Confident Sri Lanka looks to clinch series against Zimbabwe today

A big innings is expected from Kusal Mendis

By Shamseer Jaleel reporting from Kandy

The confident Sri Lankan outfit under Dasun Shanaka will go in as firm favourites not only to pull off the second one but also to seal the series in their favour. The second one-day in the series will take place today at the Pallekelle International Cricket Stadium (PICS), commencing at 2:30 pm.

The series is part of the World Cup Super league (WCSL). The WCSL is taking place from July 2020 to March 2023 and serves as part of the 2023 Cricket World Cup (50-over game) qualification process.

Chamika Gunasekera, who made his debut in the first One day International and could bowl only one over as he was taken out due to hamstring injury, is a doubtful starter for this encounter. He was taken for a few scans yesterday and is very unlikely to play in the second ODI today. 

Dushmantha Chameera, if fit, is likely to take his position in the playing 11. Rest of the side is likely to remain the same. Kusal Mendis, who came out from suspension will be all out to make a mark of himself with a big score in today’s game after having a very good start and losing out his wicket for only 26 runs in the first encounter.

Zimbabwe will heavily depend on their batting led by Sean Williams, who stroked a brilliant century though ending on the losing side. Their skipper, Craig Ervine, after missing out on scoring heavily, will be eyeing for a big knock in the deciding encounter of the series today. 

Both Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka used eight bowlers in their 50 overs where the bowlers were at the receiving end. This time as well, a batting-friendly wicket is expected and a score of well over 250 is expected. Meanwhile, Zimbabwe Head Coach Lalchand Rajput, who tested positive on his arrival at the Bandaranaike International Airport, was sent into isolation and hotel quarantine in Mount Lavinia. Several PCR tests were conducted, and he is expected to join the team in Kandy today which will be a major boost for the team.

This time around, the three matches has been opened out for the public, with 50% crowd or 10,000 spectators will be permitted to enter the ground. They should be vaccinated with both doses, which is mandatory, plus must complete 14 days from the second dose. They should carry the card or on digital format to gain entrance. 

Kumar Dharmasena will stand along Raveendra Wimalasiri as the on-field umpires. Wimalasiri will replace Lyndon Hanibal.

 Sri Lanka: Dasun Shanaka (Capt.), Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, Dinesh Chandimal, Charith Asalanka, Chamika Karunaratne, Kamindu Mendis, Maheesh Theekshana, Ramesh Mendis, Praveen Jayawickrama, Dushmantha Chameera, Nuwan Pradeep, Jeffrey Vandersay, Nuwan Thushara, Chamika Gunasekera, and Shiran Fernando.

 Zimbabwe: Craig Ervine (Capt.), Ryan Burl, Regis Chakabva, Tendai Chatara, Luke Jongwe, Takudzwanashe Kaitano, Clive Madande, Wesly Madhevere, Wellington Masakadza, Tinotenda Mutombodzi, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava, Sikandar Raza, Milton Shumba, and Sean Williams.

Umpires: Kumara Dharmasena and Raveendra Wimalasiri. 

Match Referee: Ranjan Madugalle.

Sri Lanka draw first blood against Zimbabwe