Sri Lanka v Zimbabwe, 1st ODI, Preview: Struggling visitors against vulnerable hosts

It is not often that one gets to see the Zimbabwe team tour an Asian nation. After their tour to Pakistan in 2015, this is the first tour for them to a major Test playing nation. The men in red will be against Sri Lanka for a five-match ODI series and then follow it up with a one off Test. The Test match will surely be historic considering the fact that it will be Zimbabwe’s first Test on Sri Lankan soil after almost 17 years.

For now, the action will stay in the limited overs series. The stage is set for the first ODI at Galle, a venue that has been deserted as a ground for limited overs cricket for almost a decade. Coming into the game, the two teams have contrasting fortunes, albeit both being towards the negative shade. Sri Lanka were knocked out of the ICC Champions Trophy before the semi final stages.

Also, in the recent past, they have been vulnerable. This was evident from their shock defeat against Scotland a month ago. On the other hand, Zimbabwe will arrive into the game with the winning momentum. They beat Netherlands 2-1 in their most recent assignment. However, the challenge against the Islanders will be a different ball game altogether. The hosts will be expected to call the shots in the match.

Focus will be on

Sikandar Raza

Sikandar Raza is arguably the most popular face in the Zimbabwean lineup for the Asians. The visitors are expected to struggle against the spin bowling. In this scenario, they would hope that Raza plays to his potential. The Pakistan-born cricketer has played some cricket in the Asian conditions before and would be their best bet going into the game. In the recent times, he has also been used a lot for his off-spin bowling. He will come in handy in these conditions.

Angelo Mathews

Sri Lankan skipper Angelo Mathews will hope to lead from the front in the series. Although the series might no be seen as a very consequential series, the skipper would know that he needs to ensure his team comes up with a thorough performance. Moreover, Mathews, on the personal front, did not bowl in the ICC Champions Trophy due to a slight niggle. He will be expected to be back to his normal all-rounder ways going into this game.

Team Combinations

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka will be in a spot of bother considering their opening batsmen. Niroshan Dickwella, Upul Tharanga, and Danushka Gunathilaka have all done well with the opening slot in the recent past. The absence of Dinesh Chandimal in the middle order will see Kusal Mendis and Angelo Mathews take more responsibility going into the game.

Asela Gunaratne will play the role of the finisher and of the all-rounder of the team. In the pace bowling department, the camp might be tempted to play three premium pacers in Dushmantha Chameera, Nuwan Pradeep, and Lasith Malinga. Lakshan Sandakan and Amila Aponso might get a game in the spin bowling department.

Zimbabwe

The Zimbabwean team has nothing to lose but everything to gain from the series. Considering the inconsistent nature of their opposition, this is the best opportunity for Zimbabwe to topple the opposition. Their head coach, Heath Streak, is confident of putting up a good show.

The experience of Hamilton Masakadza at the top order will be supported by the experience Craig Ervine and Sean Williams in the middle order. Graeme Cremer has settled in the role of the all-rounder and will find ample support in the same department from Sikandar Raza. Peter Moor is likely to be the wicket keeper. Tendai Chatara, Chris Mpofu and Donald Tiripano could be the three pacers going into the game.

Probable XI:

Sri Lanka

Niroshan Dickwella, Upul Tharanga, Kusal Mendis, Danushka Gunathilaka, Angelo Mathews (c), Asela Gunaratne, Lasith Malinga, Dushmantha Chameera, Nuwan Pradeep, Amila Aponso, Lakshan Sandakan.

Zimbabwe

Solomon Mire, Hamilta Masakadza, Sikandar Raza, Craig Ervine, Malcolm Waller, Sean Williams, Graeme Cremer (c), Peter Moor, Donald Tiripano, Tendai Chatara, Chris Mpofu.