SL vs ZIM 1st ODI Match Prediction & Betting Tips
Zimbabwe’s tour of Sri Lanka begins with a three-match ODI series and the opening game gets underway in Colombo on Saturday afternoon. This will be Sri Lanka’s first match since they were knocked out of the 2023 Cricket World Cup. For Zimbabwe, they recently lost an ODI series 2-0 at home against Ireland. Read on as we preview this game. The match begins at the R Premadasa Stadium at 14:30 local time.
Sri Lanka had a disappointing 2023 Cricket World Cup and finished in ninth place, only avoiding the bottom spot on net-run-rate. However, their lowly position was a surprise as they had had a strong 2023 in ODIs and reached the final of the Asia Cup earlier in the Autumn. They will be very confident of beating a weak Zimbabwe in Colombo.
Zimbabwe come into this series with a new coach and a new captain but without enough world class players to make a real impact against the top level sides. They will certainly be comptetitive at times but a lack of top order runs could make it a hard afternoon and evening in Colombo.
Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe 1st ODI Match Live Streaming
TV channels: You can watch this match on Sony Sports Ten 5.
Live Streaming: The fixture will be live-streamed on SonyLiv and FanCode.
SL vs ZIM Match Toss Prediction
Five of the last seven ODIs at the R Premadasa Stadium have been won by the team batting first. Therefore, we predict that both captains will want to bat first ahead of this ODI.
SL vs ZIM Pitch Report
As ever, there will be some turn for the spinners in Colombo and the pace bowlers will also get some movement from the pitch. A par score will be under 300.
Colombo Weather Report
We can expect cloudy conditions throughout the afternoon and evening on Saturday. Humidity will be high and there will be a constant threat of rain and thunderstorms.
Read on for team previews, betting tips, latest odds, and match prediction for Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe 1st ODI 2024
Sri Lanka Team News & Playing 11
SL Team News
Kusal Mendis will captain the side for the first time since being appointed as the full-time ODI skipper at the end of last month. In his first squad, he will be joined by Avishka Fernando, Jeffrey Vandersay and Akila Dananjaya who were not part of the group in the 2023 Cricket World Cup.
SL Key Players
- Pathum Nissanka- the 25 year old top order batter will be playing in his 50th ODI and he has enjoyed a successful run in this format where he averages 38.40.
- Kusal Mendis- the newly installed captain has hit over 3500 ODI runs and will be looking to add to his tally of three centuries in this format in this game.
- Dushmantha Chameera- the pace bowler has played over 100 internationals and has best bowling figures of 5/16 from his 47 ODI innings.
- Dilashan Madushanka- the 23 year old left-arm fast medium bowler was one of very few positives at the 2023 Cricket World Cup for Sri Lanka.
SL Team Form
Sri Lanka come into this match looking to end a run of four successive defeats in ODI cricket.
Sri Lanka Predicted Playing 11
Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis (c) (wk), Charith Asalanka, Dasun Shanaka, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Dushmantha Chameera, Dunith Wellalage, Dilshan Madushanka
Zimbabwe Team News & Playing 11
ZIM Team News
After missing the recent home series against Ireland, Craig Ervine is back and ready to captain Zimbabwe in this series. The team will also have a new coach in Walter Chawaguta who is in temporary charge. Sean Williams is unavailable after sustaining a side injury against Ireland.
ZIM Key Players
- Ryan Burl- the middle order batter also bowls useful leg-spin but his batting has been very consistent for Zimbabwe over the last couple of years and he hit 83 only three ODIs ago.
- Craig Ervine- the skipper has hit over 3200 ODI runs and will be looking to bring up his fifth century in this format in this match.
- Sikandar Raza- the all-rounder comes into this game with 85 ODI wickets and a top score of 141 in this format. He is a match-winner with both bat and ball.
- Richard Ngarava- the 26 year old left-arm fast medium bowler is two wickets from bringing up 50 dismissals in ODIs with best figures of 4/43.
ZIM Team Form
Zimbabwe have lost four of their last five ODIs and have not won a game in this format since June 2023.
Zimbabwe Predicted Playing 11
Milton Shumba, Tinashe Kamunhukamwe, Sikandar Raza, Ryan Burl, Craig Ervine (c), Joylord Gumbie (wk), Luke Jongwe, Faraz Akram, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava, Wellington Masakadza
Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe Head to Head
Sri Lanka have won four of the last five matches between the sides but Zimbabwe have won four of the last eight! Overall, it is Sri Lanka who have a healthy 47-12 lead in ODI head to heads.
SL vs ZIM Head to Head Stats in Tests
| |
Matches Played |
SL Won |
ZIM Won |
Tie |
NR |
| Overall |
61 |
47 |
12 |
0 |
2 |
| Last 5 |
5 |
4 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe Betting Odds
The bookies have Sri Lanka as the favourites ahead of this opening game of the series. Sri Lanka can be backed at 1.28 with Zimbabwe at 3.60 to go 1-0 up.
Who will win Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe 1st ODI Match?
Zimbabwe certainly have a top player in Sikandar Raza and their pace bowling attack is also dangerous. However, Sri Lanka, particularly in home conditions, have more depth and quality across their team.
🏆 Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe Prediction
Both teams had disappointing ends to 2023 in this format but will be optimistic of a better year ahead. Sri Lanka have always been a very strong side at home across all formats and they generally are able to play the spinning ball far better than visiting sides from different continents. Zimbabwe are relying heavily on a couple of key players and we expect Sri Lanka to win this match.
Sri Lanka to beat Zimbabwe in the 1st ODI match
Jan 06, 2024
14:30 IST / 9:00 GMT
R. Premadasa Stadium - Colombo, Sri Lanka
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