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ToggleColombo is all set to host the SL vs ZIM 2nd ODI on Monday, January 8, 2024. The first ODI was rained out on Saturday. The next two games now are must-win for both teams.
Zimbabwe escaped a defeat as rain saved them in the first ODI. Chasing 274 to win, The visitors were struggling at 5/2. With the team score on 12, the heavens opened up and relentless rains meant that the first ODI was finally washed out.
There is a prediction of rain for the second ODI as well with almost up to 70- percent chance of rain. In case rain plays spoilsport in the second ODI, there are chances that it also might get washed out. The city of Colombo saw a lot of rain during last year’s Asia Cup as well.
Sri Lanka kicks off their 2024 season with a home series against Zimbabwe. They endured a forgetful World Cup campaign and now will look to start afresh under a new leader and a new management. Heading into this ODI series, Sri Lanka are placed seventh in the ICC ODI rankings while Zimbabwe are 11th.
They are led by a new captain in Kusal Mendis who was announced as the full-time ODI skipper by Chairman of Selectors Uul Tharanfa. Wanindu Hasaranga was named the new T20I skipper while Dhananjaya de Silva was the new T20I skipper.
Zimbabwe met Sri Lanka in the ODI World Cup qualifiers earlier this year. They lost 2-1 to Sri Lanka the last time they toured Sri Laka in 2021-22 Zimbabwe won the the previous ODI series between the two sides in the 2017-28 season 3-2 which was also played in Sri Lanka.
SL vs ZIM Match Preview- 2nd ODI, 2024
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka after the rained-out first ODI will look to field the same XI in the second ODI. Pathum Nissanka is already ruled out of the series with reports of dengue. Wanindu Hasaranga did not play the first ODI . He missed the World Cup with a hamstring injury and looks doubtful for the second ODI as well. There are no further injury concerns.
Sri Lanka finished ninth in the ICC World Cup 2023 following which the board decided to change leadership across formats looking to breed in new squads of players across formats. A series win against Zimbabwe will be the perfect way to start the new season. Sri Lanka unlike Zimbabwe qualified for the T20 World Cup later this year in June.
The Sri Lankan squad is filled with experienced bowlers with Akila Dananjaya recalled into the side as well. He has played international cricket for Sri Laka in 2021. The pace attack is led by Dusmantha Chameera along with Pramod Madushan and Dilshan Madushanka for the company. Madushanka took the two Zimbabwe wickets in the last game. Eyes will be on whether Hasaranga returns to the playing XI for the second ODI.
Sri Lanka Squad
Pathum Nissanka, Nuwanidu Fernando, Kusal Mendis(w/c), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Akila Dananjaya, Avishka Fernando, Pramod Madushan, Janith Liyanage, Sahan Arachchige, Dilshan Madushanka
Zimbabwe
They might have avoided a defeat in the first ODI but their performance was not up to the mark. Their skipper Ciar Ervine was out for a duck and their lead boalers were very expensive. Zimbabwe needs to turn around their performance to win the second ODI.
Zimbabwe are playing under new coach Walter Chawaguta, and with the kind of bowling performance they showed in the first ODI, they will certainly be challenged by the hosts in home conditions. For them, eyes will be on their senior players, especially on Ervine and Sikandar Raza with the bat.
The lack of quality spin options is another major factor for Zimbabwe. Apart from Raza, Tapiwa Mufudza remained wicketless in the first ODI. Maybe then can bring in Wellington Masakadza in the second ODI.
Zimbabwe Squad
Craig Ervine(C), Joylord Gumbie(wk), Tinashe Kamunhukamwe, Milton Shumba, Takudzwanashe Kaitano, Sikandar Raza, Clive Madande, Luke Jongwe, Wellington Masakadza, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani, Faraz Akram, Tony Munyonga, Tapiwa Mufudza, Ryan Burl
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