SL vs ZIM Dream11 Prediction: 3rd ODI Match of Zimbabwe tour of Sri Lanka, 2024 Playing 11, Pitch Report, Fantasy Cricket Tips for Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe Dream11 Team

Sri Lanka will look to clinch the ODI series against Zimbabwe on Thursday at R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.

Let’s take a look at our fantasy preview for this game.

Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe, 3rd ODI of Zimbabwe tour of Sri Lanka 2024
11th January, 02:30 PM IST
R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo, Sri Lanka

Table of Contents

SL vs ZIM Preview

Sri Lanka has been the better side in the series, winning the second ODI by two wickets to take a 1-0 lead. While Charith Asalanka and Janith Liyanage executed well with the bat, Dushmantha Chameera and Maheesh Theekshana were outstanding with the ball. Zimbabwe, on the other hand, are no pushover and will be eager to add some pride to the series tally. The charge will be on captain Craig Ervine and the bowling attack to step up and end an ODI record slump.

Form Guide

SL: W-NR-L-L-L
ZIM: L-NR-L-L-NR

R. Premadasa Stadium Pitch Report

The pitch at R. Premadasa Stadium is again expected to be balanced, with the average first-innings score being 210. Pacers will be crucial in the initial overs, while spinners will play a key role later in the game. Batting second would be the preferred option, with the pitch likely to slow down as the match progresses.

ODI Stats in the Last 5 Matches

Average Total Score: 183
Average 1st Innings Score: 210
Matches won by batting first: 2
Matches won by bowling first: 3

SL Playing 11

1. Avishka Fernando
2. Kusal Mendis (c & wk)
3. Sadeera Samarawickrama
4. Charith Asalanka
5. Janith Liyanage
6. Sahan Arachchige
7. Dasun Shanaka
8. Dushmantha Chameera
9. Maheesh Theekshana
10. Jeffrey Vandersay
11. Dilshan Madushanka

SRI Lanka Team News

Squad: Pathum Nissanka, Nuwanidu Fernando, Kusal Mendis(w/c), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Akila Dananjaya, Avishka Fernando, Pramod Madushan, Janith Liyanage, Sahan Arachchige, Dilshan Madushanka
Wanindu Hasaranga, as indicated by captain Mendis, might return to the side, with either Sahan Arachchige or Jeffrey Vandersay making way for him.

SL Key Players

Kusal Mendis Stats vs Zimbabwe in ODI

Last 5 Scores in ODI	Runs against ZIM in ODI	ODI Batting average vs ZIM	Total runs in ODI	Captain choice
17, 46, 6, 19, 1	377 runs in 16 matches	31.41	3572 Runs in 123 Matches	✅

Avishka Fernando Stats vs Zimbabwe in ODI

Last 5 Scores in ODI	Runs at R. Premadasa Stadium	Total runs in ODI	50/100	Vice-captain choice
4, 0, 1, 20, 5	394 runs in 11 matches	994 runs in 31 matches	5/3	❌

ZIM Playing 11

1. Tinashe Kamunhukamwe
2. Joylord Gumbie
3. Craig Ervine (c)
4. Milton Shumba
5. Sikandar Raza
6. Ryan Burl
7. Clive Madande (wk)
8. Faraz Akram
9. Richard Ngarava
10. Blessing Muzarabani
11. Tapiwa Mufudza

Zimbabwe Team News

Squad: Craig Ervine (capt), Faraz Akram, Ryan Burl, Joylord Gumbie, Luke Jongwe, Takudzwanashe Kaitano, Tinashe Kamunhukamwe, Clive Madande, Wellington Masakadza, Tapiwa Mufudza, Tony Munyonga, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava, Sikandar Raza, Milton Shumba
Wellington Masakadza could replace Tapiwa Mufudza in the starting 11, who has been ineffective with the ball so far.

ZIM Key Players

Craig Ervine Stats vs Sri Lanka in ODI

Last 5 Scores in ODI	Runs against SL in ODI	ODI Batting average vs SL	Total ODI runs	Captain choice
82, 0, 2, 14, 25	408 runs in 20 matches	24.00	3376 Runs in 118 Matches	❌

Sikandar Raza Stats vs Sri Lanka in ODI

Last 5 Scores in ODI	Runs against SL in ODI	Wickets against SL in ODI	Total ODI runs & wickets	Vice-captain choice
1, DNB, 15, 34, 31	344 runs in 16 matches	8 wickets in 16 matches	4144 runs & 87 wickets in 141 matches	✅

Who will win today’s match between Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe (3rd ODI of Zimbabwe tour of Sri Lanka 2024)?

Sri Lanka has performed well in series decider games at home, being undefeated since 2021 and beating Afghanistan, Zimbabwe, Australia, and South Africa.
Sri Lanka won 48 of the 63 ODIs against Zimbabwe, while Zimbabwe won 12, with three games ending without a result.
Zimbabwe has struggled in away ODI series, with no wins since 2018, eight series losses, and one series ending in a tie.
Zimbabwe last won an away series in 2017, defeating Sri Lanka by 3-2 in a five-match series.
Given their home advantage and fantastic record, Sri Lanka are likely to win this match.

SL vs ZIM Dream11 Prediction

Wicket-keepers: Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama
Batsmen: Craig Ervine, Ryan Burl, Charith Asalanka
All-rounder: Sikandar Raza, Janith Liyanage, Dasun Shanaka
Bowlers: Dilshan Madushanka, Richard Ngarava, Maheesh Theekshana

Who are Best Captain Options for SL vs ZIM Dream11 Team

For Small League, Head to Head contest: Janith Liyanage, Sikandar Raza
For Grand League, Mega Contest: Kusal Mendis, Dasun Shanaka

What are SL vs ZIM Fantasy Tips?

Maheesh Theekshana is in fantastic form, as shown by his 18-run and four-wicket performance in the last game. He is a must-have pick for this game.
While Sikandar Raza has yet to make an impact with the bat, he impressed with his bowling prowess in the last game, taking two wickets. With an average of more than 35 against Sri Lanka, he becomes a multiplier pick for this outing.
Kusal Mendis has averaged more over 30 against Zimbabwe in one-day internationals, and given his ability, a big score is on the cards for the opener.