Sri Lanka will host Zimbabwe in the second ODI of the three-match series at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, on 18 January. The hosts won the first game by five wickets after chasing 297 in 48.3 overs.
Zimbabwe lost the first ODI despite putting up a fine show with bat. The top order did their job, but they missed cameos from Wesley Madhevere or Ryan Burl in the death overs. Debutant Takudzwanashe Kaitano scored 42 and forged a crucial 80-run stand with Regis Chakabva. Sean Williams registered his fifth ODI century to lift them to 296, a total that was eventually about thirty runs too few.
On the bowling front, Blessing Muzarabani and Richard Ngarava hold the key. In the first ODI, they used as many as eight bowlers to bowl 48.3 overs, and Tendai Chatara and Ngarava could not complete their quotas.
Sri Lanka, on the other hand, are missing several of their key players, but are still favourites to take an unassailable 2-0 lead. Chamika Gunasekara did not have much to do on his debut, while Jeffrey Vandersay was a bit expensive on comeback, though he picked two wickets.
Charith Asalanka continued his fine form, scoring a 68-ball 75 after Dinesh Chandimal and Pathum Nissanka set up the foundation with their brilliant fifties.
Likely XIs
Sri Lanka: Kusal Mendis (wk), Pathum Nissanka, Charith Asalanka, Dinesh Chandimal, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka (c), Chamika Karunaratne, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Chamika Gunasekara, Nuwan Pradeep
Zimbabwe: Takudzwanashe Kaitano, Regis Chakabva (wk), Craig Ervine (c), Wesley Madhevere, Sean Williams, Sikandar Raza, Ryan Burl, Wellington Masakadza, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava, Tendai Chatara
Betway Fantasy Tips
- From Sri Lanka, Charith Asalanka and Pathum Nissanka are must-haves for your side.
- Among bowlers, Richard Ngarava and Maheesh Theekshana are good choices.
- Make Charith Asalanka as captain.
Fantasy XI:
Dasun Shanaka, Craig Ervine, Regis Chakabva, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Charith Asalanka (c), Sean Williams (vc), Sikandar Raza, Blessing Muzarabani, Maheesh Theekshana, Charith Asalanka.