Sri Lanka will take on Zimbabwe in the first ODI of the three-match series on Saturday (January 6) at the R.Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. The two teams will be involved in a three-match T20I series after the ODI series. The T20I series will start on Sunday, January 11.

Sri Lanka finished in second-last position in the ODI World Cup last year, securing two wins in nine matches. The recently appointed selection committee has introduced significant changes to the squad that competed in the World Cup. Notably, players like Kusal Perera and Dhananjaya de Silva have been excluded from the team. Wanindu Hasaranga is included in the squad, but his participation depends on his fitness, as he is recovering from hamstring surgery. This assignment marks the first leadership role for Kusal Mendis since being appointed as the full-time skipper, with Charith Asalanka named as his deputy.

Zimbabwe recently hosted Ireland in a three-match ODI series and lost the same by 2-0 margin. Craig Ervine has made a return to the side and has been named the captain. Unfortunately, Sean Williams is not part of the team due to a side injury sustained in the second T20I against Ireland last month.

Wanindu Hasaranga is still recovering from hamstring surgery and might not play this match.

The surface at the R.Premadasa Stadium in Colombo will likely remain balanced throughout this match. The average first innings score in the last five ODI matches here has been 227 runs. The team winning the toss might look to bat and post a above-par total on the board.

This team is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While selecting your team, consider the points mentioned and make your own decision.