SL vs ZIM Match Preview
With the return of Pathum Nissanka to the playing eleven, he will partner with Kusal Mendis at the top of the batting order, aiming to provide a strong start for the team. Following them will be the formidable trio of Kusal Perera, Sadeera Samarawickrama, and Charith Asalanka, all of whom possess the ability to wreak havoc in the middle overs.
Angelo Mathews, making a comeback to the T20 squad after an absence of nearly 3 years, showcased his match-winning prowess by scoring an impressive 46 runs on Sunday. He will once again assume his role in the lower order, alongside the talented all-rounder Dasun Shanaka.
The spinners, Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana, displayed exceptional bowling skills by collectively taking 4 wickets and conceding only 35 runs in their 8 overs.
Zimbabwe possesses a formidable top order comprising of skilled batsmen such as Tinashe Kamunhukamwe, Craig Ervine, and Sean Williams. Nevertheless, the spotlight will be on Sikandar Raza, who displayed an exceptional all-round performance in the previous match.
Raza impressively scored 64 runs from only 42 deliveries and also took 3 wickets for a mere 13 runs, effectively contributing to Zimbabwe's competitiveness throughout the match. Ryan Burl, on the other hand, has been struggling with his form lately, and greater expectations will be placed upon him.
The seam attack, led by Richard Ngarava and Blessing Muzarabani, is notably strong and will aim to make early breakthroughs in the Sri Lankan batting lineup. Wellington Masakadza, who exhibited economical bowling, will provide support to Raza in the spin department.
Weather Report
The weather in Colombo is expected to be warm and humid with temperatures of over 25 degrees Celsius.
Pitch Report
The pitch at the R. Premadasa Stadium is on the slower side and isn’t the easiest to bat on. The batsmen will need to work hard for their runs. The surface is on the drier side and there is plenty of grip and turn on offer for the spinners. A score of over 150 will be challenging to chase.
Notable stats
Sean Williams: Key Zimbabwe Player
Sean Williams has been a consistent all-rounder for the Zimbabwe team in T20s. He has scored 1675 runs in his career at an average of 24.27 and has also picked up 47 wickets.
Team News
There are no updates regarding injuries from either side.
SL vs ZIM Probable 11
SL Playing 11
- Pathum Nissanka
- Kusal Mendis (Wk)
- Kusal Perera
- Sadeera Samarawickrama
- Charith Asalanka
- Angelo Mathews
- Dasun Shanaka
- Wanindu Hasaranga (C)
- Maheesh Theekshana
- Dushamantha Chameera
- Nuwan Thushara
ZIM Playing 11
- Craig Ervine
- Tinashe Kamunhukamwe
- Brian Bennett
- Sean Williams
- Sikandar Raza (C)
- Clive Madande (Wk)
- Ryan Burl
- Luke Jongwe
- Wellington Masakadza
- Blessing Muzarabani
- Richard Ngarava
Dream11 Prediction
We are backing Sri Lanka to win this match. They have an unbeaten record against Zimbabwe and that should give the team a huge psychological advantage. Also, the Sri Lankan squad is suited to exploit the good bowling conditions, something that the Zimbabweans have failed to do so far.
Top Picks
Angelo Mathews: One of the most experienced players in the Sri Lankan squad, Mathews has scored 1194 runs at an average of 25.95 and has also picked up 38 wickets.
Wanindu Hasaranga: Wanindu Hasaranga has an excellent record at the Premadasa Stadium where he has picked up 16 wickets at a strike rate of 12.75.
Sikandar Raza: One of Zimbabwe’s most prolific all-rounders, Raza has scored 490 runs in his last 8 outings and has also picked up 16 wickets.
SL vs ZIM Dream11 Team 1
Keeper: K Mendis, S Samarwickrama, C Ervine
Batters: P Nissanka, K Perera
All-rounders: S Raza (C), W Hasaranga (VC), S Williams, A Mathews
Bowlers: R Ngarava, M Theekshana
