Sri Lanka v Zimbabwe, 2nd ODI, Preview: Upbeat Zimbabwe aim to upset vulnerable hosts again

Team Zimbabwe created history in the first ODI of the series. Considering the inconsistent and vulnerable hosts Sri Lanka, it was the best opportunity for the men in red to strike. They did it in some serious fashion. An upset of all sorts, Zimbabwe registered their first ever win in an ODI on the Sri Lankan soil in the game. It was a total effort from the batsmen that helped the side register the record run chase.

On the other hand, for the hosts, it was a total off day at work with no bowler finding any assistance from the track. Add a bit of misfielding to it and that completes the miserable case for the Sri Lankans. Now, the action stays back at Galle for the second ODI and the two sides are up for the competition again. Needless to say, the Zimbabwean team will have their noses ahead going into the game.

They will take pride from the way they played in the first ODI and would fancy their chances in the second game as well. It will definitely be a psychological battle that the Zimbabwean team seems to be winning at the moment. For Sri Lanka, knowing the kind of fight they are capable of showing, it would be about getting back to winning ways and stay alive in the 5-match series.

Focus will be on

Sikandar Raza

It came as no surprise to see Sikandar Raza perform well in the first ODI. He smashed an unbeaten 67 off 56 balls with 7 fours and a six to his name in the match. He will be sky high on confidence after having finished the previous game with a six. He remains the most technically sound batsman in the Zimbabwean lineup when it comes to countering the Asian conditions. He has a lot of shots in his armory, including the sweeps, which come in handy on these slow tracks.

Angelo Mathews

Sri Lankan skipper Angelo Mathews will be under some serious pressure as his side gears up for the second ODI. On the personal front, Mathews has done nothing wrong in the recent times. However, the team has failed to click at crunch times. Mathews, as the leader, needs to step up and motivate his guys in such a precarious situation. On the personal front, he needs to shoulder more responsibility and perhaps even promote himself up the batting order.

Team Combinations

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka have a lot to worry about leading into the second ODI. They are shaken and bruised. The team might see a couple of changes as it would be unfair on the benched players to not get a go after the team has had a dismal game in the first ODI. Lakshan Sandakan might join Amila Aponso in the spin bowling department. Akila Dhananjaya could be the one making way for him in the team.

The other change could well be with Lasith Malinga resting for the game. The veteran bowler looked rusty in the first game and would want to have a rest before being match ready again. Pace bowler Dushmantha Chameera is likely to replace him in the playing eleven. Considering the batting lineup, it is unlikely that the team would make any changes.

Zimbabwe

The visitors have absolutely no reason to have a change in their playing eleven. They would want to go in with the unchanged eleven in the second as well. With the venue being the same, there comes no question of any conditions changing when it comes to the playing conditions. The batting clicked well for them in the previous game. It was the bowling that did not go well enough. Chris Mpofu might get a look in but that remains unlikely.

Probable XI

Sri Lanka

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

Zimbabwe

Graeme Cremer (c), Hamilton Masakadza, Sean Williams, Malcolm Waller, Craig Ervine, Tendai Chatara, Ryan Burl, Sikandar Raza, Solomon Mire, Donald Tiripano, Peter Moor (wk).

Stat Attack

1- Number of times Zimbabwean team has won an ODI on Sri Lankan soil.

2 – Number of ODI wins registered by Sri Lanka this year in the 12 matches that they have played.

8 – number of times Zimbabwe have beaten Sri Lanka in ODI cricket.