Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe will square off in the series decider on January 18 at R Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo. Zimbabwe leveled the series 1-1 after registering a four-wicket win in the second T20I held at the same stadium. 

Speaking of the second game, Zimbabwe won the toss and invited the hosts to bat first. Charith Asalanka and Angelo Mathews’ powerful half-centuries helped Sri Lanka to post a competitive score of 173. Later, opener Craig Ervine scored a 54-ball 70 runs, featuring six boundaries and two maximums, as Zimbabwe chased down the target with one ball remaining.

Sri Lanka won the opening game by three wickets from the final ball of the game. However, they will not take Zimbabwe with ease when they square off in the third and final game. Zimbabwe, on the other hand, should also have to put up a brilliant effort to outplay the hosts and take the series home.

Zimbabwe skipper Sikandar Raza could play a pivotal part in the forthcoming game. In the opening T20I, the all-rounder played a gritty knock of 62 (42) despite losing the game. 

The Zimbabwe batters might possess a bigger threat in the name of off-spinner Maheesh Theekshana. Interestingly, he is currently the joint leading wicket-taker of the series, having picked up four wickets from two games at an average of 10.25 and an economy of 5.12. 

The stadium in Colombo has a quicker surface and the batters will be able to hit through the line. Since the first two games witnessed the team batting first lost the game and thus the toss-winning skipper is likely to opt for fielding first.