SL v ZIM, one-off Test Preview: Pride on the stake for Lanka as they lock horns with Zimbabwe

Whilst the Lankan lions remained stagnant, Zimbabwe ran away with the ODI series and clinched one of the most amazing triumphs in their history. Graeme Cremer and his troops came back from 2-1 down in the series to win it 3-2, which happened to be their first series win in Sri Lanka.

The form remains on Zimbabwe’s side but its a different ball game in the white jerseys. This is going to be the first Test match played at R Premadasa Stadium in 4 years, the ground which hosted the India-Sri Lanka game back in 1997 where Sri Lanka registered Test history’s highest team score (952).

Pride is definitely at stake for the Islanders, who have been going through one of the most catastrophic phases in their history. Post the retirement of Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara, nothing has gone their way and the fans are slowly starting to avoid going to the stadiums, which isn’t a great sign.

The last time these two sides met in 2016, Sri Lanka won the match comfortably and it won’t be surprising if this goes in their favour as well. But Zimbabwe’s form of late is a factor that makes this contest all the more intriguing.

Probable playing XI

Sri Lanka

Dimuth Karunaratne, Upul Tharanga, Kusal Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal (C), Asela Gunaratne, Angelo Mathews, Niroshan Dickwella (wk), Dilruwan Perera, Rangana Herath, Suranga Lakmal, Lakshan Sandakan/Lahiru Kumara

Zimbabwe

Regis Chakabva, Hamilton Masakadza, Tarisai Musakanda, Craig Ervine, Sean Williams, Sikandar Raza, Malcolm Waller, Peter Moor (wk), Graeme Cremer (C), Tendai Chatara, Donald Tiripano

Focus will be on

Rangana Herath

The last time these two sides met, Rangana Herath bamboozled the Zimbabweans and there was barely any reciprocation from the batters. When he gets going, his ball does the talking and the rest just keep watching. Sri Lanka are heavily dependent on him this moment would be an understatement.

Hamilton Masakadza

The only player in the Zimbabwe side who has played more than 30 Tests, Mazakadza holds the key in the top order. Facing the Lankan spinners, especially Herath will be very tough considering the Lankans are playing in their backyard and barely any player has faced this music previously. Masakadza’s ability to soak in the pressure and block one end can work wonders for his side.

Playing Combinations

Sri Lanka

Experienced campaigner Upul Tharanga will open alongside Dimuth Karunaratne and Kusal Mendis will be batting at number 3. Dinesh Chandimal, the new skipper will bat at number 4, followed by Gunaratne, Mathews and Dickwella comprising the middle order. Dilruwan Perera is a decent batter as well coming in at number 8.

Rangana Herath will be pivotal to their success and Suranga Lakmal will have to provide good support with the new ball. It will be interesting to see who will make it to the 11 between Lakshan Sandakan and Lahiru Kumara. Perera and Gunaratne will be assisting Herath in the spin department.

Zimbabwe

Chakabva and Masakadza will open the innings, with Tarisai Musakanda taking the coveted number 3 slot. The experienced bunch of Ervine, Williams, Sikander Raza and Malcolm Waller will be taking the responsibility of the middle order alongside wicketkeeper Peter Moore.

New ball bowlers Tendai Chatara and Donald Tiripano will have to provide a good start so that their spinners can consolidate in the coming overs. Waller, Raza and Williams are decent all-rounders and it’ll be interesting to see how skipper Graeme Cremer utilises his resources. The spin department will be led by Cremer, who is very much in need of some good performances with the ball.

Stats Attack

15 – Dinesh Chandimal is set to become the 15th player to captain Sri Lanka.

4 – Zimbabwe have lost their previous 4 Test matches, by huge margins.

12 – Sri Lanka have won 12 Tests out of the 17 played between these sides, with the other five being stalemates.