SL vs ZIM: Match Preview, Zimbabwe Tour of Sri Lanka 2022, 2nd ODI

Despite conceding 296 runs in the first innings, Sri Lankan batsmen exhibited master-class batting to chase down the score inside 49 overs to win the first ODI against Zimbabwe on Sunday.

The second ODI of the three-match series is scheduled to be played on Tuesday at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. Here’s a look at how both the teams shape up ahead of the much-anticipated game.

SL vs ZIM: Match Preview, Zimbabwe Tour of Sri Lanka 2022, 2nd ODI

Sri Lanka:

Sri Lanka are coming into this game on the back of a 5-wicket win in the first ODI against Zimbabwe. They would be brimming with confidence at the moment.

Having said that, Sri Lanka’s bowling unit wouldn’t be too satisfied with their performance. They conceded as many as 296 runs in the first innings. Lead spinner, Maheesh Theekshana couldn’t pick a single wicket during his spell of 10 overs but conceded only 40 runs.

Given there wasn’t much help for spinners on the surface, Sri Lankan seamers, N Pradeep (2 for 54) and C Karunaratne (3 for 69) picked five wickets between them. Sri Lanka are expected to make one change in the bowling department. Praveen Jayawickrama is likely to be included in the playing XI in place of Chamika Gunasekara for the second ODI.

Sri Lanka’s batting unit, on the other hand, would be proud of the way they performed in the last game. The likes of Pathum Nissanka (75 off 71), Kusal Mendis (26 off 24), Dinesh Chandimal (75 off 91), and Charith Asalanka (71 off 68) made valuable contributions with the bat. Sri Lanka might bring in Minod Bhanuka in place of Kamindu Mendis but chances of that happening are less likely.

Zimbabwe:

Zimbabwe would be disappointing to not have won the first ODI despite scoring a formidable score on the board. Riding on impressive knocks from Takudzwanashe Kaitano (42 off 50), Chakabva (72 off 81) and Sean Williams (100 off 87), Zimbabwe managed to score 296 runs on the board.

The likes of Craig Ervine and Raza, however, endured low scores and would be looking to bounce back strongly. What needs a lot of room for improvement, though, is their bowling.

The bowling unit was guilty of bowling a lot of bad deliveries and not applying pressure for long periods in the game. Sri Lanka, in reply, chased down the score in 48.3 overs.

Richard Ngarava was the pick of the bowlers for his 3 for 56. However, the other bowlers in the bowling unit failed to hit the straps. Blessing Muzarabani picked only 1 wicket for 58 runs in his 9.3 overs.

The likes of Tendai Chetara, Wellington Masakadza also failed to hit the straps. Nevertheless, Zimbabwe isn’t expected to make any change and come up with the same playing XI in the second ODI.