Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe: Live Updates of 1st ODI in Colombo as Lankans Look for Winning Start to the Year

Match Details:

- Date: Saturday

- Venue: R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo

- Format: 1st ODI (50-over game)

- Teams: Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe

- Followed by: Three ODIs and three T20Is

Toss:

- Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to bat first.

Team News:

- Sri Lanka: Janith Liyanage makes his ODI debut in place of the injured Pathum Nissanka.

- Zimbabwe: Two debutants - Faraz Akram and Tapiwa Mufudza.

Injuries:

- Sri Lanka: Leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga is unavailable due to a hamstring injury but is expected to return later in the series.

- Zimbabwe: Sean Williams will miss the entire tour due to a side injury.

Expected Playing XIs:

Sri Lanka:

1. Avishka Fernando

2. Nuwanidu Fernando

3. Kusal Mendis (c & wk)

4. Sadeera Samarawickrama

5. Charith Asalanka

6. Dasun Shanaka

7. Wanindu Hasaranga / Sahan Arachchige

8. Dunith Wellalage

9. Maheesh Theekshana

10. Dushmantha Chameera

11. Dilshan Madushanka

Zimbabwe:

1. Joylord Gumbie (wk)

2. Tinashe Kamunhukamwe

3. Craig Ervine (c)

4. Sikandar Raza

5. Clive Madande

6. Ryan Burl

7. Tony Munyonga

8. Wellington Masakadza

9. Luke Jongwe

10. Richard Ngarava

11. Blessing Muzarabani

Match Referee:

- Ranjan Madugalle

Series Details:

- Sri Lanka will host Zimbabwe for three ODIs followed by three T20Is.

- The ODI series begins on Saturday and concludes on 11th January.

- All matches will be played at R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo.

- Kusal Mendis takes over as the new permanent captain for Sri Lanka.

- Craig Ervine returns as the skipper for Zimbabwe after missing the last ODI series against Ireland.

Fantasy Picks for SL vs ZIM, 1st ODI:

Top Picks – Batsmen:

1. Craig Ervine: Known for adapting quickly to the conditions, Ervine boasts a strong track record in ODIs. With 3294 runs in 116 matches at an average of 33.27, including a highest score of 130*, he is a reliable pick for your fantasy team.

2. Sadeera Samarawickrama: Having performed well in the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup, Samarawickrama is a valuable asset. He scored 373 runs in 9 matches with an impressive average of 53.28, and he can make a significant impact.

Top Pick – All-Rounder:

1. Sikandar Raza: Raza is considered a one-man army for Zimbabwe, contributing with both bat and ball. He has accumulated 4143 runs in 139 ODIs at an average of 36.99 and has also taken 85 wickets at an economical economy rate of 4.9.

Top Picks – Bowlers:

1. Dilshan Madushanka: A standout performer in the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup, Madushanka emerged as his team's leading wicket-taker. With 21 scalps in 9 matches, he will be a potent weapon for Sri Lanka in the ODIs against Zimbabwe.

2. Maheesh Theekshana: Theekshana is a promising young talent who can trouble the opposition batsmen with his spin. His inclusion in the fantasy team can yield wickets, as he has the potential to make a significant impact.

Top Pick – Wicketkeeper:

Kusal Mendis: With experience leading Sri Lanka in a high-profile ICC event, Mendis is expected to excel. He has scored 3509 runs in 121 ODIs at an average of 32.19, including a highest score of 122, making him a reliable fantasy pick.

X-Factor:

Charith Asalanka: Asalanka has shown great promise with his performances in recent times. He can contribute significantly with both bat and ball, making him an X-factor player who can provide valuable points for your fantasy team.

Note: The proposed fantasy teams are subjective opinions and may depend on various factors such as recent form, team composition, and pitch conditions. It's advisable to analyze the latest updates and make informed decisions while selecting your fantasy team.

References:

(Latestly - https://www.latestly.com/socially/sports/cricket/how-to-watch-sri-lanka-vs-zimbabwe-1st-odi-2024-cricket-match-free-live-streaming-online-get-live-telecast-details-of-sl-vs-zim-with-time-in-ist-5674561.html

in.ign - https://in.ign.com/dream-11-fantasy-gaming/200165/news/sl-vs-zim-check-our-dream11-prediction-fantasy-cricket-tips-playing-team-picks-for-1st-odi-on-januar

firstpost - https://www.firstpost.com/firstcricket/sports-news/sl-vs-zim-live-cricket-score-1st-odi-sri-lanka-vs-zimbabwe-r-premadasa-stadium-colombo-commentary-13583322.html)