ZIM vs SL Match Prediction : 1st T20, Sri Lanka tour of Zimbabwe, 2025

The Sri Lankans should be clear-cut favourites even on foreign territory. The Sri Lankans will be bringing a mix of high-class domestic performers and regular internationals who have dominated on the world stage.

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Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka Head-to-Head Record

The previous T20I series between Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka ended as a two-one series victory to the tourists. The teams had not played each other for more than a decade before when Sri Lanka beat Zimbabwe in the 2012 Men’s T20 World Cup.

Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka Live-streaming and Broadcast

Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka will open this T20I series at Harare Sports Club on Wednesday, 3 September 2025. The match will be available in India on the Fancode app.

You can find live odds, updated tips after every day's play, and more information about this match at ocbscores.com.

ZIM vs SL Team Previews

Zimbabwe

Dion Myers represents youth on paper, but his track record remains modest internationally. Brian Bennett offers flashes of potential, though relying on a rookie for consistency could be the downfall of the Zimbabweans.

In the previous T20I, he only scored one run before Clive Madande didn’t do much better with only two runs. Sikandar Raza, with captain’s duties, clings to the reins with little to show beyond occasional flurries of brilliance. He is leading a side with four losses on the bounce.

Veteran Sean Williams returns but will need to prove himself again in the shortest format of the game. He last played a T20I for Zimbabwe over a year ago.

Ryan Burl has been around the Zimbabwean national set-up for a while now but has not taken the bull by the horns for his country. His returns of 29, 12, 36 not out and 5 will not strike fear into the opposition. Tony Munyonga is building his profile on the international stage, but a batting average of 16.93 with a strike rate of just under 110 is far from a scary prospect.

Richard Ngarava and Blessing Muzarabani will be the two headliners of the pace-bowling attack. The Sri Lankans will feel comfortable about manoeuvring their way around the two bowlers and cashing in on the weaknesses of the bowlers around them.

Tinotenda Maposa needs to be wary of being an easy target with a T20I economy rate over nine.

Zimbabwe Expected Playing 11

Dion Myers, Brian Bennett, Clive Madande (wk), Sikandar Raza (c), Sean Williams, Ryan Burl, Tony Munyonga, Tinotenda Maposa, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani, Trevor Gwandu

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Sri Lanka

The sublime Pathum Nissanka’s commanding batting form and eloquent strokeplay continues to ignite the top order in the powerplay. He has 425 runs in his past ten T20Is. Paired behind the stumps, Kusal Mendis brings stylish aggression and consistency.

Kusal Perera provides the explosive flair to shift momentum instantly with a strike rate of just under 145 in his past ten T20Is. Emerging talent Nuwanidu Fernando injects youthful energy and promise into the middle order, particularly with recent domestic form behind him.

At the helm is skipper Charith Asalanka’s steady leadership with versatile firepower. All-rounder Kamindu Mendis offers a rare bowling and dependable lower-order batting edge. Seasoned campaigner Dasun Shanaka brings both experience and seam-bowling all-round strength. The former Sri Lankan captain has five T20I half-centuries and more than 30 wickets.

In the spin department, the mystery and control of Maheesh Theekshana is complemented by the clever variations of Dunith Wellalage. Theekshana grabbed two for 14 in just over three overs against Zimbabwe previously.

The pace bowlers, Binura Fernando and Nuwan Thushara, offer brisk rhythm and urgency that promises to unsettle opposition batters. Thushara has moved to ten wickets in his past ten T20Is.

Sri Lanka Expected Playing 11

Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kusal Perera, Nuwanidu Fernando, Charith Asalanka (c), Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Binura Fernando, Nuwan Thushara

ZIM vs SL Toss Prediction

This seems to be a match-up where bowling first is the way to go. The past three T20I results between Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka have ended in the sides batting second winning.

Pitch Report and Weather Conditions

In a format where strokeplay is encouraged, the pitch should keep the batters interested for the full game. The hot and dry pitch should also be encouraging for the spinners if they can hit the right spots to extract turn and bounce.

The pacers may not get much from the wicket besides extra bounce, so they will need to be clever with their variations and cutters into the wicket. The previous first innings score at Harare was 180 for five by New Zealand.

Matchday in Harare is set to be a scorcher with minimal rain. The chance of rain is only at six percent. The gentle breeze will keep the humidity at bay.

ZIM vs SL: Who Will Win?

This is a Sri Lankan side with fire in its eyes after being tested by the hosts but still managing to come good on each occasion in the ODI series. The shorter format may play into the Sri Lankan’s hands even more with some explosive batters and gun bowlers.

Bet on Sri Lanka to win.

ZIM vs SL win percentage stands at 63% in favor of SL.

Todays Match Prediction: Sri Lanka to Win.