A fresh chapter is set to be written in the annals of Sri Lankan cricket as Kusal Mendis assumes the mantle of One Day International (ODI) captaincy, marking his first campaign at the helm in the upcoming three-match series against Zimbabwe. The stage is set at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo for Saturday’s inaugural game (January 7), where Mendis eyes a victorious commencement to his leadership.
Taking command as the full-time ODI skipper, Mendis carries the responsibility and aspirations of a nation, looking to inject a new dynamic into the team’s performance. The 18-strong Sri Lankan squad assembled for this encounter melds the experience of seasoned campaigners with the vigor of emerging talents, signaling the selectors’ strategic vision for a balanced and formidable unit.
The rejuvenated squad sees the return of experienced players like spinner Akila Dananjaya and batsman Avishka Fernando, both set to reinforce the team’s composition. Guided by the selection committee steered by former cricketer Upul Tharanga, expectations are high for a positive outcome against a competitive Zimbabwean side.
Zimbabwe arrives with its own set of aces, captained by the adept Craig Ervine. With prowess in both batting and bowling, the team possesses its own cadre of game changers —including the proficient Sikandar Raza and the bowling duo of Richard Ngarava and Blessing Muzarabani— who are ready to rise to the occasion and challenge their hosts.
With anticipation building, fans are keen to know the specifics of the series:
The face-off between Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe commences with the first ODI on Saturday (January 7), followed by the subsequent matches of the series. The R Premadasa Stadium will play host to these cricketing festivities, offering the perfect backdrop for what promises to be an action-packed confrontation.
Broadcasting details are generating buzz among cricket enthusiasts eager to catch every play. The live coverage of the Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe series will be available on television channels Sony Ten 5 and Sony Ten 5 HD, ensuring that fans do not miss a moment of the action.
For those inclined to digital consumption, live streaming services have got you covered. The ODI series will be made accessible online through Sony LIV and FanCode platforms, providing an alternative means for audiences to follow the games live.
The squad selections are indicative of both sides’ strategies and preparations. Sri Lanka’s team boasts performers across the spectrum, ready to deliver under Mendis’ leadership:
– Pathum Nissanka
– Nuwanidu Fernando
– Kusal Mendis (c/wk)
– Sadeera Samarawickrama
– Charith Asalanka
– Dasun Shanaka
– Wanindu Hasaranga
– Dunith Wellalage
– Dushmantha Chameera
– Maheesh Theekshana
– Jeffrey Vandersay
– Akila Dananjaya
– Avishka Fernando
– Pramod Madushan
– Janith Liyanage
– Sahan Arachchige
– Dilshan Madushanka
Zimbabwe, not to be underestimated, fields a competitive squad with established and upcoming cricketers:
– Joylord Gumbie (wk)
– Tinashe Kamunhukamwe
– Milton Shumba
– Takudzwanashe Kaitano
– Craig Ervine (c)
– Sikandar Raza
– Clive Madande
– Luke Jongwe
– Wellington Masakadza
– Richard Ngarava
– Blessing Muzarabani
– Faraz Akram
– Tony Munyonga
– Tapiwa Mufudza
– Ryan Burl
As the anticipation heightens for the impending series, all eyes will be on Kusal Mendis and his men to see if the dawn of his captaincy will indeed mark the beginning of a new and triumphant era in Sri Lankan cricket.
