SL vs ZIM, 4th ODI Preview: Rejuvenated Sri Lanka aim to wrap up the series

After some catastrophic display in Champions Trophy and in the first ODI against Zimbabwe, things are finally falling well in place for Sri Lanka. An all-round dominant display in the second ODI was followed up with a scintillating batting display at the Hambantota and they now have a 2-1 lead in the series.

A perfect icing on the cake would be a win in the 4th ODI, which would not just wrap the series, but instil some confidence back into the team. Zimbabwe on the other side have been thoroughly impressive in the series and a fight back is always on the cards from their side.

There’s a lot at the stake for both the teams. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity to secure a series win in Sri Lanka for the Zimbabweans whereas the Lankan team needs to restore the faith in their fans that they are still capable of competing at the elite level.

Probable XI

Sri Lanka

Zimbabwe

Focus will be on

Malcolm Waller (Zimbabwe)

Malcolm Waller has been the pick of all the Zimbabwean players this series, contributing regularly with the bat and ball. He’s been providing decent finishes in the middle order, coming in at number 7 and with the ball, he’s giving a minimum of 7 overs to his skipper Graeme Cremer. His good form will come into play only when he gets to bat or bowl more and the skipper might send him ahead of Sikander Raza yet again in the 4th ODI.

Niroshan Dickwella (Sri Lanka)

Playing combinations

Sri Lanka

Tons from Gunathilaka and Dickwella speared Sri Lanka to a brilliant win. The opening combination looks  well settled for the 4th ODI – Kusal Mendis, Upul Tharanga and Angelo Mathews will bat at number 3, 4 and 5. Gunaratne and Wanidu Hasaranga didn’t get enough opportunities to bat but the latter has played quite a lot of International matches and will be a key in the middle.

Bowling department needs to pull up their socks and ensure they don’t leak runs the way they did in the 3rd ODI. Barring Nuwan Pradeep, two strike bowlers in Lasith Malinga and Lakshan Sandakan gave over 70 runs in their 10 overs and that was of no help to the team’s cause. Hasanarange and Gunaratne are proving to be great prospects as all-rounders and they will have to provide an aggregate of 16-18 overs to the captain.

Zimbabwe

Apart from Tarisai Musakanda coming in to bat at number 3, there were no changes in the batting order in the 3rd ODI and there probably won’t be any in the 4th. Hamilton Mazakadza and Solomon Mire will open the innings followed by Musakanda Craig Ervine, Sean Williams, Sikander Raza and Sean Williams.

Carl Mumba and Tendai Chatara will open the bowling. Sikander Raza has been bowling a lot in the powerplay in recent times and it won’t be surprising if he does it again. Cremer, Waller, Williams and Mire, all rolled their arms in the third ODI, only to get spanked all over the place. It will be interesting to see if he wishes to consolidate his bowling line up with a particular change.

Stats Attack

8 – Sri Lanka have won 8 ODI games (out of 17) at the Hambantota since the stadium’s inception.

4 – Malinga needs four wickets to take over Thisara Perera as the highest wicket taker at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium, Hambantota.