Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe 3rd ODI Betting Tips 21/01/2022

January 20, 2022

Zohaib Ahmed, Senior Author

The 3^rd ODI between Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe will be played on Jan 21 (Friday) at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. The match is to begin at 2:30 pm IST.

Teams Status

Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe sprang a major surprise in the last game, beating Sri Lanka and leveling the three-match series 1-1. That upset win sets the stage for an exciting series finale.

The second ODI was not unlike the first one in its construct. Zimbabwe batted first and piled up a big score (302) but unlike the first match, they managed to defend their total.

The Africans again got a good start from their openers, with Takudzwanashe Kaitano scoring 26 and Regis Chakabva 47. While in the last game, Sean Williams had scored a ton, this time captain Sean Ervine amassed a 91, with William contributing a 48. Sikandar Raza’s 56 was vital too.

The bowlers were subdued in the opening match but this time, Zimbabwe pacers found their stride, with Tendai Chatara and Blessing Muzarabani each picked three wickets.

The result means a historic and rare overseas triumph is now within the grasp of cricket’s perennial minnows.

Sri Lanka

Sri Lankan bowlers have found little joy in the series so far but this time the batters failed too. They had tracked down one big total in the series opener but couldn’t repeat the trick as their top order died on them.

Chatara and Muzarabani emerged the winners in early exchanges as the home side were reduced to 31-3 from which point they played catch up the entire game.

Kamindu Mendis (57) and Dasun Shanaka (102) showed some resistance but in the end, the islanders fell short by 22 runs.

Before the World Cup last year, Sri Lanka were proving to be difficult hosts for away teams. Losing a home series to Zimbabwe could reverse that reputation.

What Do the Sportsbooks Say?

Brand	Sri Lanka	Zimbabwe
	1.26	3.70
	1.29	3.74
	1.34	3.30

Sri Lanka are the favourites for this fixture. Parimatch has Sri Lanka priced at 1.26 and Zimbabwe at 3.70. Paripesa has Sri Lanka available for 1.29 and Zimbabwe for 3.74. Lastly, Sportsbet has Sri Lanka priced at 1.34 and Zimbabwe at 3.30.

Tipster’s Angle

Tip: Total runs in the match over 520.5 @ 1.81

The spread of 520.5 runs has been easily breached in each of the last two fixtures. The third game is also at the same venue. The Pallekele wicket has little support for bowlers and more joy for batters. Therefore, we back the two teams to combine for another run-fest. The odds have been sourced from Parimatch.

Tip: Sean Williams to score more than 26.5 runs @ 1.87

Williams has been in great form and scored good runs in both the matches so far. He is comfortable on the Pallekele pitch and is easily dealing with whatever Sri Lankan bowlers are throwing at him. We back him to get some more runs in the series decided. The odds have been sourced from Parimatch.

Conclusion

Sri Lanka are, of course, still the favourites but at this point, it will be folly to take a gamble on them. It’s better to sit out picking winners in this one. Focus on the side bets.

Zohaib Ahmed

22:03, 20 Jan 2022

Senior Author

Zohaib Ahmed

Senior Author

22:03, 20 Jan 2022

Zohaib Ahmed is a sports journalist whose profession is to report and edit but whose passion is to predict and bet. He’s been in the industry for more than a decade and has worked/written for various bookmakers/tipsters. His expertise is in cricket, football, MMA, boxing and basketball.