Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe Prediction: First game was washed out

Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe are going head to head in the 2nd Match of One Day Series at R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium, Sri Lanka on 08 Jan 2024. After the first game being washed out the team will have to go again to start the series on a high. Who will win this game of cricket?

Sri Lanka scored a total of 273 runs for nine wickets in the first ODI, but the match was ultimately affected by rain. Charith Asalanka impressed with a century in the middle order, following good performances by Kusal Mendis (46 runs) and Sadeera Samarawickrama (41 runs) at the top. Mendis, who is the team's new captain, played well with the bat as expected. Asalanka, who scored 101 runs off 95 deliveries, will be a player to watch in the upcoming matches. He showcased his ability to perform in challenging conditions in Colombo but was eventually run out. Seamers Dilshan Madushanka and Dushmantha Chameera bowled a couple of overs each before the match was called off. Madushanka, who took two wickets, has been in excellent form since the 2023 Cricket World Cup, where he collected 21 wickets. Both seamers will be looking forward to opening the bowling again in the next match. With the first match being washed out, Sri Lanka will have fewer opportunities to win the series. Their recent ODI record against Zimbabwe, both at home and away, has not been as dominant as expected.

Charith Asalanka, Kusal Mendis (c), Pathum Nissanka, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Dunith Wellalage, Dushmantha Chameera, Wanindu Hasaranga, Avishka Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka, Dasun Shanaka, Mahesh Theekshana.

Zimbabwe's pursuit of a 274-run target in their first ODI was halted by rain, leaving them at a score of 12 for two. In the upcoming match, they will be looking to improve their performance with both bat and ball. It will be interesting to see if Tapiwa Mufudza and Faraz Akram will be given another chance to play in the XI. Mufudza, a spinner, was economical but failed to take any wickets, while Akram was slightly expensive but managed to take two wickets. The emergence of these two players as top talents has been a positive for Zimbabwe. They will face another challenging test in the second ODI. Opener Tinashe Kamunhukamwe and captain Craig Ervine both had disappointing performances, scoring ducks in the previous match. This setback should motivate them to perform better and face the challenge posed by Madushanka and the rest of the Colombo team once again. Despite being away from home and playing in difficult conditions on the sub-continent, Zimbabwe has shown glimpses of potential and can potentially secure a victory on Monday, although the odds are against them.

Ryan Burl, Craig Ervine (c), Clive Madande, Tinashe Kamunhukamwe, Luke Jongwe, Sikandar Raza, Richard Ngarava, Milton Shumba, Blessing Muzarabani, Wellington Masakadza, Tony Monyunga.

In the first ODI of the series, Sri Lanka emerged as the winner of the toss and elected to bat first. Historical data suggests that in the last seven completed ODIs at this venue, the majority of teams that won the toss and chose to bat first have also won the match. It is likely that the team winning the toss in this match will also choose to bat first.

The R Premadasa Stadium has witnessed first-innings totals of 273, 265, and 50 in the last three ODIs. However, the 50 all out by Sri Lanka against India in 2023 was an unusual occurrence. Generally, a first-innings total of 270 or more can be considered competitive at this venue. Considering the turning conditions, both teams are expected to field two specialist spinners. Additionally, there is a high probability of wet weather on matchday and the day before, indicating the possibility of a rain-affected match.

Sri Lanka appears to be in a favorable position to win this match, especially after exposing Zimbabwe's fragile top order in the first ODI. Zimbabwe's bowling depth is also questionable. Therefore, it is recommended to place a bet on Sri Lanka.