SL vs Zim T20I : Who Holds the Edge in this Tri Nation Series Encounter

The second match of T20I Tri Nation series  SL vs Zim at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Sri Lanka will look to start their campaigns with high of confidence while Zimbabwe will be eager to bounce back after defeat against Pakistan in close encounter.

Sri Lanka enters this T20 assignment under a cloud of late changes, making this a true test of their contingent strength. With regular T20I skipper Charith Asalanka and pacer Asitha Fernando returning home due to illness, while Pavan Rathnayake has been added to the T20I squad as a replacement. Dashun Shanaka will lead the side absence of Charith Asalanka.

Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis, who must give Sri Lanka a steady Start, Kamil Mishara, Kusal pareera and Janith Liyange played crucial part in the absence of Skipper in middle order, Kamindu Mendis, Dashun Shanaka and Wanindu Hasaranga bring depth in batting lineup with their all round ability.while Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera and Nuwan Tushara provide bowling options.

On the other hand Zimbabwe enter in this game defeat opening clash against Pakistan Zimbabwe started strongly, reaching 59/0 in the Powerplay and 88/1 in 10 overs. Opener Brian Bennett was excellent, top-scoring with 49 off 36 balls. However, the middle order collapsed from 94/3 to 128/8. Captain Sikandar Raza provided a late flourish with an unbeaten 34 off 24 balls, helping them post 147/8. The bowlers fought hard, reducing Pakistan to 30/3 inside the Powerplay. Brad Evans was the pick of the bowlers 2/26 They took the match into the final over, but ultimately could not defend the total.

SL vs Zim Head to Head Records in last 10 T20i

Total matches played: 10

Sri Lanka won: 8

Zimbabwe won: 2

No Results: 0

Pitch Report

Rawalpindi usually provides a good batting pitch with reliable bounce. Batters can play their shots freely, especially in the first half of the match. But the pitch can also become a bit slow and dry as the game progresses, helping spinners and slower bowlers.under lights dew could play a major role. The wet ball makes it hard for bowlers to grip and for spinners to turn the ball.Historically, teams chasing at Rawalpindi have had better success, so the captain winning the toss is likely to field first. While 180-190 could be competitive total.

Probable playing XIs

Sri Lanka

Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kamil Mishara, Kusal pareera, Janith Liyange, Kamindu Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dashun Shanaka,Maheesh Theekshana, Nuwan Tushara, Dushmantha Chameera

Zimbabwe

Brian Bennett, Tadiwanshe Murumani, Brendon Taylor (wk), Sikandar Raza(c), Ryan Brul, Tony Munyonga, Tashinga Musekiwa, Wellington Masakadza , Richard Nagarva, Brad Evans, Tinotenda Maposa

Players to watch out

Pathum Nissanka

Kamindu Mendis

Wanindu Hasaranga

Sikandar Raza

Brian Bennett

Richard Nagarva

Prediction

Sri Lanka are slightly favourites with more experience and with batting depth and quality bowling attack while if Zimbabwe batting lineup clicks and put competitive total then it could be close contest.