Sri Lanka Bowl First in Second ODI as Nuwanidu Replaces Injured Madushka; Zimbabwe Bring in Debutant Masuku
Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka won the toss and elected to bowl first in the second and final ODI against Zimbabwe at Harare Sports Club, citing expectations that the pitch will improve for batting later in the day. With Sri Lanka leading the two-match series 1–0, a win today would secure a 2–0 sweep, while Zimbabwe must win to draw the series.
Sri Lanka have made one change to their playing XI from the first ODI. Injured opener Nishan Madushka has been replaced by Nuwanidu Fernando, who steps into the top order.
Zimbabwe, meanwhile, have made two changes. Clive Madande returns to the side as wicketkeeper in place of Wessley Madhevere, as Brendan Taylor, who suffered a dislocated finger in the opening match, continues to play solely as a batter. The hosts have also handed a debut to right-arm seamer Ernest Masuku, who replaces Trevor Gwandu after the latter proved expensive in the series opener.
Playing XIs
Zimbabwe:
Brian Bennett, Ben Curran, Brendan Taylor, Sean Williams (capt), Sikandar Raza, Clive Madande (wk), Tony Munyonga, Brad Evans, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani, Ernest Masuku
Sri Lanka:
Pathum Nissanka, Nuwanidu Fernando, Kusal Mendis (wk), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka (capt), Janith Liyanage, Kamindu Mendis, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka
Stay tuned for live updates as Zimbabwe look to bounce back and level the series.