Tri-series 2018, SL vs ZIM, 4th ODI – Result Predictions

Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe will lock horns for the second time on super Sunday in the ongoing tri-nation series in Bangladesh. While the team from island nation will play to stay alive in the tournament, Graeme Cremer led side would look to seal their place in the final by yet another victory over their favourite opponents. They would be immensely confident after beating them thrice in last three matches and another win on Sunday would be the final nail in the coffin over Sri Lanka’s existence in this series.

Sri Lanka, however, will be once again without Angelo Mathews and were annihilated by Bangladesh the other day. The team is still looking unsettled and has failed to come out of the rut which began in 2017. They will have to pull up their socks as it is time to showcase some teamwork against the more disciplined Zimbabwe. Dinesh Chandimal has to lead from the front and bat up the order. He needs to soak all the pressure and make it easy for the next batsmen.

Zimbabwe played out of their skins in the first face-off against Sri Lanka and prevailed in the thriller. They are high on confidence and have come back well after losing badly to the home side in the opening game of the series. Though they have to concentrate on a more clinical performance in the middle and should not drop catches.

Here is what CricTracker predicts for the game:

Scenario 1: Sri Lanka wins the toss

Toss Prediction: Sri Lanka will choose to bat first

First innings score prediction: 290-300

Result prediction: Sri Lanka will win the match by 15-20 runs

Scenario 2: Zimbabwe wins the toss

Toss Prediction: Zimbabwe will choose to bat first

First innings score prediction: 250-260

Result prediction: Sri Lanka will win the match by 3 wickets

Expected Top Performer:

Batsman: Kusal Perera

Bowler: Graeme Cremer

Pitch Report

The surface at Shere Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka has produced some riveting encounters so far. It will be another high-scoring game and the teams will look to bat first after winning the toss as the ball is expected to turn in the evening. Also, the team chasing has lost which will also play in the minds of both the sides. Dew also will play its part under the lights.

Head to Head Record

Overall: Total Matches – 56, Zimbabwe Won – 11, Sri Lanka Won – 43, No Result  – 2

Playing Combination

Sri Lanka

Upul Tharanga failed to contribute at the top in both the matches which Sri Lanka lost. Danushka Gunathilaka might be given a nod ahead of him in the must-win encounter. Even Kusal Mendis has struggled at number 3 but is expected to retain his place. The bowling attack has lacked the bite and leaked the runs in the series so far. They need some discipline with the ball and the team from island might well unleash the debutant Shehan Madhushanka.

Probable XI: Kusal Perera, Danushka Gunathilaka, Kusal Mendis, Niroshan Dickwella(w), Dinesh Chandimal(c), Asela Gunaratne, Thisara Perera, Lakshan Sandakan, Akila Dananjaya, Suranga Lakmal, Shehan Madushanka

Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe is well balanced and wouldn’t want to change the winning combination. The openers scored heavily upfront in their last game after which Brendan Taylor played a good hand for Sikandar Raza to come out and play until the end. His impact as an all-rounder has been brilliant so far for the team and would want to continue in the same vein. Only Craig Ervine has struggled in this series so far and has to perform at the top on Sunday. The bowlers too led by Tendai Chatara have done decently so far.

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

Broadcast Details

TV: Star Sports

Online: Hotstar

The prediction is for Sri Lanka to win the close match and stay alive in the tournament.

Do let us know your predictions in the comments section below: