Toss and Team News
Zimbabwe’s stand-in skipper Sean Williams won the toss and elected to bowl first in the opening ODI against Sri Lanka at Harare. The visitors will play a two-match series. Regular captain Craig Ervine was sidelined on the morning of the match after suffering a calf injury, forcing Zimbabwe to make last-minute leadership adjustments.
“We felt bowling first gives us the best chance to make use of the early seam movement,” said Williams after winning the toss.
On a surface expected to assist seam bowlers, particularly in the early hours of the 9:30am start, Zimbabwe opted for a pace-heavy attack with Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani, and Trevor Gwandu leading the bowling unit.
Sri Lanka’s Selection and Key Returns
Sri Lanka handed a recall to Sadeera Samarawickrama, marking his first international appearance in 2025. They also went in with three frontline quicks — Dushmantha Chameera, Asitha Fernando, and Dilshan Madushanka.
“It’s good to be back in the national side, and I’m looking forward to contributing,” Samarawickrama noted before the game.
For Zimbabwe, the clash also marked a significant comeback for Brendan Taylor, who played his first ODI since returning from a ban. Earlier this month, Taylor had already featured in the second Test against New Zealand.
Playing XIs
Sri Lanka XI: Pathum Nissanka, Nishan Madushka, Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, Kamindu Mendis, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka.
Zimbabwe XI: Brian Bennett, Ben Curran, Brendan Taylor, Sean Williams (capt.), Sikandar Raza, Wessly Madhevere, Tony Munyonga, Brad Evans, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani, Trevor Gwandu.
Also Read: Craig Ervine Ruled Out of ODI Series Against Sri Lanka with Calf Strain
