SL vs ZIM Match Preview
Sri Lanka has implemented several changes to their squad in preparation for the upcoming T20 World Cup. One significant alteration is the return of all-rounder Angelo Mathews, who rejoins the T20 squad after a three-year absence.
Additionally, the team has included Dhananjaya De Silva, Kamindu Mendis, and Kusal Perera, who will bolster the batting lineup. On the other hand, Pramod Madushan, Dunith Wellalage, and Jeffrey Vandersay have been left out of the bowling lineup, making way for Nuwan Thushara and Akila Dananjaya.
Wanindu Hasaranga, who made an impressive comeback in the 3rd ODI following an injury, is now set to lead the team in his first full T20 series as captain. Meanwhile, Dasun Shanaka has secured a spot in the squad as a player.
Sikandar Raza has been appointed as the new captain of the T20 squad, taking over the leadership role. Given his exceptional all-round abilities, he will also be a crucial player for the team. Craig Ervine, on the other hand, will continue to contribute as a batsman and will be expected to play a significant innings in the upcoming match. Joining them in the batting line-up will be Milton Shumba and Tinashe Kamunhukamwe.
The squad has also been strengthened with the inclusion of all-rounder Brian Bennett, as well as bowlers Carl Mumba and Ainsley Ndlovu. They will join the likes of Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani, and Wellington Masakadza in the bowling department.
Although Zimbabwe possesses talented individuals, it is crucial for them to perform cohesively as a team if they wish to cause an upset against the hosts.
Weather Report
The weather is expected to be warm and humid with temperatures of close to 30 degrees Celsius.
Pitch Report
The pitch at Colombo is one of the more difficult pitches to bat on. The seamers will get some movement when the ball is new, while the spinners can expect assistance throughout the game. A score of around 145-150 can be considered a par score on this ground.
Notable stats
Ngarava: Leading The Bowling ATtack
Richard Ngarava is a consistent performer for Zimbabwe with the ball. He has picked up 20 wickets in his last 10 outings at a strike rate of 11.00 and an economy rate of just 5,40 runs per over.
Team News
There are no updates regarding injuries from either side.
SL vs ZIM Probable 11
SL Playing 11
- Kusal Mendis (Wk)
- Sadeera Samarawickrama
- Charith Asalanka
- Kusal Perera
- Dasun Shanaka
- Wanindu Hasaranga (C)
- Dhananjaya de Silva
- Angelo Mathews
- Dilshan Madushanka
- Maheesh Theekshana
- Dushamantha Chameera
ZIM Playing 11
- Joylord Gumbie (Wk)
- Ryan Burl
- Craig Ervine
- Tinashe Kamunhukamwe
- Sikandar Raza (C)
- Milton Shumba
- Brian Bennett
- Richard Ngarava
- Blessing Muzarabani
- Wellington Masakadza
- Tony Munyonga
Dream11 Prediction
We are backing Sri Lanka to win this match. They have an unblemished record against Zimbabwe in the T20 format. The win in the recent ODI series will give the team plenty of confidence as they head into this match. Also, Sri Lanka has some players who are in excellent form and are likely to give them an edge in this contest.
Top Picks
Sikandar Raza: One of Zimbabwe’s most successful all-rounders, Raza has scored 1774 runs in his T20I career and has also picked up 55 wickets.
Kusal Perera: Kusal Perera is Sri Lanka's second-highest run-getter in T20 internationals. He has scored 1660 runs at an average of 27.66 and a strike rate of 130.70.
Wanindu Hasaranga: Hasaranga has picked up 91 wickets in his T20 career at an average of 15.80 and a strike rate of 13.75.
SL vs ZIM Dream11 Team 1
Keeper: K Mendis, S Samarwickrama
Batters: R Burl, C Ervine, K Perera
All-rounders: S Raza (VC), W Hasaranga (C), A Matthews
Bowlers: D Madushanka, R Ngarava, M Theekshana
