Zimbabwe v Sri Lanka, 4th ODI Preview: Inspired Zimbabwe look to keep up their good work

After clinching a tie against West Indies, Zimbabwe would want to keep the good work going when they face Sri Lanka in the 4th match of the triangular ODI series in Bulawayo tomorrow. The hosts are at the bottom of the table at the moment with two points from the tie but a win against Sri Lanka will put them in the contest and make the Tri-series a three-way contest as Zimbabwe will make it seven points. West Indies is currently leading with seven points from two matches while Sri Lanka has five points.

West Indies, chasing 258 for their second win, dragged the match till the final ball of the match. But, Donald Tiripano walked in and held his nerve well to help the hosts hold West Indies for a memorable draw. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka lost their second match to West Indies after falling short of the 228 run target by 62 runs. With the loss, Sri Lanka, who had beaten Zimbabwe by eight wickets to win with a bonus point, has come score another big win to reach the top of the points table and stay away from elimination.

Zimbabwe:

Batsmen surely need to pull up their socks. Apart from Craig Ervine and Sikander Raza, no one could make any significant contribution to the scoreboard. Chamu Chibhabha, Brian Chari, and Sean Williams need to make their presence felt if they hope to make it to the final. Bowlers did a commendable job last game, Donald Tiripano and Chris Mpofu seem to be enjoying the nature of the pitch at Queen’s Sports Club and fans would looks to a better performance from the. The Lankan batsmen have shown that they can be fragile in front of quality bowling and the Zimbabwean bowling attack needs to put this fact into good use. Skipper Graeme Cremer’s leg spin will also come handy.

Sri Lanka:

After dominating Zimbabwe in the first match, the top six batsmen faltered against West Indies as Sri Lanka crumbled to 165 all out. It’s the top order that Sri Lanka would be worried about heading into this contest. The inexperienced side has exposed its weaknesses and should probably make sure they put out a dominating performance.

That will not only help them regain their confidence but also knock out the Zimbabwe from the race to the finals. Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, and Upul Tharanga need to be in top form with the bat. The bowling department is well-settled and has better-experienced side. Nuwan Kulasekara and Suranga Lakmal have been consistent in the tournament, giving Sri Lanka a good start with the ball in both matches.

Probable XI:

Zimbabwe:

Brian Chari, Chamu Chibhabha, Craig Ervine, Sikandar Raza, Sean Williams, Elton Chigumbura, Peter Moor (wk), Graeme Cremer (c), Donald Tiripano, Tendai Chisoro, Chris Mpofu

Sri Lanka:

Upul Tharanga (c), Dhananjaya de Silva, Shehan Jayasuriya, Niroshan Dickwella, Kusal Perera (wk), Nuwan Kulasekara, Suranga Lakmal, Nuwan Pradeep, Sachith Pathirana, Kusal Mendis, Asela Gunaratne

Stats:

• The previous game between Zimbabwe and West Indies was only the 34th tie in the 3806 ODIs.