Online Reporter
Brandon Moyo, Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE and Sri Lanka have hit the nets in Harare ahead of their limited-overs series that begins Friday at Harare Sports Club.
Both teams are fine-tuning their squads at the ceremonial home of cricket, with Zimbabwe resting yesterday after holding sessions on Sunday and Monday, although some players still slipped in extra work on Tuesday.
Sri Lanka, who jetted in over the weekend, also wasted no time adjusting to local conditions.
The series will feature two One Day Internationals (ODIs) followed by three T20Is, all in Harare. Friday’s opener will be followed by the second ODI on August 31, before the T20 matches on September 3, 6 and 7.
For the Lions, the short tour doubles as preparation for the 2025 Asia Cup in the United Arab Emirates, which starts on September 9. Before leaving Colombo, they roped in Lasith Malinga to work with fast bowlers Asitha Fernando, Dushmantha Chameera, Dilshan Madushanka and all-rounder Milan Rathnayake.
Sri Lanka’s squad blends youth and experience, with 22-year-old uncapped batter Pavan Rathnayake handed a chance, while 25-year-old Nuwanidu Fernando returns after limited opportunities since his 2023 debut. Injury has ruled out their talismanic all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga.
Zimbabwe will counter with a mix of veterans and debutants. Brendan Taylor headlines the squad in his first ODI appearance since 2021, while Tuskers seamer Ernest Masuku could finally earn his long-awaited international debut.
Sean Williams and Sikandar Raza bring solidity to the middle order, while Blessing Muzarabani and a fully fit Richard Ngarava boost the seam attack. Clive Madande, Tony Munyonga and Brad Evans, who missed February’s Ireland series, are also back in contention.
On paper, Sri Lanka remain favourites.
They have dominated Zimbabwe historically, winning 49 of the 64 ODIs between the two nations, including 20 on Zimbabwean soil.
The Chevrons have managed only three home ODI victories against them. The Lions’ last ODI series win came in January, while Zimbabwe’s last triumph over them was back in 2022.
Teams
Zimbabwe ODI Squad: Craig Ervine (capt), Brian Bennett, Johnathan Campbell, Ben Curran, Brad Evans, Trevor Gwandu, Wessly Madhevere, Clive Madande, Ernest Masuku, Tony Munyonga, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava, Newman Nyamhuri, Sikandar Raza, Brendan Taylor, Sean Williams.
Sri Lanka ODI Squad: Charith Asalanka (capt), Pathum Nissanka, Nuwanidu Fernando, Nishan Madushka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Dunith Wellalage, Pavan Rathnayake, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Milan Rathnayake, Dilshan Madushanka, Asitha Fernando, Dushmantha Chameera.
— @brandon_malvin
