Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe 1st ODI: Colombo R Premadasa Stadium Pitch Report, Weather Forecast, ODI Stats & Records

Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe 1st ODI: R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo will host six white ball games between Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe, starting with the first of the three-match ODI series on Saturday (January 6).

Both Sri Lanka led by Kusal Mendis and Zimbabwe led by Craig Ervine head into the match on the back of a four match win-less runs. While Sri Lanka lost their matches in the ODI World Cup, Zimbabwe's defeats came in the recent home series against Ireland and the World Cup qualifiers.

R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo Pitch Report, Weather Forecast & ODI Record ahead of SL vs ZIM 1st ODI

The two sides last met in the ODI World Cup qualifier when Sri Lanka won by 9 wickets. Now, they are set to clash in R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo for the third time and for the first time since they last met at the venue in 2001.

Although Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe have played each other just twice so far at the venue in ODI format, the R Premadasa Stadium has staged 152 ODI matches so far with the most recent being the Asia Cup final 2023: Here is a look the stats and record at the venue so far:

R Premadasa Stadium Pitch Report

The last time an ODI was contested here, Sri Lanka were bowled out for 50 by Indian in the Asia Cup 2023 final. However, the wicket got easier to bat as the game progressed.

Overall, the pitches in Colombo have been batting friendly early doors, and then assisting spinners as the game progressed. The same could be the case if there is dry weather around, but with showers in recent days, it's likely to even provide assistance to quick bowlers. So, how is the weather going to play on January 6?

Colombo Weather Forecast on January 6

It is expected to be a humid day with clouds and thunderstorms arriving in the afternoon. The maximum temperature is expected to be 31°C, reducing to 27°C heading into the scheduled close of play.

Rain Prediction for Colombo on January: There is 67 percent chance of precipitation on Saturday (January 6) with thunderstorms expected at 2 PM, 5 PM and 8 PM Local Time. So, the SL vs ZIM 1st ODI may see interruptions due to weather and also a possible delay to the toss or start of play.

Colombo R Premadasa Stadium ODI Stats and Records

Matches: 147
Home Side (Sri Lanka) Won: 78
Visiting Team Won: 41
Neutral Team Won: 20
No Result: 8
Batting First Won: 80
Chasing Won: 57
Highest Total: 375/5 by India vs Sri Lanka in 2017
Highest Successful Chase: 292/4 by Sri Lanka vs Australia in 2022
Average First Innings Score: 226
Lowest Total: 50 All Out by Sri Lanka vs India in 2023
Lowest Total Defended: 184 by Pakistan vs Canada in 2011
Highest Score: Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka) - 169 vs South Africa in 2013
Best Bowling Innings: Angelo Mathews (Sri Lanka) - 6 for 20 vs India in 2009
Most Runs: Sanath Jayasuriya (Sri Lanka) - 2514 runs in 70 innings
Most Wickets: Muttiah Muralitharan (Sri Lanka) - 75 wickets in 57 matches
Total Sixes: 518 sixes
Most Sixes: Sanath Jayasuriya (Sri Lanka) - 30 sixes
Total Fours: 4722 fours
Most Fours: Sanath Jayasuriya (Sri Lanka) - 274 fours
Total Fifties: 331 Fifties
Most 50s: Sanath Jayasuriya (Sri Lanka) - 19 fifties
Total 100s: 55 Hundreds
Most 100s: Virat Kohli (India), Sachin Tendulkar (India) & Sanath Jayasuriya (Sri Lanka) - 4 Hundreds each
Highest Partnership: 252 by Sachin Tendulkar & Sourav Ganguly (India) vs Sri Lanka in 1998
Most Dismissals: Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka) - 83 Dismissals (65 catches & 18 stumpings)
Most Catches (Fielder): Mahela Jayawardene (Sri Lanka) - 39 catches