ZIM vs SL Mahadev Book Match Prediction & Analysis
Harare will play host to the first of two ODIs on Friday with the second and final game of the series to come on Sunday.
Although neither Zimbabwe or Sri Lanka are considered to be two of the top nations in ODI cricket at the moment, both have match-winners and very entertaining players to call upon.
Craig Ervine will captain the side and is likely to bat in the middle order alongside other experienced oplayers like Sikandar Rza and Sean Williams.
As ever, the key for Zimbabwe will be scoring runs at a good enough rate.
For Sri Lanka, they are always happier at home but should be strong enough to go 1-0 up in this series.
TEAMS PREVIEW Mahadev Book
Zimbabwe Preview
This is a Zimbabwe side which enjoys playing at home in Harare and will fancy their chances of taking a 1-0 lead ahead of the second game of the series on Sunday.
The top order and middle order look strong for the hosts who also have plenty of options with the new-ball. Sikandar Raza and Sean Williams will provide the spin bowling options but apart from that they look a little low in terms of depth.
Brian Bennett has taken very well to international cricket and alongside, captain Craig Ervine, Ben Curran and Sean Williams, are likely to be the main run-scorers for the hosts.
With the ball, look out for Blessing Muzarabani and Richard Ngarava bowling with hostility when the ball and they are fresh.
Zimbabwe Predicted Playing XI:
Clive Madande (wk), Ben Curran, Brian Bennett, Craig Ervine (c), Sean Williams, Brendan Taylor, Sinkandar Raza, Tony Munyonga, Jonathan Campbell, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava
Zimbabwe Actual Playing XI:
Ben Curran, BRM Taylor, Brian Bennett, Brad Evans, Wesley Madhevere, Tony Munyonga, Sikandar Raza, Sean Williams, Trevor Gwandu, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava
Sri Lanka Preview
Sri Lanka have long been a talented white ball side and this current generation of players could well take them to glory in ICC events over the coming years and decade.
At the top of the order, Pathum Nissanka is a brilliant player across all formats but often saves his best for ODIs where he is able to begin patiently before going big once he is established.
Alongside Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Charith Asalanka and Sadeera Samarawickrama are key players in the batting unit.With the ball, Sri Lanka continue to have a wealth of spin bowling options with Maheesh Theekshana and Jeffrey Vandersay leading the charge,
Dushmantha Chameera and Asitha Fernando will be the pace dangermen!
Kusal Mendis has had a really good year so far, scoring 403 runs in eight matches, averaging 50.37 and smashing two hundreds. Against Zimbabwe, he has scored 443 runs in 17 matches, averaging 36.91. Given his current form and record against Zimbabwe, we back Kusal Mendis to score over 31 runs in today’s first ODI match at Harare.
Sri Lanka Predicted Playing XI:
Pathum Nissanka, Pavan Rathnayake, Kusal Mendis. Sadeera Samarawickrama (wk), Charith Asalanka (c), Dunith Wellalage, Jeffrey Vandersay, Maheesh Theekshana, Dilshan Madushanka, Asitha Fernando, Dushmantha Chameera
Sri Lanka Actual Playing XI:
Pathum Nissanka, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Charith Asalanka, Nishan Madushka, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Kusal Mendis, Maheesh Theekshana, Dilshan Madushanka, Dushmantha Chameera, Asitha Fernando
Weather Conditions Mahadev Book
It is going to be a very warm day in Harare with spectators and players requiring plenty of hydration throughout the match. Expect the temperature to peak at 27 degrees.
ZIM vs SL Pitch Report Mahadev Book
Harare Sports Club, Harare Pitch Report
Pitch Condition Balanced
Batting Conditions Moderate Scoring
Pace Bowling Pace Bounce
Spin Bowling averages turn
This is a good batting wicket with the pace bowlers needing to make the most of the new ball or having excellent variations. A par score will be approaching 350 in the first innings.
Toss: To Bowl
The pitch in Harare is usually dry as a bone and if anything slows down as the match continues. We expect both captains will want to bat first if they win the toss.
