Your submission has been sent upstairs! Awaiting the third umpire’s call.
Enjoy the game!
Commentary
This match has not started yet, stay tuned for live updates!
It's the same story that has spilled over from the one-dayers for Zimbabwe. They fought hard in the first match of this 3-match T20I rubber and at one stage, looked as though they would pull off an epic defense.
But then, Kamindu Mendis unlocked a different gear to his game, smashing 26 runs off the 18th over sent down by Tinotenda Maposa to shut the door on Zimbabwe and hand the visitors a 1-0 lead in the series. Sri Lanka have certainly not had it easy on this tour but the fact that they have always found a way to win is a reflection of a team growing in character and confidence.
The two games over the weekend are the last games the visitors have to shore up their preparation for the Asia Cup in the UAE that begins next week. With plenty of positive takeaways to work with on both the batting and bowling front, the Lankans embark upon the prospect of a series win on Saturday, which would then open up an opportunity to experiment in the final game on Sunday.
So what were the positives from the opener, besides Kamindu's blitz? Pathum Nissanka set the tone in Sri Lanka's pursuit of 176 with a 32-ball 55, while Dushan Hemantha added the finishing touches with the bat to go with a tidy spell of bowling, lending wings to a side grappling with Wanindu Hasaranga's injury-enforced absence. Dushmantha Chameera returned outstanding figures of 3/30 himself as the leader of the pace attack while Kamindu and Dasun Shanaka shared the fifth bowler's quota of overs admirably well, not conceding too many runs despite not bagging a wicket.
There are some concerns of course, but nothing that Sri Lanka will brood over much. Kusal Mendis endured a scratchy stay in the middle but is a match-winner on most days. Maheesh Theekshana and Nuwan Thushara didn't have the best day themselves but are known to close games out in the powerplay when at their best.
Nuwanidu Fernando, who has earned a recall to the side, was slotted out of position at number 4. His return wasn't one to talk much about but the next two games present him the ideal opportunity to make that spot his own. Skipper Charith Asalanka, meanwhile, continues to hold a major role in the side particularly as far as negating spin in the middle-overs is concerned. Clearly, Sri Lanka don't have a reason to change their combination but this does mean that Matheesha Pathirana may continue to wait for his turn on the bench.
That Zimbabwe put behind a forgettable batting display in the tri-series against South Africa and Zimbabwe in July and posted a competitive 175 was down largely to Brian Bennett's splendid 81. Skipper Sikandar Raza chipped in with a handy cameo of his own and with Sean Williams lending plenty of experience, the Chevrons certainly have the ingredients in their lineup to work with. Surprisingly, Brendan Taylor did not feature in the first game but there is a good chance he could return tomorrow and take the wicket-keeping gloves, forcing Tadiwanashe Marumani out of the side.
Raza and Richard Ngarava were outstanding with the ball with the latter continuing his magnificent form with returns of 2/19. Blessing Muzarabani took a pasting and while Maposa shipped a lot of runs himself, the fact that he was one of the standout performers for Zimbabwe in the tri-series ought to mean that he gets another go in the XI. Should the Chevrons want an additional spinner, Wellington Masakadza is an option they can always turn towards.
The story remains similar ahead of the game - Sri Lanka are expected to wrap up the series as they head into this contest as favorites too. It has been a case of so near yet so far for Zimbabwe but it often takes just one result to turn the tide. This is last-ditch salon as far as staying relevant in the series is concerned and so, if they manage to wrest a win in their favor, they would also take much-needed momentum with them ahead of what would be a decider on Sunday.
Sri Lanka would be out to thwart these ambitions that Zimbabwe will come in with. Imposing themselves on the tour with a dominant performance will only buoy their own prospects ahead of the Asia Cup. With so much on the line for both teams, the weekend promises to be a spectacular affair with two high intensity contests looming!
Zimbabwe Probable XI: Brian Bennett, Brendan Taylor (wk), Sean Williams, Sikandar Raza (c), Ryan Burl, Tony Munyonga, Tashinga Musekiwa, Brad Evans, Tinotenda Maposa, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani
;'/></svg>){kind=small}
Your submission has been sent upstairs!
Video
;'/></svg>)
