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ICC World Cup Qualifiers, ZIM vs SL | Preview, Pitch Report, Probable XIs, Fantasy Tips & Prediction

Debashis Sarangi

image-ljjtn0z1Zimbabwe have been unbeaten in the tournament [Source: AP]

The 25th encounter of the ongoing ICC World Cup will witness the mega clash between Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka in Bulawayo. This match holds significant importance for both teams, as a victory will boost their chances of making it into the main event scheduled in India later this year. 


Team Preview: Zimbabwe

Hosts Zimbabwe have had a prolific journey in the competition, occupying the second position in the Super Six points table with six points to their name. After crushing Nepal and the Netherlands, the Chevrons shell-shocked tournament favourites West Indies, handing them a 35-run defeat in their third group-stage fixture. 

Continuing their dream run, Zimbabwe ran rampant against the United States and Oman, swatting them aside by 304 and 14 runs, respectively. With their two Super Six games remaining, the hosts would like to sustain the winning momentum and record a morale-boosting victory over potential finalists, Sri Lanka. 


Team Preview: Sri Lanka

image-ljjtoqmySri Lanka defeated Netherlands in their last game [Source: Twitter]

Much like Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka have enjoyed stellar success in the World Cup qualifiers, placed at the top of the Super Six standings with six points in the kitty. They steamrolled UAE, Oman, Ireland and Scotland in the group-stage before avoiding the Dutch scare in a low-scoring thriller on Friday. 

While openers Dimuth Karunaratne and Pathum Nissanka have starred with the bat, the lethal spin duo of Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana has weaved magic with the ball for Sri Lanka. Barring these names, the likes of Dhananjaya de Silva, Lahiru Kumara and Sadeera Samarawickrama have chipped in with crucial contributions in their respective departments. 

So, moving on to this game, the Lankan Lions would be keen to make a statement by defeating Zimbabwe in front of their passionate home crowd. 


Match Details

Date & Time: July 2, 12.30 PM IST
Venue: Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
Live Streaming: Star Sports Network & Disney+HotStar


Pitch Report

The surface at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo will offer marginal assistance to the seamers early on, but will get better for batting with the game's progression. So, the toss-winner should ideally opt to bowl first at the venue. 


Probable Playing XIs

Zimbabwe: Joylord Gumbie (WK), Craig Ervine (C), Sean Williams, Wesley Madhevere, Sikandar Raza, Ryan Burl, Luke Jongwe, Wellington Masakadza, Richard Ngarava, Tendai Chatara, Blessing Muzarabani

Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Kusal Mendis (WK), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dasun Shanaka (C), Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Lahiru Kumara, Dilshan Madushanka


Cricket Exchange Fantasy Tips

Wicket-keeper: Sadeera Samarawickrama
Batters: Dimuth Karunaratne, Pathum Nissanka, Craig Ervine
All-Rounders: Dhananjaya de Silva, Wanindu Hasaranga, Sikandar Raza, Sean Williams
Bowlers: Lahiru Kumara, Maheesh Theekshana, Richard Ngarava

Captain: Sean Williams/Sikandar Raza
Vice Captain: Wanindu Hasaranga


Prediction

We expect a cracking contest between these two teams, studded with some outright match-winners. However, considering the balance they have, Sri Lanka might just pip Zimbabwe and secure a victory in this match.