Here’s why Craig Ervine is not playing today’s match – ZIM vs SL, 1st ODI

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The Sri Lanka tour of Zimbabwe 2025 got underway in dramatic fashion at Harare Sports Club on Friday, as Zimbabwe’s regular skipper Craig Ervine was ruled out of the ODI series with a calf injury. In his absence, veteran all-rounder Sean Williams stepped in as captain, winning the toss in the first ODI and opting to bowl first in conditions expected to favour seamers early on.

Zimbabwe’s preparations took a major hit when it was confirmed that Ervine suffered a grade 2 tear in one calf and a grade 1 tear in the other. Williams confirmed the news at the toss, wishing his teammate a speedy recovery. The loss of Ervine – one of Zimbabwe’s most reliable middle-order batters – is a significant blow. To cover his absence, Wessly Madhevere was drafted into the XI, adding all-round balance to the side.

Both captains admitted they wanted to bowl first, believing the morning conditions would help their pacers. “If we are going to get our fast bowlers to get anything, it’s early in the morning,” Williams said after winning the toss. Sri Lanka skipper Charith Asalanka echoed that sentiment, though he remained focused on setting a strong target. “We want to score around 280-290,” he stated, highlighting Sri Lanka’s confidence in their batting depth.

Despite losing the toss, Sri Lanka’s approach was clear. They named a batting-heavy XI, with seven specialist batters backed by three all-rounders. Openers Pathum Nissanka and Nishan Madushka, along with in-form Kusal Mendis, will look to set the tone, while bowlers like Dushmantha Chameera and Maheesh Theekshana carry the responsibility with the ball.

Williams, though disappointed by Ervine’s absence, was upbeat about his side’s chances at home. “Our team plays really well here,” he said, pointing to Zimbabwe’s familiarity with Harare conditions and the support of their fans. The team will rely on the experience of Brendan Taylor, Sikandar Raza and Williams himself, supported by youngsters like Brian Bennett and Brad Evans, as they aim to start the series positively against a strong Sri Lankan side.

Also READ: SL vs ZIM 2025 – Harare Sports Club Pitch Report, ODI Stats and Records

Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Nishan Madushka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka (c), Janith Liyanage, Kamindu Mendis, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka

Zimbabwe: Ben Curran, Brian Bennett, Brendan Taylor (wk), Sean Williams (c), Sikandar Raza, Wessly Madhevere, Tony Munyonga, Brad Evans, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani, Trevor Gwandu

Also READ: ZIM vs SL, 1st ODI Match Prediction – Who will win today’s game between Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka?