SL vs ZIM: Match Preview, Zimbabwe Tour of Sri Lanka 2022, 3rd ODI 

Both Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka have won one match each in the three-match ODI series. Sri Lanka won the first game by 5 wickets to take a 1-0 lead but Zimbabwe then bounced back and beat the hosts by 22 runs in the second one-day international. 

The third and the final ODI is slated to be played on Friday at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. Here’s a look at how the two teams shape up ahead of the series decider

SL vs ZIM: Match Preview, Zimbabwe Tour of Sri Lanka 2022, 3rd ODI 

Sri Lanka: 

Twice in two matches, Sri Lanka have allowed Zimbabwe to put on formidable scores on the board. The pitch has little help for the bowlers but, it is also true that the bowlers haven’t been able to create pressure by bowling at good lengths consistently. 

Jeffrey Vandersay has been the only bowler who had looked threatening. He has 5 wickets to his name in 2 matches at 19.00. However, the other bowlers too need to step up to the plate and create more pressure on the opposition. Mystery spinner Maheesh Theekshana has picked only 1 wicket in 2 matches. Sri Lanka would want him to perform well in the last game.

The batting unit, however, has fared quite well. All the players, namely Nissanka, Chandimal, Asalanka, Shanaka, and Mendis are amongst the runs and this is a positive sign for the team. Dasun Shanaka scored a century in the last game, while Chandimal and Asalanka played match-defining knocks in the first ODI. 

The openers didn’t get the team off to a great start in the last game. Given that the bowling unit hasn’t been performing too well, the openers ought to give the team a good start with the bat on Friday. 

Zimbabwe: 

Zimbabwe have exhibited brilliant performances in both the matches in the series. They have contributed to all departments of the game. Zimbabwe posted 296 runs in the first ODI but lost that game by 5 wickets. They made a mammoth 302 in the second match and also won that game by 22 runs.

All the batsmen in the top five are in great form and it should keep the team in good stead. The openers have given a 50-run stand in both games. Craig Ervine scored a brilliant 91-run knock in the last game, while Sean Williams scored a century in the first ODI and followed it with a 56-ball 48 in the second game. Besides, Sikandar Raza has a half-century to his name as well. Given the kind of form their batsmen are in, one can expect them to post another formidable score on the board.  

The bowlers, though, need to show a bit more discipline if they want to win the series on Friday. They couldn’t pick wickets in regular intervals and let Sri Lanka stitch a big partnership in the first ODI. But, they didn’t let that happen in the second ODI. Zimbabwe picked crucial wickets and deny Sri Lanka of taking the game away from them. 

Both Chatara and Blessing Muzarabani picked three wickets each in the last game and, once again, the onus will be on them to pick the bulk of wickets for the team.