Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe, WI vs IRE, Today Match Prediction 16 January 2022

sl vs zim Match Prediction & Analysis

Host Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe will lock horns in the opening game of the three-match ODI series at Pallekele International Stadium in Pallekele on Sunday.

Dinesh Chandimal, Jeffery Vandersay and Kamindu Mendis return to the Sri Lanka squad for the three-match series. Skipper Dasun Shanaka will be hoping that the side can produce a clinical performance in this opening encounter.

On the other hand, Zimbabwe managed to draw the three ODI series in Ireland and will be keen to put on a good show against Sri Lanka. Craig Ervine will captain the side for the one-day series, while Sikandar Raza and Ryan Burl are expected to be included in the final XI for this game.

TEAMS PREVIEW

Sri Lanka Preview

The home side will be expected to select their strongest combination for this game.

In the batting department, the onus will be likes of Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Captain Dasun Shanaka, Charith Asalanka and Minod Bhanuka to deliver the bulk of the runs.

Since January 2021, Charith Asalanka has been standout performer with the bat and accumulated 356 runs at an excellent average of 40.75 with three fifties to his name.

In the bowling department, the onus will be on the likes of Dushmantha Chameera, Chamika Karunratne, Maheesh Theekshana and Ramesh Mendis to provide crucial breakthroughs.

Sri Lanka Predicted Playing XI:

Dasun Shanaka (captain), Minod Bhanuka (wk), Dinesh Chandimal, Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, Charith Asalanka, Chamika Karunaratne, Mahesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Ramesh Mendis, Kamindu Mendis.

Sri Lanka Actual Playing XI:

Kamindu Mendis, Maheesh Theekshana, Pathum Nissanka, Nuwan Pradeep, Dasun Shanaka, Charith Asalanka, Kusal Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal, Chamika Gunasekara, Jeffrey Vandersay, Chamika Karunaratne

Zimbabwe Preview

The visitors will be looking to make adjustments to the conditions and deliver a decent show in this series opener at Pallekele

In the batting department, the side will be on opener Regis Chakabva, Wesley Madhevere, Captain Craig Ervine, Sean Williams, all-rounders Sikandar Raza and Ryan Burl to do the bulk of the scoring.

Since January 2021, wicket-keeper opening batsman Regis Chakabva has shown excellent form in the ODIs this season. In six matches played, Chakabva accumulated 171 runs at an average of 34.20 with two fifties to his name.

In the bowling department, the side will be relying on the pace trio of Luke Jongwe, Blessing Muzarabani and Richard Ngarava to deliver timely breakthroughs.

Wesley Madhevere and  Tendai Chatara are other bowling options for Zimbabwe.

Zimbabwe Predicted Playing XI:

Craig Ervine (Captain), Wesley Madhevere, Regis Chakabva, Sean Williams, Milton Shumba, Sikandar Raza, Luke Jongwe, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava, Ryan Burl, Tendai Chatara.

Zimbabwe Actual Playing XI:

Richard Ngarava, Takudzwanashe Kaitano, Wellington Masakadza, Sikandar Raza, Regis Chakabva, Blessing Muzarabani, Ryan Burl, Craig Ervine, Wesley Madhevere, Tendai Chatara, Sean Williams

PITCH AND WEATHER CONDITIONS

Weather Conditions

The wicket prepared for the game will be excellent for batting with little favor for the bowlers. The weather conditions for Wednesday’s game will be thundery showers throughout the course of the game.

Venue Details

Pallekele International Stadium in Pallekele will host the opening game of the one-day series between Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe

Since September 2016, Sri Lanka have lost six matches out of eight played at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium.

Toss: To Bowl

Due to rain expected during the game, both the teams will be keen to win the toss and bowl first on this surface. The average first innings score in limited-overs matches played at Pallekele is around 248 runs.