Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka, 2020: 2nd Test – Dream11 Fantasy Cricket Tips – Playing XI, Pitch Report & Injury Update

Match Details

The second Test of the two-match series between Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka will be played at the Harare Sports Club in Harare.

The match starts at 10:00 AM local (08:00 AM GMT) (1.30 PM IST). Live streaming of this match will be available on Fancode.

Match Preview for Dream11 Fantasy

The caravan of the Test series between Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka moves to the second Test as the hosts aim to shrug off the ignominy of the final day of the first Test and build on the good work that they did for the major portion of the game. Zimbabwe racked up 358 in their first innings of the first Test where the likes of Prince Masvaure [55], Kevin Kasuza [63] and Craig Ervine [85] showed great composure and resilience to defy the Sri Lankan bowlers.

But the pressure of battling for time on the final day proved too much for the home side to endure as they were knocked over for just 170 in 92 overs. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, came back really well after they threatened to look flat for the first one and a half days, with former skipper Angelo Mathews posting a gritty double-hundred to lead his side to 9-515 in reply to Zimbabwe’s 358. 

The bowlers led by Suranga Lakmal [4-27] and Lahiru Kumara [3-32] was too much to handle for the home side on the final day as the island nation polished off the requisite 14 runs to take a 1-0 lead in the series; something they would want to emulate in the second Test.

Weather Report

While the forecast for the Test match on the first day is clear, there is a chance of rain with a thunderstorm on each of the next four days in the morning. However, the sun is expected to come out later in the day. We might have a delayed start to play from the second day.

Pitch Condition/Report

The first Test match in Harare saw a great track with a perfect balance between bat and ball. While the batsmen who dug in got substantial scores, both fast bowlers and spinners got just enough purchase from the track to keep them interested. Both the teams will look to bat first after winning the toss 

Injury and Availability News:

Kevin Kasuza suffered a concussion and didn’t bat in the second innings. His availability is still not confirmed yet. Brian Mudzinganyama, who played as a concussion substitute will most likely replace him at the top of the order in the second Test.

Probable Playing XIs

Zimbabwe

Kevin Kasuza/Brian Mudzinganyama, Prince Masvaure, Craig Ervine, Brendan Taylor, Sean Williams (c), Sikandar Raza, Regis Chakabva (wk), Kyle Jarvis, Donald Tiripano, Victor Nyauchi, Ainsley Ndlovu.

Bench – Timycen Maruma, Carl Mumba, Charlton Tshuma, Kevin Kasuza/Brian Mudzinganyama

Sri Lanka

Dimuth Karunaratne (c), Oshada Fernando, Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal, Dhananjaya de Silva, Niroshan Dickwella (wk), Dilruwan Perera, Suranga Lakmal, Lasith Embuldeniya, Lahiru Kumara

Bench – Lakshan Sandakan, Lahiru Thirimanne, Kasun Rajitha, Vishwa Fernando

Top Picks:

Zimbabwe- Prince Masvaure [55] and Craig Ervine [85] played valiant knocks in the first innings but Zimbabwe will hope that one of them converts them into a really big inning in the second Test. All eyes will be on Brendan Taylor, who missed out after having got starts in the first Test. Victor Nyauchi [3-69] and Sikandar Raza [3-62] were the pick of the bowlers in the first Test.

Sri Lanka– Angelo Mathews scored a patient double-hundred in the last game to spearhead Sri Lanka’s batting effort. He, along with Dimuth Karunaratne, Kusal Mendis [80] will be key. Dhananjaya de Silva and Niroshan Dickwella, both of whom scored half-centuries in the last game could prove to be the X-factors. As far as bowling is concerned the pace of Lahiru Kumara and the seam and swing of Suranga Lakmal were too hot to handle for Zimbabwe and the duo will once again be the key in the second Test.

Captain and Vice-Captain Selection:

Captain Options – Sean Ervine, Angelo Matthews, Brendan Taylor

Vice-Captain Options – Dimuth Karunaratne, Sikandar Raza, Suranga Lakmal

Suggested Playing XI No.1 for Fantasy Cricket:

Keeper – Brendon Taylor, Niroshan Dickwella

Batters – Sikandar Raza (VC), Craig Ervine, Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews (C)

All-Rounders – Sean Williams, Dhananjaya de Silva

Bowlers – Donald Tiripano, Lahiru Kumara, Suranga Lakmal

Suggested Playing XI No.2 for Fantasy Cricket:

Keeper – Brendon Taylor (C), Dinesh Chandimal

Batters – Craig Ervine, Dimuth Karunaratne (VC), Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Prince Masvaure

All-Rounders – Dhananjaya de Silva

Bowlers – Suranga Lakmal, Lasith Embuldeniya, Victor Nyauchi

Expert Advice:

Brendon Taylor missed out in the last game after getting to starts. But, he is too good a player to miss out too often. His record in Harare is pretty good too. In 9 games, the former captain has scored 771 runs at an average of 49.07 with three hundreds and as many half-centuries. Picking him as captain/vice-captain can be worth a punt.

Lasith Embuldeniya claimed five wickets in the first innings of the first Test. He can also be a good pick.

Probable Winners:

Sri Lanka are predicted to win this game.

*Disclaimer: This team is based on the understanding, analysis and instinct of the author. While selecting your team, consider the points mentioned and make your own decision.