Liyanage, Akram, Mufuzda handed debuts as Sri Lanka bat first against Zimbabwe

The debut of three rookies marked the first One Day International cricket match with Kusal Mendis at the helm of Sri Lanka's team. Sri Lanka, as the hosting team, batted first against Zimbabwe, in a joint effort to reverse both countries' ODI records. Janith Liyanage, a batting all-rounder, represented Sri Lanka for the first time, while Zimbabwe pitched Faraz Akram and off-spinner Tapiwa Mufuzda for their respective debuts.

Kusal was appointed as ODI captain recently in a split leadership situation across formats. Notably absent from the Sri Lankan squad was Pathum Nissanka, due to a suspected dengue fever hospitalization on the series' eve.

Zimbabwe also felt the loss of form player Sean Williams due to injury but gained strength from captain Craig Ervine's return after a layoff. In light of the pitch conditions, the batting side targeted scores in the 280 to 300 range. However, threatening weather conditions and a ready grounds staff suggested potential rain delays in the afternoon.

Sri Lanka's team included Kusal Mendis (capt, wk), Avishka Fernando, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Janith Liyanage, Charith Asalanka, Sahan Arachchige, Dasun Shanaka, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Jeffrey Vandersay, and Dilshan Madushanka.

Zimbabwe's squad comprised Takudzawanshe Kaitano, Tinashe Kamunhukamwe, Craig Ervine (capt), Milton Shumba, Sikandar Raza, Ryan Burl, Clive Madande (wk), Faraz Akram, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani, and Tapiwa Mufudza.

This news was reported by Sreshth Shah, a sub editor at ESPNcricinfo.