Sri Lanka eyes redemption in ODI series against Zimbabwe

Colombo, Jan. 5 (Daily Mirror) - Sri Lanka's ODI series against Zimbabwe is set to commence on Saturday (06) in Colombo, with the Sri Lanka cricket team aiming for redemption following a disappointing performance in the World Cup.

Unfortunately, Sri Lanka opening batsman Pathum Nissanka will miss the entire series due to contracting dengue fever.

The unforeseen setback has prompted the team management to consider the inclusion of the talented young cricketer, Shevon Daniel, as his replacement.

The three-match ODI series, scheduled to commence tomorrow at R. Premadasa Stadium, has taken an unexpected turn as Sri Lanka faces the challenge of reshuffling their line-up in the absence of Nissanka.

Captain Kusal Mendis expressed his desire for the team to showcase improvement after their lacklustre World Cup campaign, where they finished near the bottom of the standings. The team was plagued by injuries, with captain Dasun Shanaka withdrawing from the tournament due to injury.

Mendis, who was appointed as the new one-day captain, highlighted the team's focused training on improving their fielding.

The upcoming series against Zimbabwe consists of three One Day Internationals (ODIs), followed by three Twenty20 (T20) matches, all taking place at R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. These ODIs are part of the Super League, which will determine qualification for the next ODI World Cup in 2027, set to be held in South Africa.

During the pre-match conference on Friday, both captains, Sri Lanka's Kusal Mendis and Craig Ervine of Zimbabwe, expressed confidence in the team's relatively new composition.

Mendis highlighted certain changes and expressed satisfaction with the top-order batting. "We performed fairly well during the World Cup, and I believe that we should synchronise well against Zimbabwe in today's day/night game," he said.

He said there wouldn't be significant alterations in the batting lineup. "At the top, there will be a change in the opening combination, with me moving down to my preferred No. 3 position."

Mendis said that former captain Dasun Shanaka was likely to bat at No. 7. "Despite Dasun's World Cup performance, he has been scoring well in domestic top-tier games, and I believe he will be back in his form. "Among the newer faces, we have three options in Nuwanidu Fernando, Sahan Arachchige, and Janith Liyanage, and their inclusion will depend on the pitch conditions when the final eleven is decided," he said.

Regarding the return of leg-spinner Jeffrey Vandersay, Mendis expressed the view that Vandersay had significantly improved his bowling and was a strong contender for selection.

Meanwhile, Zimbabwe captain Craig Ervine welcomed the opportunity for more teams to participate in future World Cups, as it allows teams like theirs to compete against top-ranked teams like India, Australia, and England.

Ervine expressed his team's determination to reverse the 47-12 loss ratio to Sri Lanka. "We are confident and aim to make an impact on Sri Lankan wickets, which are slower compared to the fast wickets in our region. This will allow us to avoid rushing into shots and be more selective, which is a positive aspect we plan to carry into our batting," he said.

Ervine highlighted that the team's batting would primarily rely on the top three, with him contributing as the experienced campaigner. He emphasised the importance of the bowling department, stating that they would need to bring their best against Sri Lanka.