Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka. 2nd ODI. 8th Jan 2024

[Googly]

Samarawickrama and Arachchige are great names.

[Kriterion_BD]

Good overall game. The goal was always to compete and play tough cricket.

[Googly]

I was impressed with Faraz. Last over he bowled two balls a bit full, but who'd have thought he'd have been bowling at the death. He did well.

[Googly]

I'm confused at Bones' complete lack of turn. I mean zero.
Good line and length and pace though. They'll come out to him next game if he plays, but I suspect Welly will resume his customary spot.

[ZIMDOGGY]

My thoughts.
The big difference between us and them today was the tail. Our tail possesses no fight at all, and it must be addressed. The old Zimbabwe always had a great lower order.

Akram was tidy but we can’t keep him on if he’s bowling 115 and not contributing with the bat. He won’t get wickets. It’s like picking Hamilton masakadza or Chibhabha for they bowling.

Mufudza wont be getting wickets at this level. Don’t know why people disagree with me that Williams and Raza are our two best spin options.

Blessing needs to fix all these no balls he is getting called for nowadays.

Raza is still an associate basher in my mind. He’s always been capable with test teams but he’s also always been inconsistent. He’s the same player he alway was. He has just been doing what we are meant to be doing. Disrespecting associates.

Ervine still has it.

Richard Ngarava was excellent. We need to start considering him for our ‘best of all time’ teams. This is a test nation he single handedly slayed, and at a good pace too.

[TapsC2]

I was impressed with Faraz. Last over he bowled two balls a bit full, but who'd have thought he'd have been bowling at the death. He did well.

Yeah he actually did ok. Some things get better with more international experience. It’s only his second game at this level

[Mr Twig]

Ngarava was brilliant.

Great contest in the end thanks to the bowlers. Could've gone either way.

[TapsC2]

Individually this was a massive game for Ngarava. I once said he could be lethal here a few years ago. Some laughed but left arm seam at a decent pace can be lethal against anybody in the right conditions

[Googly]

Well it will be interesting if and when Brad E returns.
Plus the perennial ZC favorite Luke.
Youd have to think Evans, if he prepares well and is playing well is the better player, but one shit game and they'll swap him out.

I don't understand Ngarava bowling round the wicket. Also his pace dropped off a lot, but for sure he's a match winner for us.

[sam_ahm]

Yeah Faraz did OK in both the games and honestly he is an upgrade over Chatara anyways. However Zimbabwe need to keep Evans, Faraz, Jongwe and a few others on their toes and keep rotating them.

I keep saying this to death, Zimbabwe need to play 8 players who can bat... Probably Burl has to come in at 8 as a finisher no matter how ridiculous it sounds, or alternatively they need a much better bat than Madande at 7. Another alternative in future could be to have someone like Bennett or Campbell or Mavuta in at 8 as bowling all rounder... In place of the specialist spinner provided we have Raza, Williams, Burl and Madhevere all in the side.

There is no way Zimbabwe can play only 7 batters when a couple of them are always walking wickets.

I'm happy with today's performance though. If they keep pushing every game, I can assure you the results will come and they will come very soon.