π π«ππ πππ ππ«πππ’πππ’π¨π§π¬ π¨π§ πππ₯ππ π«ππ¦ ππ
Sri Lanka
Zimbabwe
It is always interesting to see teams in international cricket who are in the process of reviving their quality of cricket. A similar three-match ODI series is scheduled to begin between Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe as the first ODI will take place on Saturday at R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo.
Sri Lanka witnessed a major debacle in the ODI World Cup and has been through many ups and downs in 2023. They will be eyeing to start the new year on a positive note at home.
Zimbabwe, after failing to qualify for the ODI World Cup, witnessed another disappointing situation as they failed to qualify for the T20 World Cup. A tour of Sri Lanka is an opportunity for them to help them grow for future challenges.
Samarawickrama has played 25 ODIs in 2023 and has scored 850 runs at an average of 44.73.
The betting tip is...
S Samarawickrama will score above 40.5 runs
58 %
42 %
Sri LankaZimbabweSri Lanka will be coming to the international setup after making their exit from the ODI World Cup. The team will be led by Kusal Mendis. Dasun Shanaka makes his return to the squad after missing out on the World Cup because of a knee injury.
Wanindu Hasaranga has also been named in the squad but his availability depends on his fitness as he is recovering from a hamstring injury. Mendis might use Akila Dananjaya, who is making a comeback in the team after 2 years.
The Lankan team management has focused mainly on the allrounder section as they have included Sahan Arachchige & Janith Liyanage are part of the team. Pathum Nissanka & Maheesh Theekshana will be expected to lead the bowling unit from the front.
Skipper Kusal Mendis will have the lineup of the most experienced players on the team.
Predicted Lineup: Kusal Mendis (c), Charith Asalanka (vc), Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, S Samarawickrama, Dasun Shanaka, Janith Liyanage, Maheesh Theekshana, Dilshan Madushanka, Dushmantha Chameera, Akila Dananjaya
The Chevrons will be travelling to Sri Lanka after witnessing a disappointing end to the ODI series against Ireland. Dave Houghton has also quit as their head coach and now the team will be under the supervision of Walter Chawaguta.
Tapiwa Mufudza is the new face who will be part of the team in the spin department for the tour to Sri Lanka. Faraz Akram, who has been part of the team in the T20 international, will be making his debut in the ODI format as well.
Craig Ervine will be the leading man for the team for the ODI series. Takudzwanashe Kaitano, Tinashe Kamunhukamwe, Milton Shumba, and Tony Munyonga - who played exceptionally well against Ireland, will also get the opportunity to perform against Sri Lanka as well.
Zimbabwe will be going with their strongest playing XI in this opening ODI.
Predicted Lineup: Craig Ervine (C), Faraz Akran, Ryan Burl, Joylord Gumbie, Luke Jongwe, Takudzwanashe Kaitano, Tinashe Kamunhukamwe, Clive Madande, Wellington Masakadza, Tony Munyonga, Blessing Muzarabani
The visitors are travelling with some major changes in the team and the coaching staff. Zimbabwe has always struggled on the foreign pitches and after a loss against Ireland at home, the teamβs morale is at the lowest.
Sri Lanka has the benefit of playing at home and with some experienced players making a comeback to the squad. We predict a comfortable win for Sri Lanka in the 1st ODI.
