*ZIMBABWE VS SRILANKA SUPER SIXES MATCH 4 PREVIEW- ICC WORLDCUP QUALIFIERS 2023*
*THE BUILD UP:*
It’s a high octane clash. Probably the biggest of this tournament given the form both these teams are coming from. They have battered and bruised all other oppositions in this 13 day long tourney so far and would look to fight for the ultimate crown come this game. There isn’t a lot on stake for this game because both these teams, with the talent they boast are more or less through and in a quest to prove who has been better, this game serves us fans with a perfect opportunity to sit back and enjoy two of the finest sides take on one another.
The Zimbabwe batting has worked out like a charm with Sean Williams leading the chart with 3 tons next to his game followed by Raza and Ervine quietly making their presence felt. The all round brilliance of Raza where he keeps delivering with the ball or in the field has also boosted ZIM’s chances and the fans of this African side would hope he comes clutch against the toughest opponent that they could come up against, in these Qualifiers.
Srilanka on the other hand, have two excellent bowling displays to show. Their last two outings with the bat have been mediocre but they have done well to cover it up with some smart effort with the white cherry. They have picked up all 20 wickets in their last two games with their untested lower order batting also coming to the party in these last few encounters. Though they have been good more or less, better is surely expected out of them with the history they have of dominating this format and being world champions once. The Shanaka led side would be eager to prove to the world that they are still here in the reckoning with a win full of convinction. The likes of Karunaratne-Hasaranga-Theekshana and Mendis to be key.
*ZIM PROBABLE XI:*
Joylord Gumbie(wk), Craig Ervine(c), Wessly Madhevere, Sean Williams, Sikandar Raza, Ryan Burl, Wellington Masakadza, Luke Jongwe, Richard Ngarava, Tendai Chatara, Blessing Muzarabani
The pitch on offer is going to be tough on the bowlers. The ZIM bowlers were not at their best vs Oman in their opening encounter of the Super Sixes round. If the same trend continues, it’s going to be a run collecting buffet for the Lankans. Their three frontline pacers will have to be on the money, continuously testing the SL batting order.
Big runs will be asked of Sean Williams-Craig Ervine-Sikandar Raza again and they have what it takes to deliver in style. The skipper averages a good 81 with 243 runs at the top, Zimbabwe’s best batter in Williams has a stunning average of 133 with over 500 runs under his belt and superstar Raza who never quite fails to amaze is also matching upto everyone’s standards and living upto the reputation with an average of 86, striking at nearly 140. To add to that, he boasts of an average of 23 with 9 wickets already this tournament and has found a special liking to breaking the stumps with his mystery spin.
*SL PROBABLE XI:*
Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Kusal Mendis (wicketkeeper), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dasun Shanaka (captain), Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Lahiru Kumara, Dilshan Madushanka
Four 300 plus scores have been registered already at this venue and the Lankan batters who have been sub-standard in their last two batting outings would look to change their fortunes and take matters into their hands, so that the job becomes relatively easier for their world class bowling group. Personally, looking forward to watching Karunaratne who has been in scintillating form with an average of nearly 65. His contributions have come thick and fast despite the rest of the batting not standing upto what’s expected of them. His comeback to the setup has been a successful one with him holding fort for the men in dark blue.
Theekshana is slowly and steadily stamping his authority as an ODI bowler. Having gotten rid of 9 batters already at an average of under 20, Maheesh has certainly played the support role well and at times, has succeeded Hasaranga as well with his mastery with the bowl in hand. His 3/31 off the 54 deliveries bowled by him yesterday were a testimony to how good he has become and ZIM could be in for some trouble if this pair strike gold and come with their best form in the fixture.
*MY PREDICTIONS FOR THE GAME:*
*FOR ZIM:*
Highest run getter- Sean Williams/Craig Ervine
Highest wicket taker- Blessing Muzarabani/Sikandar Raza
*FOR SL:*
Highest run getter- Dimuth Karunaratne/Charith Asalanka
Highest wicket taker- Wanindu Hasaranga/Maheesha Theekshana
*FOR THIS GAME:*
ZIM to win