Sri Lanka are gearing up to face Zimbabwe in the first T20 International scheduled for Sunday, January 14 at R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. The contest has added an extra layer of excitement with Wanindu Hasaranga scheduled to lead Sri Lankan side, stepping into the captaincy role. Sri Lanka remain in a good dimension to their assignment against Zimbabwe after outplaying the visitors in the ODI series by 2-0. 

Sri Lanka, having home advantage, have been the raging force, making it difficult for Zimbabwe to contain their attack. Meanwhile, The clash promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams having culminated the ODI series with competitive cricket. Both Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe vie for supremacy in the shortest format of the game. Sri Lanka, in particular, will eye an explosive outing to upgrade their preparations keeping the upcoming T20I World Cup 2024 in the context. Going into the T20Is, Sri Lanka will see the return of their veteran player Angelo Mathews. 

Zimbabwe, on the other side, led by Sikandar Raza, will hope to fight it out against Sri Lanka with their seasoned players in the form of Craig Ervine, Ryan Burl and Sean Williams among others. After suffering defeat in the ODIs, Zimbabwe would look forward to making their statement against their more fancied opponents. Their players will be eager to showcase their skills and upset the odds in a bid to leave a lasting impact on the series. Zimbabwe have failed to qualify for the T20I World Cup 2024 as it will be a great opportuntiy for them to start afresh.

Sri Lanka Probable XI: Kusal Mendis (wk), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Kusal Perera, Maheesh Theekshana, Angelo Matthews, Wanindu Hasaranga (c), Charith Asalanka, Sahan Arachchige, Dushmantha Chameera, Janith Liyanage, Dilshan Madushanka

Zimbabwe Probable XI: Takudzwanashe Kaitano, Craig Ervine, Milton Shumba, Sikandar Raza (c), Joylord Gumbie, Luke Jongwe, Richard Ngarava, Ryan Burl, Clive Madande (wk), Wellington Masakadza, Blessing Muzarabani