Sri Lanka are set to clash with Zimbabwe in the first ODI of the three-match series at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Saturday, January 6.
Both teams have faced considerable challenges in ODIs over the past year. Additionally, neither team will participate in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan. Consequently, it is a crucial moment for both teams to rejuvenate their game.
ODI Stats and Records at R. Premadasa Stadium
Total Matches: 161
Matches won batting first: 88
Matches won bowling first: 63
Average first innings score: 231
Average second innings score: 191
Highest total recorded: 375/5 (50 Ov) by India vs Sri Lanka
Lowest total recorded:50/10 (15.2 Ov) by Sri Lanka vs India
Highest score chased:292/4 (48.3 Ov) by Sri Lanka vs Australia
Lowest score defended:170/10 (49.2 Ov) by West Indies Women vs Sri Lanka Women
R. Premadasa Stadium Pitch Report:
The R. Premadasa Stadium pitch tends to be favourable to spinners, although it also offers advantages to batters with its fast outfield and relatively shorter boundaries. Chasing a target on this pitch may present challenges. Nonetheless, taking into account the current weather conditions, there is a possibility that the captain winning the toss will choose to field first.
Also READ: Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe 2024, ODI Series – Broadcast, Live Streaming details: When and where to watch in India, Pakistan, UK & other countries
Colombo Weather Forecast:
Although there is a 70% chance of precipitation at the beginning of the day, this likelihood may decrease to 45% in the afternoon. However, it is anticipated that the cloud cover will persist throughout the day.
Humidity is expected to reach 80%, and the wind is forecasted to blow at a moderate speed of 10 kilometres per hour.
SL vs ZIM, Probable Playing XI
Sri Lanka: Charith Asalanka, Kusal Mendis (c), Pathum Nissanka, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Dunith Wellalage, Dushmantha Chameera, Wanindu Hasaranga, Avishka Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka, Dasun Shanaka, Mahesh Theekshana.
Zimbabwe: Ryan Burl, Craig Ervine (c), Clive Madande, Tinashe Kamunhukamwe, Luke Jongwe, Sikandar Raza, Richard Ngarava, Milton Shumba, Blessing Muzarabani, Wellington Masakadza, Tony Monyunga
Also READ: ICC announces the schedule of T20 World Cup 2024; India vs Pakistan on June 9
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