ZIM vs SL Match Prediction : 2nd ODI, Sri Lanka tour of Zimbabwe, 2025

The Zimbabweans put up a valiant effort in the series opener, but the strength of the Sri Lankans predictably showed. The Asian team should stick its neck out in front again to claim an ODI series sweep in the second game.

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Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka Head-to-Head Record

The visitors have won four of the last five ODIs against their hosts. The last match against the Zimbabweans was also a victory in the opening ODI of this series.

Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka Live-streaming and Broadcast

The second ODI of the Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka series is scheduled for Harare Sports Club on Sunday, 31 August 2025. For the Indian audience, you can track the game on Sony Sports Ten 5 or the SonyLIV 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

Sean Williams is likely to be the biggest headline player in the lineup. The 38-year-old is still doing his thing for the national team, but his light in international cricket is slowly fading as the returns get smaller. Brian Bennett is a fresh-faced all rounder.

With flashes of promise at times, he will need to be nurtured. The concern though is that the home team can ill afford to carry players against the juggernaut of the Sri Lankans. Bennett was dismissed for a golden duck in the first game.

English-born Ben Curran is still new to the Zimbabwean lineup after making his ODI debut less than a year ago. Returnee Brendan Taylor drags along a decorated past but will require a lot of time in the middle to get back to his brilliant best. He failed to impress with a duck in the previous ODI.

Mid-order staples like Wessly Madhevere and Sikandar Raza have all the potential in the world but haven’t fully got to grips with the 50-over format.

The bowling offers little solace. Blessing Muzarabani and Richard Ngarava can swing the ball in the first powerplay but can fold to a strong Sri Lankan batting unit. The inclusion of Brad Evans, Tony Munyonga, and Trevor Gwandu signals a move towards the next generation.

They will face a stern test as an entrance to their international careers. Gwandu got taken for more than 60 runs in just over six overs in the opening ODI. Muzarabani also conceded more than 60 runs in his ten overs. Evans came close to giving away 60 runs in his ten overs while remaining wicketless.

Although he should be good to go for this match, Richard Ngarava was forced to exit the field in the previous match. His fitness may of slight concern.

Zimbabwe Expected Playing 11

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

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Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka heads into the second ODI of its Zimbabwe tour with an exciting blend of firepower, finesse and youthful exuberance. Pathum Nissanka is the top-order mainstay. He made an important 76 runs in the first ODI.

Promising opener Nishan Madushka joins the experienced Nissanka for the opening partnership. The experience of Kusal Mendis, couples brilliantly with the stealthy elegance of Sadeera Samarawickrama and the grit of captain Charith Asalanka. Mendis and Samarawickrama both made starts in the 30s against Zimbabwe in the previous ODI. They will be looking to kick on from there.

The all-round depth is strengthened by Janith Liyanage and the ambidextrous flair of Kamindu Mendis. Liyanage smashed 70 runs not out off only 47 balls in his previous innings, together with Mendis who hit a half-century as well. Sri Lanka boasts a potent pace battery with Dushmantha Chameera, Asitha Fernando and Dilshan Madushanka.

Maheesh Theekshana is a top-class spinner in limited-overs cricket. Fernando has been outstanding with 20 wickets in his past nine ODI matches for Sri Lanka, including a three-wicket haul in the previous match. Chameera and Theekshana were economical by going at under five runs per over.

Sri Lanka Expected Playing 11

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

ZIM vs SL Toss Prediction

Both teams may feel excited by the prospect of bowling first. Zimbabwe elected to bowl first in the opening ODI of the series.

Pitch Report and Weather Conditions

The wicket at Harare Sports Club should be a balanced one overall where the bowlers are initially in the game with the new ball in the first powerplay before batting becomes easier. The run-scoring opportunities will become more prevalent as the early morning dew dries up and the pitch hardens.

The spinners should find improved grip and turn from the second powerplay onwards. The lowest total at this ground is from Zimbabwe being bowled out for 35 by Sri Lanka.

The weather will be set for a sunny and warm day of cricket in Harare. The chance of rain is a low one percent.

ZIM vs SL: Who Will Win?

Zimbabwe showed that it has what it takes to make a game of it against the Sri Lankans in its own conditions. The true colours still showed through for the away team after it managed to get the job done despite a stern effort from the hosts. That class is what is likely to get them over the line again.

Bet on Sri Lanka to win.

ZIM vs SL win percentage stands at 73% in favor of SL.

Todays Match Prediction: Sri Lanka to Win.