SL vs ZIM, 3rd T20I | Playing 11 Prediction, Cricket Tips, Preview & Live Streaming

Zimbabwe defeated Sri Lanka in the 2nd T20I [X.com]

Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe will clash in the decisive T20I on Thursday, January 18, at R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo. 

The series is currently tied at 1-1, with Sri Lanka winning the series opener and Zimbabwe securing a victory in the second T20I by four wickets.  

SL vs ZIM 3rd T20I: Team Previews

Sri Lanka 

Sri Lanka | Source: X.com

Sri Lanka clinched the first T20I, but it was no walk in the park. They had to grind it out, taking the game to the wire, chasing 144. Angelo Mathews stood tall, but the others contributed by a hair's breadth. 

Sri Lanka faced batting woes in the second T20I as well, especially with the top order. Charitha Asalanka and Angelo Mathews were the only ones who made an impact with the bat.  

With Charith Asalanka scoring a fiery 69 off 39 balls and Angelo Mathews remaining unbeaten with 66 off 51 balls, Sri Lanka set a mammoth total of 173 runs, losing six wickets. 

However, the bowlers, especially the likes of Wanindu Hasaranga, Angelo Mathews, and Dasun Chanaka, got a bit of a hammering from the Zimbabwe batters. Angelo Mathews took the hit, conceding 35 runs in 1.5 overs with an economy rate of 19.09.

Zimbabwe 

Sikandar Raza celebrates a dismissal with Jongwe [X.com]

On the other hand, Zimbabwe, who already showed their mettle in the first T20I against Sri Lanka, outdid them in this match by successfully chasing down the 174-run target in 19.5 overs. 

The star of the show was Craig Ervine, who lit it up with 70 runs from 54 balls, including six boundaries and two towering sixes. Brian Bennett added to the excitement with 25 runs from 20 balls.  

While the top guns did their part, Ryan Burl, Luke Jongwe, and Clive Madande made vital contributions, ultimately steering Zimbabwe to victory by chasing down the target with just one ball left. 

The series is deadlocked at 1-1, and both squads are eager to claim the series victory. They're evenly matched on paper, making it a potential historic moment for Zimbabwe if they triumph in Sri Lanka. 

SL vs ZIM 3rd T20I: Match Details & Live Streaming

SL vs ZIM 3rd T20I: Colombo Pitch Report

The pitch at R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo usually gives the bowlers an edge, especially the spinners. Scoring runs won't be a walk in the park, and batters should take their time before going all-in. The team winning the toss should look to bowl first. 

SL vs ZIM 3rd T20I: Probable Playing XI

Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kusal Perera, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Angelo Mathews, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga (c), Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Dilshan Madushanka

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

SL vs ZIM 3rd T20I: Cricket Exchange Fantasy Tips

SL vs ZIM 3rd T20I: Winner Prediction 

While both teams seem evenly matched, the slight edge goes to Sri Lanka as the host team. 

---

ALSO READ

'AM to PM On Grind' - Hardik Pandya Posts Cryptic Message Amid Shivam Dube's Exploits Vs AFG

---