COLOMBO, Jan 11, 2024 (BSS/AFP) - Zimbabwe won the toss and opted to bat first in Thursday's series-deciding third and final ODI against Sri Lanka in Colombo.

Sri Lanka handed 19-year-old opener Shevon Daniel his debut as a late replacement for Pathum Nissanka, who is down with dengue.

The hosts also dropped former captain Dasun Shanaka, who fell for single-digit scores in the first two ODIs and has managed just one half-century in his past 21 innings.

Leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga is back in the side for his first game since a hamstring injury last July, with leg-spinner Jeffrey Vandresay left out.

Zimbabwe made three changes to the side that played the second ODI with the addition of Takudzwanashe Kaitano, Wellington Masakadza and Luke Jongwe.

The hosts lead the series 1-0 after the first match was washed out early into Zimbabwe's chase.

Teams:

Zimbabwe: Craig Ervine (capt), Ryan Burl, Joylord Gumbie (wk), Clive Madande, Milton Shumba, Sikandar Raza, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava, Takudzwanashe Kaitano, Wellington Masakadza, Luke Jongwe.

Sri Lanka: Kusal Mendis (capt), Avishka Fernando, Shevon Daniel, Sadeera Samarawickrama (wk), Janith Liyanage, Charith Asalanka, Sahan Arachchige, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Dilshan Madushanka.

Umpires: Alex Wharf (ENG), Ruchira Palliyaguruge (SRI)

TV Umpire: Marais Erasmus (RSA)

Match Referee: Ranjan Madugalle (SRI)