Two test matches were played between Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka, and getting a whitewash was extremely easy for the latter. They won both tests by huge margins and now these two teams will play an ODI tri-series along with West Indies. In game 1, hosts Zimbabwe will play Sri Lanka and even though the Lankans start as huge favourites, Zimbabwe have a greater chance in the shorter format.

Both teams have made squad changes from the tests. After a very successful first series as test captain, Rangana Herath will fly back and Upul Tharanga will take over the reins of captaincy for the ODIs. The bowling attack will have a little more experience with the return of opening bowler Nuwan Kulasekara, while left arm chinaman bowler who made his debut in the Australia series (Lakshan Sandakan) will also make a return and batsmen will find it tough to pick him.

In the test series, we saw Zimbabwe playing good cricket in phases - playing good for a period of 20-30 overs and then letting it slip quite a few times. It will be easier to be consistent in a 50-over game and that's why they will be worth the gamble here, even though they are outsiders. They too have made a few changes - three all-rounders in Elton Chigumbura, Chamu Chibhabha and Sikandar Raza are going to boost the team tremendously.

Tinashe Panyangara has been their best bowler over the past couple of years and he will also make a comeback after missing th test series due to injury. Their middle order is looking good as we saw many worthy contributions in the test series, but it's going to be the openers who will need to contribute more early on. Good starts are always important in ODIs; all eyes will be on the veteran Hamilton Masakadza, who failed to make an impact in the tests.

Zimbabwe have a huge cricketing history here, having played 121 ODIs in Harare, but have only won 36. Their last four ODIs here have also been lost and it's going to be tough to end that streak in this game. Sri Lanka on the other hand have won 14 out of their 17 ODIs here. Captain Tharanga has 2 fifties in 8 games here and he will be the player with the most experience of playing cricket in this part of the world.

(IB)