Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe, 1st ODI - Live Cricket Score

It could well be defined as the start of a new era for both Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe. The sub-continental giants are struggling to reassert their supremacy - post the Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara era, while the visitors are just grateful for getting playing time against the top-eight cricketing nations. Badly ravaged by political interference and subsequent loss of talented players, Zimbabwe have all but reconciled themselves to playing in the ICC World Cup Qualifiers, scheduled to be held in 2018, as they look to book a spot in the 2019 Cricket World Cup.

As such, exposure is vital and the forthcoming five-match One Day International (ODI) series - Zimbabwe's first away tour of a top-eight Test team since May 2015 can't come at a better time for Graeme Cremer and company. It's also time that cricket gets away with all the off-field distractions, be it the Australian pay dispute or the Indian coaching rift, it's an opportunity for the on-field activities to be highlighted, even if its between two teams ranked as low as 8 and 11 in the ICC ODI rankings chart.

Post the Champions Trophy humiliation, it's a chance for hosts Sri Lanka to get things moving in the 50-over version of the game. They have had their own administrative problems and are now saddled with an interim coach in Nic Pothas - after Graham Ford quit owning to disagreements over several issues with Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC). Up against a team that has nothing to lose, the pressure will be on the hosts - as they sit uncomfortably at the eighth position - 16 points ahead of ninth placed West Indies, as the race for the final automatic berth in the 2019 Cricket World Cup, reaches its final leg.

In a cost-cutting measure, the hosts have prudently arranged the five-match series as day games and have got Galle back on the limited-overs cricket map, for the first time since July, 2000. The venue will host the first two games of the series with the remaining games to be played in Hambantota. Galle has previously been a lucky Test venue for the hosts but can it kickstart a turnaround in Sri Lanka's fortunes in the 50-over format?

Form Guide: Sri Lanka are coming from a disoriented performance at the Champions Trophy. They suffered a thumping defeat against South Africa, surprised everyone with a spirited chase of 322 against India and then blew away several match-winning opportunities against Pakistan, eventually finishing last in their pool.

On the other hand, Zimbabwe come on the back of some mixed results during their recent European sojourn - where they played limited-overs games against fellow strugglers, Scotland and Netherlands. With a young team in tow, they will look to make the most of the opportunity of playing against a higher ranked opposition, and perhaps cause an upset or two.

Team News:

Sri Lanka have left out a host of players for the first two matches from the squad that featured in the Champions League and the exclusion of Dinesh Chandimal headlined it. Akila Dhananjaya and Dushmantha Chameera make a comeback while Lasith Malinga is expected to play despite being slapped with a fine and a suspended one-year ban, after his outburst against a top minister. On the eve of the match, Sri Lanka drafted in Amila Aponso, the left-arm spinner, who impressed during his debut series against Australia.

Zimbabwe have recalled left-arm spinner, Wellington Masakadza, in their 16-man squad for the five-match ODI series. With conditions expected to favour spin, he might just edge out one of the pacers in the final playing XI.

Stats:

Sri Lanka need to complete a 5-0 whitewash to go past Bangladesh into seven in the ICC ODI ratings

Lasith Malinga needs another six wickets to become the fourth Sri Lankan bowler to claim 300 ODI victims.

Quotes:

"We are aware that a 5-0 win will help us to secure seventh position. But we are not looking too far ahead. It's one game at a time and we certainly don't want to take them lightly" - Sri Lanka skipper Angelo Mathews.

"Bit of flue kicked in a few days ago but feeling a lot better now. Hopefully the four of us will feel good by tomorrow. It's very hot out here as well. Our last two tours were to Scotland and Holland. So we are trying to adjust" - Zimbabwe captain Graeme Cremer.Teams:Zimbabwe (From): Solomon Mire, Hamilton Masakadza, Craig Ervine, Tarisai Musakanda, Malcolm Waller, Sean Williams, Graeme Cremer(c), Peter Moor(w), Sikandar Raza, Chamu Chibhabha, Ryan Burl, Chris Mpofu, Tendai Chatara, Donald Tiripano, Wellington Masakadza, Richard NgaravaSri Lanka (From): Danushka Gunathilaka, Upul Tharanga, Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews(c), Niroshan Dickwella(w), Asela Gunaratne, Nuwan Pradeep, Lahiru Madushanka, Wanidu Hasaranga, Akila Dananjaya, Lakshan Sandakan, Dushmantha Chameera, Lasith Malinga, Amila Aponso

Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe, 5th ODI Today Match Prediction

Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe, 5th ODI Today Match Prediction

Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe, 5th ODI Today Match Prediction 19th Feb Monday 2017. Who Will Win Afg Vs Zim 5th ODI match? live score ball by ball

Afghanistan and Zimbabwe will face each other in 5th ODI. Supporters of both teams are very keen ontoday match prediction in recent times. Good News is that today match prediction from Cricboot.comfor free and this match of Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe, 5th ODI on Feb 19, 2018.

Today Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe, 5th ODI will be playing in Sharjah. Afghan team playing very good cricket. After T-20 series the Afghan team has won ODI series Also Against Zimbabwe. Both teams have a really good combo of players and both teams are looking well balanced. Here we are providingMatch Prediction
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 According to Cricbooth.com Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe 5th ODI Today Match Prediction Winner Will be Afghanistan

Match Info:

Zimbabwe Vs. Afghanistan, 5th ODI, 2018

Date -Monday, Feb 19, 2018

Time – 10:30 Am GMT(2:30 Pm Local)

Venue – Sharjah Cricket Association Stadium, Sharjah.

Who Will Win Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe, 5th ODI Match