SL vs ZIM Dream11 Prediction: 1st ODI Match of Zimbabwe tour of Sri Lanka, 2024 Playing 11, Pitch Report, Fantasy Cricket Tips for Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe Dream11 Team

The first ODI between Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe will be played at R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Saturday.

Let’s take a look at our fantasy preview for this game.

Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe, 1st ODI of Zimbabwe tour of Sri Lanka 2024
06th January, 02:30 PM IST
R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo, Sri Lanka

Table of Contents

SL vs ZIM Preview

Sri Lanka comes into the series amid high expectations after facing turmoil with their board and a poor showing in the World Cup 2023. Kusal Mendis will lead the side, and they also welcome the return of Akila Dananjaya, who adds some much-needed firepower to the bowling front. Although they will start as clear favorites, Zimbabwe cannot be taken lightly. Zimbabwe has a strong batting attack with the likes of Craig Ervine, Sikandar Raza, and Ryan Burl capable of exploiting the Sri Lankan conditions effectively, holding them in good stead.

Form Guide

SL: L-L-L-L-W
ZIM: L-L-NR-L-L

R. Premadasa Stadium Pitch Report

The pitch at R. Premadasa Stadium is balanced, with the average first-innings score in the last five matches being 227. Pacers will be crucial, having taken 23 wickets in the last three matches, while spinners will play a key role later in the game. Batting first would be the preferred option, with the pitch likely to slow down as the match progresses.

SL Playing 11

1. Pathum Nissanka
2. Avishka Fernando
3. Kusal Mendis (c & wk)
4. Sadeera Samarawickrama
5. Charith Asalanka
6. Dasun Shanaka
7. Wanindu Hasaranga
8. Maheesh Theekshana
9. Dushmantha Chameera
10. Dilshan Madushanka
11. Pramod Madushan

SRI Lanka Team News

Squad: Pathum Nissanka, Nuwanidu Fernando, Kusal Mendis(w/c), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Akila Dananjaya, Avishka Fernando, Pramod Madushan, Janith Liyanage, Sahan Arachchige, Dilshan Madushanka
Wanindu Hasaranga has been picked and will be back in action after an injury concern, however, his availability is subject to fitness. Meanwhile, Akila Dhananjaya, another senior spinner in the side, has been called up after last featuring in 2021.

SL Key Players

Kusal Mendis Stats vs Zimbabwe in ODI

Last 5 Scores in ODI	Runs against ZIM in ODI	ODI Batting average vs ZIM	Total runs In ODI	Captain choice
6, 19, 1, 11, 39	314 runs in 14 matches	31.40	3509 Runs in 121 Matches	✅

Pathum Nissanka Stats vs Zimbabwe in ODI

Last 5 Scores in ODI	Runs against ZIM in ODI	ODI Batting average vs ZIM	ODI Stats in Sri Lanka	Vice-captain choice
2, 41, 0, 46, 77	247 runs in 4 Matches	82.33	714 runs in 19 Matches	❌

ZIM Playing 11

1. Joylord Gumbie (wk)
2. Tinashe Kamunhukamwe
3. Takudzwanashe Kaitano
4. Craig Ervine (c)
5. Sikandar Raza
6. Ryan Burl
7. Clive Madande
8. Luke Jongwe
9. Wellington Masakadza
10. Blessing Muzarabani
11. Richard Ngarava

Zimbabwe Team News

Squad: Craig Ervine (capt), Faraz Akram, Ryan Burl, Joylord Gumbie, Luke Jongwe, Takudzwanashe Kaitano, Tinashe Kamunhukamwe, Clive Madande, Wellington Masakadza, Tapiwa Mufudza, Tony Munyonga, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava, Sikandar Raza, Milton Shumba
Off-spinner Tapiwa Mufudza has been called up to the national side after an impressive domestic performance.
Faraz Akram is the fresh face added to the ODI setup and is also in line to make his ODI debut, however, he has less chance of making it into the playing 11 for the first ODI.

ZIM Key Players

Craig Ervine Stats vs Sri Lanka in ODI

Last 5 Scores in ODI	Runs against ZIM in ODI	ODI Batting average vs ZIM	Total ODI runs	Captain choice
2, 14, 25, 47, 50	326 runs in 18 matches	21.73	3294 Runs in 116 Matches	❌

Sikandar Raza Stats vs Sri Lanka in ODI

Last 5 Scores in ODI	Runs against ZIM in ODI	Wickets against ZIM in ODI	Total ODI runs & wickets	Vice-captain choice
15, 34, 31, 42, 48	343 runs in 14 matches	6 wickets in 14 matches	4143 runs & 85 wickets in 139 matches	✅

Who will win today’s match between Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe (1st ODI of Zimbabwe tour of Sri Lanka 2024)?

Sri Lanka has been undefeated at home in the ODI series since 2021, winning four and drawing one, defeating the likes of Afghanistan, Zimbabwe, Australia, and South Africa.
Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe have met each other in 61 ODI games, with Sri Lanka winning 47 and Zimbabwe winning 12, while two games ended without a result.
However, Zimbabwe has performed well in the last ten ODIs played between these two sides, winning four games. The last time they toured Sri Lanka in 2021-22 resulted in a 1-2 loss.
Sri Lanka will hold the edge due to home conditions and are expected to win this game.

SL vs ZIM Dream11 Prediction

Wicket-keepers: Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama
Batsmen: Craig Ervine, Tinashe Kamunhukamwe, Pathum Nissanka
All-rounder: Sikandar Raza, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dasun Shanaka
Bowlers: Dilshan Madushanka, Richard Ngarava, Maheesh Theekshana

Who are Best Captain Options for SL vs ZIM Dream11 Team

For Small League, Head to Head contest: Kusal Mendis, Sikandar Raza
For Grand League, Mega Contest: Wanindu Hasaranga, Pathum Nissanka

What are SL vs ZIM Fantasy Tips?

Sikandar Raza has performed well in ODIs, boasting an average of more than 38, and is also a capable bowler, making him a strong multiplier choice for today’s outing.
Pathum Nissanka has an average of more than 80 against Zimbabwe, and given his batting position at the top, he is a perfect fit for mega leagues.
The likes of Dasun Shanaka, Craig Ervine, and Maheesh Theekshana have recently delivered good performances and are must-have picks for this game.