Probable XI –
Sri Lanka –
Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kamindu Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal, Charith Asalanka, Dasun Shanaka (c), Chamika Karunaratne, Jeffrey Vandersay, Maheesh Theekshana, Chamika Gunasekara, Nuwan Pradeep
Zimbabwe –
Takudzwanashe Kaitano, Regis Chakabva (wk), Craig Ervine (c), Sean Williams, Wesley Madhevere, Sikandar Raza, Ryan Burl, Wellington Masakadza, Blessing Muzarabani, Tendai Chatara, Richard Ngarava
Small League Combination 1 –
1. Regis Chakabva
2. Kusal Mendis
3. Kamindu Mendis
4. Charith Asalanka(VC)
5. Pathum Nissanaka
6. Sean Williams(C)
7. Sikandar Raza
8. Chamika Karunaratne
9. Nuwan Pradeep
10. Maheesh Theekshana
11. Blessing Muzarabani
– Sean Williams looks safest captain choice considering his two down batting and 7-8 overs with the bowl.
– Charith Asalanka might be a good VC considering his recent consistency with bat and part time overs with bowl.
– Dinesh Chandimal can be picked at the place of Pathum Nissanaka especially while batting first.
– Kamindu Mendis might be a decent punt as he’s batting at one down and bowling 5-6 overs too.
– Sikandar Raza can give decent fantasy points considering his middle order batting and some overs with the bowl.
– Expecting atleast a couple of wickets from Theekshana who might not fail in two consecutive innings.
– Blessing Muzarabani can give decent 25-30 fantasy points as he has been taking wickets consistently.
Small League Combination 2 –
1. Kusal Mendis
2. Craig Ervine
3. Kamindu Mendis
4. Charith Asalanka
5. Sean Williams(VC)
6. Dasun Shanaka
7. Sikandar Raza
8. Chamika Karunaratne
9. Nuwan Pradeep
10. Maheesh Theekshana(C)
11. Blessing Muzarabani/Richard Ngarava
– Taking punt on Theekshana as captain who’s expected to remain amongst the wickets in this match.
– Dropped Regis Chakabva and Pathum Nissanaka who might not go big in consecutive innings.
– Dinesh Chandimal should be preferred over Kamindu Mendis especially while batting first and vice-versa.
– Craig Ervine can be a decent punt as he might not get out early in consecutive innings.
– Shanaka will be a crucial pick with bat if a couple of top order batters depart early and also bowling part time overs.
– Take anyone from Blessing Muzarabani or Richard Ngarava as they’re expected to bowl in death overs for Zimbabwe.
Grand League Combination –
1. Regis Chakabva
2. Charith Asalanka
3. Kamindu Mendis(VC)
4. Craig Ervine
5. Sean Williams
6. Sikandar Raza
7. Dasun Shanaka
8. Chamika Karunaratne
9. Wellington Masakadza
10. Blessing Muzarabani(C)
11. Maheesh Theekshana
– Going a bit heavy on Zimbabwe as they might put up a surprising show to win this match.
– Blessing Muzarabani looks an open captain choice as he has the capability to thrash any batting line-up.
– Kamindu Mendis might be a good VC choice considering his top order batting and atleast 5-6 overs with the bowl.
– Dasun Shanaka and Chamika Karunaratne will be crucial with both bat and ball especially if top order batters doesn’t do well.
– Wellington Masakadza can be a decent GL pick especially while bowling in second innings.
– Must try Ryan Burl and Wesley Madhevere as C/VC in a couple of grand league combinations.