Match Prediction:
Tuesday marks the return of Sri Lanka to the R Premadasa Stadium for the second Twenty20 International of the series between the two nations. The first game concluded on Sunday with a thrilling conclusion as Sri Lanka emerged victorious by three wickets on the final delivery of the match. We provide a preview of this game below. The T20I commences at 19:00 local time in Colombo.
Zimbabwe has been defeated by Sri Lanka in one T20I and two ODIs this month, but two of those contests have been decided by a single point. Nevertheless, their players possess considerably more experience playing at this venue, and we anticipate that they will secure yet another victory.
On Sunday, Zimbabwe came perilously close to achieving their initial victory of the tour; however, defeat inevitably sets in. They have yet to defeat Sri Lanka in this format at any venue and have failed to win any of their last four Twenty20 Internationals away from home. It will be difficult to even the series at one-all, but Zimbabwe does possess match-winners.
Winning Chances:
Toss Prediction:
In each of the previous five T20Is played at the RPS, the team that went on to field first emerged victorious. We therefore anticipate that both teams will elect to field first in the event that they win the toss.
Weather Report:
Tuesday evening in Colombo is anticipated to be clear with a temperature in the middle twenties. High humidity will also prevail for the duration of the match.
Pitch Report:
The pitch in Colombo has a low spin, and the RPS wicket appears to be decreasing as this Zimbabwe tour continues. A minimum score of 150 in the first innings should be sufficient to secure victory in the match.
Head to Head:
Following three T20I victories by five wickets, fourteen runs, and 82 runs against Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka played its narrowest T20I match with Zimbabwe on Sunday. Nevertheless, their record against Zimbabwe in this format remains unblemished at 100%.
Sri Lanka Preview:
Dhananjaya de Silva and Dilshan Madushanka were both left out of Sri Lanka’s XI on Sunday, and it is unlikely that either will be included in the squad for this match. In the first T20I, all-rounders Dasun Shanaka and Angelo Mathews performed admirably, so it is unlikely that the squad will alter for Tuesday.
Sri Lanka Squad Predicted:
Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kusal Perera, Angelo Mathews, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga (c),Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Nuwan Thushara
Zimbabwe Preview:
Sean Williams returned to the Zimbabwe XI for the inaugural Twenty20 International following an injury absence; his inclusion undoubtedly imparts a sense of familiarity and expertise to the batting order. No injuries were reported subsequent to the Sunday loss.
Zimbabwe Squad Predicted
Tinashe Kamunhukamwe, Craig Ervine, Sean Williams, Sikandar Raza (c), Ryan Burl, Brian Bennett, Luke Jongwe, Clive Madande (wk), Wellington Masakadza, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava
Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe Prediction:
Sikandar Raza, the captain of Zimbabwe, delivered an exceptionally commendable individual display on Sunday. However, despite his valiant efforts with the bat and the ball, his side was unable to surpass the opposition. However, they came perilously close to defeating Sri Lanka; an additional boundary or dismissal off the bat would have been decisive. We anticipate another close contest on Tuesday and are placing our 2-0 lead with one match remaining on Sri Lanka’s victory.
