Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe, 4th ODI - Live Cricket Score, Commentary

Toss - Sri Lanka opt to bat

Mathews wins the toss and he has no hesitation in batting first even though his side easily managed to chase down a huge total just two days earlier at the same venue. Pradeep has been replaced in the playing XI by debutantAsithaFernando. Zimbabwe also have a change as the injured Carl Mumba makes way for Chris Mpofu.

Teams:

Zimbabwe (Playing XI): Hamilton Masakadza, Solomon Mire, Tarisai Musakanda, Craig Ervine, Sean Williams, Sikandar Raza, Peter Moor(w), Malcolm Waller, Graeme Cremer(c), Chris Mpofu, Tendai Chatara

Sri Lanka (Playing XI): Niroshan Dickwella(w), Danushka Gunathilaka, Kusal Mendis, Upul Tharanga, Angelo Mathews(c), Asela Gunaratne, Wanidu Hasaranga, Lasith Malinga, Asitha Fernando, Dushmantha Chameera, Lakshan Sandakan

Build up

Ever since they suffered a shocking defeat in the first ODI, Sri Lanka have been very impressive. More than the loss, the nature of the defeat would have hurt them more. Despite posting more than 300, they allowed Zimbabwe to chase it down. But the hosts have fought back in the next two and are now clear favourites once again to seal the series. Their openers, who failed to put up solid opening stands in the first two games, turned up finally in the third to put on 229 to make a 311-run chase look very easy.

With Upul Tharanga also in cracking form, Sri Lanka have no concerns in the batting department. Angelo Mathews will look for an improved show with the ball though as Sri Lanka have now conceded more than 300 runs twice in the series already. Nuwan Pradeep, who suffered a thigh strain during the third ODI, has been ruled out for the rest of the series. It will be interesting to see who takes his spot. Will the veteran Kulasekara return to the playing XI? Will Zimbabwe bring back Ryan Burl? His replacement Tarisai Musakanda was in pretty good nick when he was involved in a century stand with centurion Masakadza. So it will be a harsh call to drop him from the XI.

With a home series against neighbours India lurking around the corner, the Sri Lankans will want to make a statement with an emphatic performance today. Welcome to the live blog of the fourth ODI. Send in your opinions to @Narbavi and get them featured on the blog.

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