SL vs ZIM Match Prediction & Betting Tips - Jan 08, 2024
Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe will play the second ODI of their three-match series. The series opener was washed out. Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe currently occupy seventh and 11th position, respectively, in the International Cricket Council's rankings for ODI teams.
There is plenty to bet on before and during this match. There are some competitive cricket odds and betting markets to consider. Let's see what's in store.
Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe head-to-head record
Sri Lanka have beaten Zimbabwe 47 times in ODI cricket. Zimbabwe have beaten Sri Lanka on 12 occasions in this format of international cricket. In their last 11 completed ODI meetings, Sri Lanka have won six and Zimbabwe five.
Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe live streaming and broadcast
You can watch this match and the rest of the series on the FanCode app in India. It is a great way to live stream international cricket matches online from India.
SL vs ZIM Team Previews
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka totalled 273 for nine in the first ODI before wet weather had the final say. Charith Asalanka hit a century in the middle order after Kusal Mendis and Sadeera Samarawickrama had put in 46 and 41, respectively, at the top. Mendis, as the team's new captain, was characteristically sound with the bat.
Asalanka will be the man to watch with the bat again. His 101 came off 95 deliveries - and included five fours and four sixes. He showed how to bat well in these conditions in Colombo. It took a run out, rather than a bowler, to end his impressive stay at the crease.
Seamers Dilshan Madushanka and Dushmantha Chameera bowled two overs each before the series opener ended prematurely. Madushanka took two wickets, continuing the outstanding form that saw him collect 21 at the 2023 Cricket World Cup. Both seamers will welcome the opportunity to open the bowling here again.
With the first match washed out, there are effectively fewer matches for Sri Lanka to attempt a series win here. The pressure will be on. Their ODI record against Zimbabwe - home and away - in recent times isn't as dominant as one would expect.
Sri Lanka Playing 11
Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Janith Liyanage, Charith Asalanka, Sahan Arachchige, Maheesh Theekshana, Dasun Shanaka, Dushmantha Chameera, Jeffrey Vandersay, Dilshan Madushanka.
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe slipped to 12 for two in pursuit of a 274-run target before the first ODI was washed out. They will want to improve with bat and ball for this fixture. It will be interesting to see if Tapiwa Mufudza and Faraz Akram are retained in the XI this time.
Mufudza and Akram debuted in ODI cricket earlier this week. Spinner Mufudza was economical, but didn't take any wickets. Akram was slightly expensive, but took two wickets. Zimbabwe have unearthed two top talents in this duo - and could be in for another intriguing challenge in the second ODI.
Opener Tinashe Kamunhukamwe and captain Craig Ervine collected ducks in the previous match. This should motivate them both and both should welcome the challenge posted by Madushanka and company in Colombo again.
Zimbabwe showed inklings of promise in the first fixture - and can convert that into genuine substance and perhaps a victory on Monday. Away from home, in foreign conditions, on the sub-continent - the odds, indeed, are against them.
Zimbabwe Playing 11
Joylord Gumbie, Tinashe Kamunhukamwe, Craig Ervine, Milton Shumba, Sikandar Raza, Ryan Burl, Clive Madande, Faraz Akram, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava, Tapiwa Mufudza.
SL vs ZIM Toss Prediction
Sri Lanka won the toss and opted to bat first in the first ODI of the series. Five of the last seven completed ODIs at this venue have been won by the team who chose to bat first.
It's probable the side to win the toss this time will also elect to bat first. They can then know their total and how to go about attempting to defend it.
Read our guide on toss predictions to learn how we analyze and come up with our tips.
Pitch and Conditions
The last three first-innings totals in ODI cricket at the R Premadasa Stadium have been 273, 265 and 50. That 50 all out from Sri Lanka against India in 2023 was somewhat of an anomaly. A first-innings total of 270-plus here can be considered competitive.
Both teams will likely field two specialist spinners in turning conditions. Plenty of wet weather is forecast in Colombo on matchday and the day prior. We could be in for a rain-affected fixture here.
SL vs ZIM Betting Tips
Sri Lanka are in the strongest position to win this match. Zimbabwe's fragile top order was exposed in the first ODI. Their bowling depth is questionable.
Bet on 1.22 favourites Sri Lanka to win this second ODI against 5.00 underdogs Zimbabwe.
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Akram bowled with reasonable pace and accuracy in the first match. With the nerves of his ODI debut over, he can follow this up with a big performance and add to the two wickets he has already claimed.
Asalanka was solid en route to a century in the first match. He knows the Colombo conditions well. He is an excellent accumulator during the middle overs.
Madushanka was Sri Lanka's top wicket-taker at the 2023 Cricket World Cup. He took two quick wickets in this series' opening match. He is in fine form.
Who will win SL vs ZIM
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Match Predictions
Cricket Betting Tips
- Highest opening partnership - India W (1.55) and 1 more BANW vs INDW betting tip
- Total runs in the highest scoring over of the match - Over 22.5 (1.95) and 2 more MI vs SRH betting tips
- Nazmul Hossain Shanto to become the top batter. - 4.10 and 3 more BAN vs ZIM betting tips
- Delhi Capitals to win the toss - 1.90 and 4 more DC vs RR betting tips
We are eager to know what you think of our match predictions, if there is anything we can do better or if you want to let us know your own predictions for the match.