Philemon Jambaya
The highly anticipated first One-Day International between Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe scheduled for this Saturday was unfortunately abandoned due to rain, throwing the three-match series into disarray.
With both teams eager to kick things off, debutants Tapiwa Mufudza and Faraz Akram stepped onto the field for the Chevrons, adding a splash of excitement to the pre-match buzz. Mufudza even impressed with a solid off-spin spell of 37 runs for no wickets in his ten overs.
However, Sri Lanka put up a strong fight, setting a challenging target of 274 before the heavens opened up, forcing the game to be called off with Zimbabwe on 12/2 after just four overs.
The abandoned match means the series has been shortened to a two-match affair, leaving both teams with everything to play for in the upcoming clash on Monday. Sri Lanka, the undisputed powerhouse in the 50-over format, enter the second ODI as clear favourites. Their historical dominance over Zimbabwe in ODIs is undeniable, with 47 wins in 62 encounters compared to Zimbabwe's 12.
Even on Sri Lankan soil, the Lankans hold a significant advantage, having secured 12 victories in 16 conclusive ODIs against Zimbabwe. The Chevrons' last ODI series in Sri Lanka, a 2-1 defeat in January 2023, further strengthens Sri Lanka's position.
However, Zimbabwe cannot be counted out entirely. Their stunning 3-2 ODI series victory in Sri Lanka back in 2017 serves as a stark reminder of their potential. Additionally, both teams are coming off the 2023 World Cup qualifiers, where Sri Lanka emerged triumphant, potentially providing valuable momentum for the hosts.
With such a rich history and competitive edge between the two nations, the second ODI promises to be a thrilling battle for ODI supremacy. After Thursday’s showdown, both teams will have a brief two-day break before diving into the three-match T20I series starting on January 14th.
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