potential. Opener Nishan Madushka hopes to build on his 30.33 average as he’s knocked two half-centuries in recent times and shown tremendous timing. With his ODI form being something that a few analysts have praised so far, he will be a real threat from the right side, while having the dangerous Pathum Nissanka right across. Someone who has smashed 2,548 runs in 50/50 cricket, his class has been quite brilliant, with hitting 6 centuries along the way and even one double-hundred. It’s clear that when he’s confident, Nissanka can be very aggressive and bat at that amazing 90 strike rate, which he will look to keep up this match.
Coming in at one-down, Kusal Mendis remains the most experienced batsman in this unit and has shown great touch throughout his career, while evolving his style every single year. Closing in on 5,000 runs during ODI matches, having someone as consistent as Mendis with a 35.52 average will help increase their scoring.
With switch-hitter Kamindu Mendis up behind him, he will look to translate a lot of his test batting prowess into the 50-over format. Charith Asalanka has slowly turned himself into a middle-order piece that can score 40+ runs every match and lead with great ability despite wickets falling around him. Having scored over 2,500 runs, this is someone who can smack sixes alongside hitting classy drives for four. All-rounder Janith Liyanage has slowly shown promise down this batting unit, while both Dunith Wellalage plus Dushmantha Chameera make it even deeper as they both average over 12 runs each near 7 and 8 down.
Sri Lanka: Attack Will Be Dangerous Despite Missing Some Key Pieces
For this group’s bowling unit, their depth will really be tested in this match after finding that two major bowlers named Matheesha Pathirana and Wanindu Hasaranga, mentioned in the intro, have been ruled out. Leading the group will be Maheesh Theekshana, as his orthodox spinning ability has really given this side someone who can create confusion when facing either righties or lefties. With 77 wickets in just 55 matches for Sri Lanka, he has always managed to keep a relatively low economy of around 4.57 runs per over and not let many batsmen take him on.
A big name in the IPL as well, Wanindu Hasaranga will potentially be their top spinner during this match, while keeping a strong combination with lefty Dunith Wellalage. Someone who really knows how to turn the ball inside or out, Wellalage has taken 39 wickets during just 31 appearances and has never leaked runs like that, similar to Theekshana.
Now going into their pace attack, Dushmantha Chameera has been the one consistent piece from 2015 that’s continued looking strong despite many other pieces getting dropped or leaving. Playing in 54 ODIs and getting 60 batsmen out, his fast-bowling ability has helped keep an economy below 5.50 while also never seeming to go over 50 runs allowed per match. Asitha Fernando is another piece that will look to make an impact since he’s already taken 30 wickets and seems to hit similar lines plus lengths, despite sometimes going for too many boundaries. Closing it out, Milan Rathnayake will be bowling a few vital overs too, as he’s just playing in his second career ODI ever.
Zimbabwe: This Unit Should Finally Have Everyone Healthy & Back In Full Action
Now talking about Zimbabwe, their batting lineup is going to be loaded after many of their pieces came back from injuries and suspensions. With their opening pair being Ben Curran and Brian Bennett, it’s quite clear that this duo has potential to be a real threat in beginning innings.
Seeing that Curran has already smacked a century in ODI cricket for his side, while batting at nearly 40 runs per match, him being left-handed allows Brian Bennett to quickfire from the other end. Known for his aggressiveness as a batsman, this is someone who has scored 327 runs in 9 innings and seems unbeatable when his shots are in full flow. Their main batsmen will come in at one-down in legend Brendan Taylor, whose scored over 6,500 runs in the format and looks to get revenge after getting a 4-year doping ban. Having a very classy approach to deliveries coming his way, this will be an extremely prized batter for Zimbabwe.
With two-down being Craig Ervine, he has always shown solid consistency in this 50/50 game, while having scored well over 3,500 runs throughout his career. Although he might not be as skilled as Taylor, they both were known for big-time partnerships created earlier on, while Ervine was still a leader on this side. Seeing that he’s still captain, these two can push a massive partnership with Sean Williams, 5140 runs and 36 fifties, being a great middle-order lefty that can move their score even further.
Knowing that Sikandar Raza’s aggressive style is right behind him, Wessly Madhevere has also been a successful piece whose knocked six 50+ scores in his own right. Much later on, wicketkeeper Clive Madande will provide runs at the end, with bowler Richard Ngarava having hit 48 runs one time in ODIs, too.
Zimbabwe: Big Three Pacers Should Create A Real Threat Throughout This Match
Zimbabwe has one of the more lethal fast-bowling attacks around the world, with that position being extremely loaded for them and making a difference every match. With their main piece being Blessing Muzarabani, 69 wickets in 55 matches, he’s shown a great ability to use that whip-like action and create bouncers for wicket-taking opportunities. Bowling at about 140/150 km/hr, this is someone who will continue keep that same speed and length.
Now, going into Richard Ngarava, he is finally making a return to this side after quite a long break and hopes to find form once again. Currently 2nd in Zimbabwe cricket for wickets during ODI’s with 66, he’s always been a true test for many batsmen and has kept his economy under 7.20, too. Lastly, Trevor Gwandu has made his name over the last couple of months for his medium bowling style and should continue being huge for this unit. Talking about spinners, this side will rely on Sikandar Raza, 93 wickets in 151 matches, and Wessly Madhevere to bowl longer overs, while Sean Williams could come in from the left side.
Previous Matches
Matches Played: 64
Sri Lanka Won: 49
Zimbabwe Won: 12
Matches Drawn: 3
Last 5 Matches: Sri Lanka have won 4 of the last 5, with the one match they didn’t win being a no result
Predictions
Sri Lanka Bat 1st: They will score 280-290 runs for the loss of 5 wickets
Zimbabwe Bat 1st: They will score 250-260 runs for the loss of 8 wickets
Sri Lanka Bat 2nd: They will win by 4 or 5 wickets
Zimbabwe Bat 2nd: They will lose by 20 to 30 runs
Final Prediction: Sri Lanka will win by 25 runs if batting first and 5 wickets if batting second
Key Players
Sri Lanka
Kusal Mendis: Top-class batsman who has always been consistent and can mix aggressive shots with great drives
Maheesh Theekshana: Most experienced spinner who has an orthodox way of bowling, which gets people out easily
Dusmantha Chameera: Quality pacer that has shown consistency for this unit and is economical
Charith Asalanka: Captain and great leader whose really started his batting career on the right foot
Zimbabwe
Brendan Taylor: Strongest batsman on this team, looking for scoring record in one-day’s
Craig Ervine: Leader of this unit, who has continued being a 30+ scorer for this team
Blessing Muzarabani: Extremely tall bowler with a top-class action that is unplayable with his swing
Richard Ngarava: Second leading wicket-taker in ODIs, who has shown tremendous growth in variations
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