Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe are set to lock horns in the first T20I of a three-match series on Wednesday in Harare. The visitors are riding high on confidence after a dominant performance in the recently concluded ODI series, which they clinched 2-0. Now, with the Asia Cup just around the corner, Sri Lanka will be keen to fine-tune their preparation and continue their winning momentum in the shortest format.
For Sri Lanka, all three T20Is offer a vital opportunity to test their bench strength and settle team combinations ahead of the Asia Cup. The preceding two-match ODI series saw them come out with gutsy performances, and they would hope to carry on with the same rhythm.
Zimbabwe, on the other hand, will be eager to put their ODI disappointment behind them and stage a strong comeback in the T20Is. Playing amid home conditions, the hosts will hope to put up a stronger fight against the in-form Sri Lanka. Players like Sikandar Raza, Brad Evans, Ryan Burl, Sean Williams, Tony Munyonga and Brian Bennett will be expected to help Zimbabwe challenge Sri Lanka.
Head-to-head
Matches - 6
SL won - 5
ZIM won -1
Zimbabwe probable XI: Brian Bennett, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Dion Myers, Sean Williams, Brendon Taylor (wk), Sikandar Raza, Ryan Burl, Johnathan Campbell, Brad Evans, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava
Sri Lanka probable XI: Pathum Nissanka, Nuwanidu Fernando, Kusal Mendis (wk), Charith Asalanka (c), Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka, Dunith Wellalage, Chamika Karunaratne, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Matheesha Pathirana