Sri Lankan key spinner Wanindu Hasaranga will most probably play today’s second ODI game against Zimbabwe at the R. Premadasa International cricket stadium,commencing at 2.30 pm.
According to the medical experts Wanindu Hasaranga who missed the last World Cup due to a leg injury has regained fitness and ready to play the game. He played last two Major clubs limited over cricket tournament matches for his club CCC and once again he was among the wickets and ready to play the game today. If Hasaranga plays he will replace leg spinner Jeffrey Vandersay.
Sri Lanka team who scored 273 for 9 wickets in 50 overs at the first game on Saturday later took 2 wickets given away only 12 runs and the game was called off due to rain and ended in a no-result .Today also rain might spoil the game according to weather reports. Evening showers can be expected said meteorology department official.
However, the first game on Saturday Sri Lankan Vice Captain Charith Asalanka was the hero with superb century which was his third ODI century and the 51-run partnership between Charith and Dushmantha Chameera for the 8 th wicket was very vital for Sri Lanka to pass the 250 mark. Sri Lanka won the toss and lost early wicket of opener Avishka Fernando ( for a duck ) and skipper Kusal Mendis was unfortunately run out and Sadeera Samarawickrama who had chance to play long innings was back in the pavilion scoring 41 which put little bit of pressure for Sri Lanka team. Experienced Dasun Shanaka was dismissed due to a poor stroke and most of the Sri Lankan wickets were thrown away due to reckless batting.
Sri Lanka Cricket selection committee chairman Upul Tharanga pointed out Sri Lanka batters failed to perform consistently as Zimbabwe side is inexperienced while their bowling attack also not upto standard and Sri Lankan batters have to take advantage.
The paceman Dilshan Madushanka got good start grabbing both wickets while Dushmantha Chameera also made good start in that first game but weather could be the deciding factor for this series .
Meanwhile Sri Lanka deputy Skipper Charith Asalanka was highly praised by Sri Lanka cricket selectors and the way Asalanka was batting in the first match always good example to other batters and team consistent performance is expected to win the games.
Janith Liyanage the all rounder from Ragama CC should make a good score and try to cement his place in the side.
