Sri Lanka started the tournament after a run of disappointing results but have since found top gear, reaching the Super 8 with three consecutive wins. The latest was a chase of 182 against Australia, achieved with two overs left. Pathum Nissanka, quiet until then, made an unbeaten 100 off 52 balls, and Kusal Mendis added 51 off 38.
Dushmantha Chameera has taken five wickets in three games and will look to strike early against Zimbabwe’s openers, Brian Bennett and Tadiwanashe Marumani, with Ryan Burl also a threat. Dunith Wellalage and Maheesh Theekshana will aim to squeeze the middle order. Matheesha Pathirana is injured, with Pramod Madushan expected to come in.
Zimbabwe also came through to the Super 8, helped by a washed-out game against Ireland, and they have a big win over Australia on their record. Bennett has 112 runs in two games at a strike rate of 122, while Burl and captain Sikandar Raza supply experience through the middle.
Brad Evans and Blessing Muzarabani have shared 13 wickets between them, and Wellington Masakadza and Raza can control the run rate on slower surfaces. The contest looks like Sri Lanka’s firepower against a well-balanced Zimbabwe unit.
