SL vs ZIM Match Preview
The Sri Lankan team will once again rely on their spinners to make an impact. Maheesh Theekshana has been impressive with 2 wickets in each of his previous matches, receiving valuable support from skipper Wanindu Hasaranga. However, the seamers have struggled to make an impact.
Dushmantha Chameera has managed to take 3 wickets, but has been expensive, conceding over 8 runs per over. Charith Asalanka, Angelo Mathews, and Dasun Shanaka have all been unable to pick up wickets so far. On the batting front, Angelo Mathews has been in excellent form, scoring 112 runs in 2 innings.
He, along with Charith Asalanka, will be crucial players for the home team. The top order, including Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Kusal Perera, and Pathum Nissanka, have been struggling for form, and the team will be looking to improve in that aspect before the upcoming match.
Tinashe Kamunhukamwe and Craig Ervine are the likely candidates to open the batting for Zimbabwe. Kamunhukamwe has shown promise in both of his innings, although he is yet to play a substantial knock. On the other hand, Craig Ervine played an exceptional innings, scoring 70 runs off just 54 deliveries, setting the tone for a successful chase.
Furthermore, Zimbabwe possesses a strong batting lineup with players like Sean Williams, Sikandar Raza, and Brian Bennett. In the previous match, Clive Madande and Luke Jongwe made valuable contributions to guide their team to victory, and similar performances will be expected from them in this game.
Blessing Muzarabani has been the standout performer with the ball, having taken 4 wickets. However, Richard Ngarava has struggled to replicate his form from the ODI series and has also been expensive. On the other hand, Sikandar Raza has been economical, conceding less than 5 runs per over and also picking up 3 wickets.
Weather Report
The weather in Colombo is warm and humid and the temperature will remain above 25 degrees Celsius.
Pitch Report
The pitch in Colombo is one of the more difficult surfaces to bat on. The surface is dry and slow and the ball stops a bit on bouncing. Playing shots wouldn’t be the easiest. However, patient batsmen will be rewarded. Anything over 160 can be tricky to chase. The spinners will be the key for both teams.
Notable stats
Asalanka: Value Pick
Charith Asalanka scored a half-century in the last match, which was his 5th in T20 internationals. He has scored a total of 908 runs at an average of 25.94 and a strike rate of 124.21.
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
- Sandeera Samarawickrama
- Angelo Mathews
- Charith Asalanka
- Wanindu Hasaranga (C)
- Maheesh Theekshana
- Dilshan Madushanka
- Dushmantha Chameera
- Dasun Shanaka
ZIM Playing 11
- Tinashe Kamunhukamwe
- Craig Ervine
- Sikandar Raza (C)
- Sean Williams
- Ryan Burl
- Clive Madande (Wk)
- Luke Jongwe
- Wellington Masakadza
- Blessing Muzarabani
- Richard Ngarava
- Brian Bennett
Dream11 Prediction
We are backing Sri Lanka to win this match. They are the stronger team when compared to Zimbabwe. The hosts are especially strong in the spin department, which gives them an edge in this contest. That said, Zimbabwe, buoyed by its recent success, will give a good fight.
Top Picks
Angelo Mathews: Matthews is in excellent form with the bat. He has scored 112 runs at a strike rate of 125.84.
Maheesh Theekshana: Theekshana has picked up 4 wickets at an average of 10.25 and a strike rate of 12.00.
Sikandar Raza: Raza has scored 70 runs at a strike rate of 148.93 and has also picked up 3 wickets.
SL vs ZIM Dream11 Team 1
Keeper: K Mendis, S Samarwickrama
Batters: C Asalanka, C Ervine, T Kamunhukumawe
All-rounders: S Raza (C), W Hasaranga (VC), S Williams, A Mathews
Bowlers: M Theekshana, B Muzarabani
