Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe seek momentum sustenance ahead of stiffer challenges

On the face of it, there is nothing riding on this contest in terms of qualification scenarios with the Super Eights draw locked in. Yet, with both Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe staying unbeaten so far, this is perhaps the perfect opportunity for their paths to collide before the Super Eights swing by.

One of these two teams did not make it that far in the 2024 edition while the other did not qualify for the event altogether. In lieu of that, this campaign is an improvement already for both units. Yet, as Sikandar Raza said after the washout against Ireland, Zimbabwe aren't going to be satisfied with a Super Eights finish alone.

Having famously booked an early ticket home for the mighty Australians, Zimbabwe will look to do more of the same in the next round once they reach India. On the back of two impressive wins with their players stepping up across departments, a third against the co-hosts prior to the Super Eights would do their confidence a world of good, while also seeing them finish on top of Group B.

It will be far easier said than done against a rampant Sri Lankan outfit, who arrive fresh off one of their more comprehensive victories in the last decade in T20 World Cups. Pathum Nissanka produced arguably the knock of the tournament, Kusal Mendis has been in irrepressible form, while Pavan Rathnayake has proved to be a surprise package at 4.

That said, Sri Lanka have had to grapple with injuries, the latest casualty being Matheesha Pathirana, who has been @L0$. Having already lost Wanindu Hasaranga earlier, the co-hosts will hope that there are no further mishaps as they look to roll along with a solid head of steam and aim to contest the big games.

@B0$: Match 38, Thursday, February 19 at 3:00 PM local time

@B1$: R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo

@B2$: For a ground historically known to favor spin, the wicket-split between spinners and pacers so far in the tournament has been fairly even (31-26). The venue has offered the least drift for spinners although it ranks fourth among the World Cup venues as far as the average turn goes. Given this is a 3 PM start that eliminates the factor of dew, spin may just have a more prominent role to play. There is a thunderstorm on the radar too, which could impact the game.

@B3$

@B4$

Dilshan Madushanka has been drafted in as Pathirana's replacement, although Pramod Madushan, the other spare fast-bowler in the squad, could start in the XI. As much as there could be a temptation to give Charith Asalanka or Janith Liyanage a game, expect Sri Lanka to resist that and stick with their winning combination ahead of the Super Eights.

@B5$Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis (wk), Pavan Rathnayake, Dasun Shanaka (c), Kamindu Mendis, Dunith Wellalage, Dushan Hemantha, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Pramod Madushan

@B6$

From their last completed game against Australia, Zimbabwe ought to bring Richard Ngarava back into the XI, with the left-arm seamer rested for that outing as a precautionary measure. Leggie Graeme Cremer could miss out, although the possibility of resting Blessing Muzarabani cannot be ruled out either, should Zimbabwe want an additional spinner.

@B7$ Brian Bennett, Tadiwanashe Marumani (wk), Dion Myers, Sikandar Raza (c), Ryan Burl, Tony Munyonga, Tashinga Musekiwa, Brad Evans, Wellington Masakadza, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani

@B8$

"He [Kamil Mishara] is a quality player, but there were a few games now that sometimes the form comes into question and KJP [Kusal Perera] also is I think a quality player who can play a very impactful knock. So (we) just wanted to see where he stands and what he can bring to the table and we played him one game and one failure doesn't change anything [sic]." - @B9$, Sri Lanka's batting consultant.

"I think the Super Eight goals were set by you guys as a minimum requirement, the fans, the media, and the public. When Zimbabwe set out, we didn't set a goal to qualify, just to qualify. We've got other goals to achieve and we remain focused for that [sic]." - Zimbabwe captain @B10$