Hambantota: Zimbabwe won the toss and elected to bowl against hosts Sri Lankla in the inaugural encounter of the World Twenty20 at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.

Mahela Jayawardene's men will take the field in Hambantota, the southeastern home town of President Mahinda Rajapakse, with hopes high they can end a 16-year wait for their second global title in front of their cricket-obsessed fans.

Sri Lanka start the tournament as one of the favourites, although predictions are notoriously difficult in cricket's shortest format, which has revolutionised the sport and divided opinion since its introduction in 2003.

Home advantage will help the hosts, who have a well-balanced side including the newly crowned cricketer of the year, wicketkeeper-batsman Kumar Sangakkara.

Teams

Sri Lanka: Mahela Jayawardene (capt) , Angelo Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal, Tilakaratne Dilshan, Shaminda Eranga, Rangana Herath, KMDN Kulasekara, SL Malinga, BAW Mendis, BMAJ Mendis, EMDY Munaweera, MKPAD Perera, NLTC Perera, KC Sangakkara (wk), HDRL Thirimanne

Zimbabwe: BRM Taylor (capt & wk), E Chigumbura, AG Cremer, CR Ervine, KM Jarvis, H Masakadza, S Matsikenyeri, CB Mpofu, F Mutizwa, R Muzhange, RW Price, V Sibanda, P Utseya, BV Vitori, MN Waller