Daniel makes his ODI debut for Sri Lanka, while Zimbabwe bats with three changes.

Zimbabwe have elected to begin the third ODI against Sri Lanka with a batting order after winning the toss at Kettarama amid overcast conditions.

The visiting team implemented three modifications to their starting XI. To bolster their bowling attack, they substituted offspinner Tapiwa Mufudza with left-arm spinner Wellington Masakadza, removed Luke Jongwe from Faraz Akram, and replaced Tinashe Kamunhukamwe at the top of the order with Takudzwanashe Kaitano, who had previously appeared in the inaugural ODI.

Sri Lanka, meanwhile, implemented two modifications. The promotion of opener Shevon Daniel permits captain Kusal Mendis to return to his more comfortable position at No. 3. Former captain Dasun Shanaka, who has struggled with two unsuccessful batting performances this series after a troubled few months with the national team, is the batsman making way.

The other modification is the re-entry of Wanindu Hasaranga, who has regained his fitness and contributes to the lower order’s power and peak spin capabilities. Since the World Cup Qualifier tournament in July of last year, this will be his first ODI. Due to injury, he had been sidelined for the Asia Cup and World Cup in their totality, in addition to the initial two games of this series. Jeff Vandersay, a legspinner, makes way in his direction.

Despite losing the second match, Zimbabwe’s spinners made Sri Lanka’s pursuit for 209 extremely difficult, at times even dominating. Under the leadership of Richard Ngarava, their seamers were particularly effective. By winning this match, the series can be squared.

Preceding matches at Kettarama were both impacted by precipitation. The initial match failed to produce any outcomes, whereas the subsequent match experienced a substantial rain delay, albeit short-lived, which prevented a reduction in the number of overs. At toss, it appeared probable that precipitation could also have an impact on this game.