SL vs ZIM Match Prediction & Betting Tips - Jan 11, 2024
After securing a thrilling win in the 2nd ODI, Sri Lanka will look to claim the series as it faces Zimbabwe for the last of the 3-match ODI series on Thursday. The match will be played at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colomb0.
Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe head-to-head record
Both teams have faced each other in 63 ODIs to date. Sri Lanka is by far the dominant team with 48 wins, while Zimbabwe has won 12. 3 matches ended without an outcome.
Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe Live-streaming and Broadcast
This match will be live-streamed on the Sony Liv and the FanCode App. One can also catch the live action of this match on the Sony Sports Network.
SL vs ZIM Team Previews
Sri Lanka
After a rollercoaster ride in 2023, the Sri Lankans have begun the new year on a positive note by defeating Zimbabwe, albeit in a close encounter.
It was a clinical bowling performance, especially by the spinners, as the home team limited the visitors to just 208. Maheesh Theekshana was the pick of the bowlers, with 4 wickets for just 31 runs. He was well supported by Jeffrey Vandersay, who picked up 2 wickets of his own and kept the pressure on the opposition by bowling a tight line and length.
Dilshan Madushanka and Dushmantha Chameera bowled well with the new ball and the team will expect a similar performance from them in this match. However, there is some room for improvement when it comes to the batting.
Avishka Fernando has struggled in the opening slot, while Kusal Mendis has failed to convert his starts into big innings. The middle order has fared better.
Charith Asalanka scored a century in the rain-affected 1st ODI, while Janith Liyanage played an excellent knock of 95 runs even as wickets continued to tumble around him. There is plenty of firepower in the batting lineup thanks to the presence of Sadeera Samarawickrama, Dasun Shanaka, and Sahan Arachchige, but the team will need at least one of them to play till the death overs.
Sri Lanka Playing 11
Kusal Mendis, Avishka Fernando, Shevon Daniel, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Janith Liyanage, Charith Asalanka, Sahan Arachchige, Wanidu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Dilshan Madushanka.
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe put up a spirited performance in the 2nd ODI on Monday but will be pretty disappointed as they ended up on the losing side. The team will however take the positives from that match and look to level the series by winning on Thursday.
Skipper Craig Ervine was in brilliant form with the bat as he scored 82 runs on a tricky surface. He will once again be the key player for the visitors. Joylord Gumbie, Milton Shumba, and Ryan Burl, all got good starts and will look to play a big inning in this match.
The likes of Tinashe Kamunhukamwe and Sikandar Raza were seen struggling. Richard Ngarava bowled brilliantly well, picking up 5 wickets for just 32 runs in his spell of 10 overs. He will headline the pace attack alongside Blessing Muzarabani and Faraz Akram.
The spin department consists of Raza, Tapiwa Mufudza, and Ryan Burl.
Zimbabwe Playing 11
Joylord Gumbie, Takudzwanashe Kaitano, Craig Ervine, Milton Shumba, Sikandar Raza, Ryan Burl, Clive Madande, Wellington Masakadza, Luke Jongwe, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani.
SL vs ZIM Toss Prediction
The team winning the toss will likely opt to bat first.
Read our guide on toss predictions to learn how we analyze and come up with our tips.
Pitch and Conditions
The pitch at the R. Premadasa Stadium isn’t the easiest to bat on. The new ball does seam around a bit and as the conditions are a bit overcast, the seamers can expect plenty of swing. The batsmen will need to play with patience.
The spinners are also likely to get assistance once the ball gets softer and older. Anything over 250 will be challenging to chase on this ground.
The weather will remain warm and humid and there will be drizzling throughout the day.
SL vs ZIM Betting Tips
While Zimbabwe put up a good fight in the 2nd ODI, Sri Lanka remains the stronger team, at least on paper. The latter know the conditions well and have a couple of batsmen who are in excellent touch.
Bet on Sri Lanka to win.
Bonus Cricket Bets
The pitch at the Premadasa Stadium is difficult to bat on. The bowlers, both, seamers and spinners, enjoy plenty of assistance here and it will be difficult for the batsmen to go after the bowling.
Ngarava is in excellent form with the ball. He picked up a fifer in the previous match and also picked up 2 wickets in the 1st ODI before rain interrupted the play. We are therefore rxi him to bowl another good spell here.
Sri Lanka are likely to start their batting with Kusal Mendis and Avishka Fernando. Wjiek the duo isn’t in the best of forms, they are still quality players and we are expecting them to give Sri Lanka a good start.
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.