Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe Prediction: The series is tied at 1-1

Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe are going head to head in the 3rd Match of T20 Series at R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium, Sri Lanka on 18 Jan 2024. The series is tied at 1-1 when Zimbabwe won the second game. Who will win this game of cricket?

On Tuesday, Sri Lanka missed a great opportunity to win the series due to their inadequate bowling performance. Despite a pitch that was favorable to bowlers, they failed to defend a score of 173. The success of the home team will once again rely on their spinners, particularly Maheesh Theekshana who has taken 2 wickets in each of his previous matches and has been supported by skipper Wanindu Hasaranga. On the other hand, the seamers have struggled to make an impact, with Dushmantha Chameera taking 3 wickets but conceding more than 8 runs per over. Furthermore, players like Charith Asalanka, Angelo Mathews, and Dasun Shanaka have yet to make an impact in terms of taking wickets. In terms of batting, Angelo Mathews has been in excellent form, scoring 112 runs in 2 innings. Alongside Charith Asalanka, he will be crucial for the home team. However, the top order batsmen including Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Kusal Perera, and Pathum Nissanka have been struggling for form, and this is an area that the team will want to improve before the upcoming match.

Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kusal Perera, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Angelo Mathews, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga (c), Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Nuwan Thushara

Zimbabwe will be pleased with the way their team performed in the second ODI, securing a historic T20 victory and leveling the series to bring it to the final match. It is likely that Tinashe Kamunhukamwe and Craig Ervine will be the opening batsmen for Zimbabwe. Kamunhukamwe has had decent starts in both of his innings but has yet to play a substantial innings. On the other hand, Ervine played an impressive innings of 70 runs from just 54 balls, setting the tone for a successful chase.

Furthermore, Zimbabwe possesses a strong batting lineup with players like Sean Williams, Sikandar Raza, and Brian Bennett. Clive Madande and Luke Jongwe contributed significantly in the previous match to lead their team to victory, and similar performances will be expected from them in this game.

Blessing Muzarabani has been the standout performer with the ball, taking 4 wickets. However, Richard Ngarava has struggled to replicate his form from the ODI series and has been expensive. Meanwhile, Sikandar Raza has maintained an economy rate of less than 5 runs per over and has also taken 3 wickets.

Craig Ervine, Tinashe Kamunhukamwe, Brian Bennett, Sean Williams, Sikandar Raza (c), Ryan Burl, Clive Madande (wk), Luke Jongwe, Wellington Masakadza, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani

The team that wins the coin toss will most likely choose to field first. The pitch in Colombo is known for being challenging for batsmen, with a dry and slow surface where the ball tends to stop after bouncing. Scoring runs may not be easy, but patient batsmen will be rewarded. Chasing a total above 160 could prove difficult. Both teams will rely heavily on their spinners. The weather in Colombo is warm and humid, with temperatures above 25 degrees Celsius. Zimbabwe performed exceptionally well in the previous match to level the series, but we believe they will struggle to maintain that momentum. Sri Lanka remains the stronger team and is favored to win this match. It is advisable to bet on Sri Lanka.