Sri Lanka cricket team
SL vs ZIM: Sri Lanka’s first ODI against Zimbabwe at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Saturday, January 6 was abandoned due to rain. Returning to international cricket after a disappointing ICC ODI World Cup 2023 campaign, the new-look Sri Lankan team struggled to make a mark before the match was abandoned by the umpires. Even against a weak team like Zimbabwe, the Sri Lankan team did not look particularly strong, which is a matter of concern for them.
There was no life in batting
Charith Asalanka’s brilliant century was the only positive result for Sri Lanka as they batted first and managed to score 273 runs for nine wickets in 50 overs. Zimbabwe lost opener Tinashe Kamunhukamwe and captain Craig Erwin with just five runs on the scoreboard, but rain saved the visitors in Colombo. The Sri Lankan team showed strength in bowling.
New captain Kusal Mendis won the toss and decided to bat first and batting all-rounder Zenith Liyanage made his debut in this match. But Zimbabwe got off to a good start in the first over with the wicket of Avishka Fernando, who replaced the injured Pathum Nissanka. However, Kusal and Sadira Samarawickrama kept Sri Lanka in the game by adding 63 runs for the second wicket. But the established pair were out after scoring more than 40 runs as Sri Lanka failed to find consistency in the middle overs.
Bowlers impressed
Asalanka kept the scoreboard going at one end, scoring his third ODI century but did not get support from his teammates. Debutant Liyanage scored 24 runs off 34 balls, while players like Dasun Shankana and returnee Sahan Arachige struggled to make an impact. Asalanka was the top scorer with 101 runs on 95 balls, while Maddis was the second highest run scorer with 46 runs. Dilshan Madushanka, who took 21 wickets in just nine innings in the recent World Cup, provided immediate success for Sri Lanka by taking two wickets in the third over, but rain had other plans for the day.
Playing 11 of both teams
Zimbabwe playing eleven: Tinashe Kamunhukamwe, Takudzwanashe Kaitano, Craig Ervin (c), Milton Shumba, Sikandar Raza, Ryan Burl, Clive Madande (wk), Faraz Akram, Richard Ngarwa, Blessing Muzarabani, Tapiwa Mufudza.
Sri Lanka playing eleven: Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis (captain & wk), Sadira Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Zenith Liyanage, Sahan Arachige, Dasun Shanaka, Dushmantha Chameera, Mahish Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Dilshan Madushanka.
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