ZIM vs SL Dream11 Prediction, Fantasy Cricket Tips, Probable Playing XI, Pitch Report & Injury Updates For 1st ODI

ZIM vs SL Match Preview

Zimbabwe’s tour of Sri Lanka begins with a three-match One-Day International series, with the first game taking place in Colombo on Saturday afternoon. This will be Sri Lanka’s first match since being eliminated from the Cricket World Cup in 2023. Zimbabwe recently lost an ODI series against Ireland 2-0 at home. Sri Lanka finished ninth in the 2023 Cricket World Cup, narrowly avoiding the bottom spot on net-run-rate. However, their lowly position was surprising given that they had a strong 2023 in ODIs and reached the Asia Cup final earlier in the Autumn. They will be confident of defeating Zimbabwe in Colombo. Zimbabwe enters this series with a new coach and captain, but not enough world-class players to make an impact against the top teams. They’ll be competitive at times, but a lack of top-order runs could make for a difficult afternoon and evening in Colombo.

ZIM vs SL Match Details

Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka – 1st ODI

Venue: R. Premadasa Stadium – Colombo

Date & Time: 06th January 2024 at 02:30 PM IST 

Live Streaming: FanCode App

ZIM vs SL Venue Stats

Avg 1st inn score	246
Avg 2nd inn score	238
Win% batting 1st	52
Win% batting 2nd	48

ZIM vs SL Pitch Report

As is customary in Colombo, there will be some turn for the spinners, as well as some movement from the pitch for the pace bowlers. A par score will be less than 300.

ZIM vs SL Weather Report

On Saturday, we can expect cloudy skies throughout the afternoon and evening. The humidity will be high, and rain and thunderstorms will be a constant threat.

ZIM vs SL Last Five Matches

ZIM ( Zimbabwe )	L L NR L L
SL ( Sri Lanka )	L L L L W

ZIM vs SL Head-to-Head Stats

	Matches Played	ZIM Won	SL Won	Tie	NR
Overall	61	12	47	0	2
Last 5	5	1	4	0	0

Injury News

No Injury. Will be added when there is an update.

ZIM vs SL Probable Playing XIs:

Zimbabwe Probable Playing XIs

Milton Shumba, Tinashe Kamunhukamwe, Sikandar Raza, Ryan Burl,  Craig Ervine (c), Joylord Gumbie (wk), Luke Jongwe, Faraz Akram, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava, Wellington Masakadza

Sri Lanka Probable Playing XIs

Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis (c) (wk), Charith Asalanka, Dasun Shanaka, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Dushmantha Chameera, Dunith Wellalage, Dilshan Madushanka

Topmost Picks for ZIM vs SL Dream11 Prediction:

Top Picks – Zimbabwe

• Ryan Burl- the middle order batter also bowls useful leg-spin but his batting has been very consistent for Zimbabwe over the last couple of years and he hit 83 only three ODIs ago.
• Sikandar Raza- the all-rounder comes into this game with 85 ODI wickets and a top score of 141 in this format. He is a match-winner with both bat and ball.

Top Picks – Sri Lanka

• Pathum Nissanka- the 25 year old top order batter will be playing in his 50th ODI and he has enjoyed a successful run in this format where he averages 38.40.
• Dilshan Madushanka- the 23 year old left-arm fast medium bowler was one of the very few positives at the 2023 Cricket World Cup for Sri Lanka. 

Suggested Playing XI N0.1 for ZIM vs SL Dream11 Team:

Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Pathum Nissanka, Ryan Burl,  Craig Ervine, Sikandar Raza(C), Wanindu Hasaranga(VC), Dunith Wellalage, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava, Dilshan Madushanka

Suggested Playing XI N0.2 for ZIM vs SL Dream11 Team:

Kusal Mendis(VC), Charith Asalanka, Pathum Nissanka, Ryan Burl,  Craig Ervine, Sikandar Raza, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dushmantha Chameera, Milton Shumba, Richard Ngarava, Dilshan Madushanka(C)

Captain and Vice-Captain Options:

Captain – Sikandar Raza, Dilshan Madushanka

Vice-captain – Wanindu Hasaranga, Kusal Mendis

Wicketkeeper – Kusal Mendis

ZIM vs SL Probable Winners:

Both teams had disappointing seasons in this format in 2023, but are optimistic about the coming year. Sri Lanka has always been a very strong home side in all formats, and they generally play the spinning ball far better than visiting sides from other continents. Zimbabwe is heavily reliant on a few key players, and we expect Sri Lanka to win this match. Considering the team combination, Sri Lanka is expected to win this match.