SL v ZIM, Tri-series, 4th ODI Preview: Sri Lanka will look to earn lost hope in must-win encounter

Sri Lanka have lost both the matches thus far and the team will be under extreme pressure to deliver.

Published - 21 Jan 2018, 00:20 IST | Updated - 21 Jan 2018, 00:20 IST

2 Min Read

The ongoing tri-series in Bangladesh, involving Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka has started with below par performance from the Islanders as they have suffered two humiliating losses against Zimbabwe and the hosts. Going into their third game at Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium, Dhaka, which is scheduled to be held on 21 January (Sunday) expects to involve the lost firepower and put an end to their sorry tale.

The wicket is expected to be a typical dry Bangladeshi wicket which assists spinners and be a decent wicket for the batsmen, which suggests Sri Lanka’s barren run in last year and a half, could come at a halt. On the other hand, Zimbabwe won their last encounter against the same team and their confidence seems to be at a higher echelon. After a crushing loss at the hands of Bangladesh the other night, the Sri Lankan team had only two days of recovery time, which would definitely be more of mental restoration than physical.

It is a do or die game for Sri Lanka because if they lose here, they’re out of the reckoning for the final.

Playing Combination

Sri Lanka

In the last encounter against the same team, their pace bowling duo Suranga Lakmal and Nuwan Pradeep went for 121 runs in their quota of 20 overs. It will be interesting to see whether they tinker with their bowling attack or trust the experienced campaigners. To add to their morose, the reappointed skipper Angelo Mathews suffered yet another hamstring injury and will not be participating in the remainder of the series.

On the other hand, Sri Lanka will look to trust their openers and give them an extended run. Also, if reports are to be believed, Lakshan Sandakan could come into the equation as Wanidu Hasaranga hasn’t picked up a wicket so far in the tri-series.

Probable XI: Kusal Perera, Upal Tharanga, Kusal Mendis, Niroshan Dickwella (wk), Dinesh Chandimal (C), Asela Gunaratne, Thisara Perera, Lakshan Sandakan, Akila Dananjaya, Suranga Lakmal, Nuwan Pradeep.

Zimbabwe

The Zimbabwean team, having won the last game is expected to go with same playing XI. Hamilton Masakadza and Solomon Mire will in all likelihood start the proceeding. This pair will be followed by swashbuckler Craig Ervine and the most reliable Brendan Taylor. The star of the last match Sikandar Raza is expected to take the responsibility in the middle order, followed by Malcolm Waller and captain Graeme Cremer.

Their bowling department will again have the crucial task to get those important breakthroughs eary and help the side to get edge closer to a berth in the final of the series.

Probable XI: Hamilton Masakadza, Solomon Mire, Craig Ervine, Brendan Taylor (wk) , Sikandar Raza, Peter Moor, Malcolm Waller, Graeme Cremer (C), Blessing Muzarabani, Tendai Chatara, Kyle Jarvis.

Head to Head Record

Total matches- 56 | Sri Lanka won 43 | Zimbabwe won 11

Focus will be on-

Dinesh Chandimal

The right-handed batsman can not only ignite hope in the Sri Lankan camp but can also earth his spot in the limited-overs set-up. He has currently also taken up the additional charge of captaincy in the absence of Mathews. Giving away his wicket being run out on 28 would definitely be on his mind and would want to convert the start into something substantial for the team.

Blessing Muzarabani

Muzarbani’s new ball burst has pegged back the Sri Lankan’s on a number of occasions. The right-arm medium-fast bowler uses his tall frame to good effect extracting bounce even on docile tracks. Line and length being his forte, though inexperienced Muzarbani will be looking to lead the bowling attack from the front and rattle the Sri Lankan batting order.