Zimbabwe (ZIM) and Sri Lanka (SL) are gearing up for the first ODI of their two-match series at the Harare Sports Club in Harare on Friday, August 29. The home team is coming into the series on the back of a disappointing 2-0 Test series defeat at the hands of New Zealand. Before the two-match series against the BlackCaps, they failed to put up a clinical performance in the home three-team T20I series, which included New Zealand and South Africa.Meanwhile, Sri Lanka hosted Bangladesh for a multi-format tour and won the Test and ODI series but lost the T20I leg of the tour. They will look to come in fresh for the new challenge.ZIM vs SL Match Details
Pitch ReportThe surface at Harare Sports Club offers a balanced contest between bat and ball. While fast bowlers are likely to find some assistance in the early overs, especially with the new ball, spinners tend to come into play as the match progresses. Despite the support for bowlers, batters have generally found it easy to score once they settle in.ZIM vs SL Head to Head in ODIs
ZIM vs SL Predicted Playing XIsZimbabwe (ZIM):Brian Bennett, Ben Curran, Craig Ervine (c), Clive Madande (wk), Sikandar Raza, Johnathan Campbell, Sean Williams, Brad Evans, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani, Trevor GwanduSri Lanka (SL):Pathum Nissanka, Nishan Madushka, Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama (wk), Charith Asalanka (c), Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Asitha Fernando, Dushmantha ChameeraProbable Top PerformersProbable Best Batter: Kusal MendisSri Lanka’s Kusal Mendis could be the best batter in the first ODI against Zimbabwe. In the last series against Bangladesh, the right-handed batter smashed 225 runs in three innings at an average of 75.00, and played a big role in the team’s series win. Mendis will be running high on confidence and will look to carry the same momentum forward.Probable Best Bowler: Asitha FernandoSri Lankan pacer Asitha Fernando could be the best bowler in the first ODI against Zimbabwe. With eight wickets from his last three ODIs, the speedster is in great touch, and the visitors will rely on him to provide them with the necessary breakthroughs in the upcoming clash.Today’s Match Prediction: Sri Lanka to win the match
Disclaimer: The prediction is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While making your prediction, consider the points mentioned and make your own decision.
