SL vs ZIM Match Analysis
The 5th match of the Pakistan T20I Tri-Series will see Sri Lanka clash with Zimbabwe at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The game is scheduled for an evening start, with the first ball expected around 7:00 PM local time, promising a high-energy contest under the lights. Both teams will look to bounce back from recent defeats and gain momentum in the series.
Sri Lanka has a balanced side with experienced campaigners like Kusal Perera and promising youngsters such as Pathum Nissanka. Their combination of spinners and pacers, led by the all-round prowess of Dasun Shanaka, gives them versatility in all conditions.
Zimbabwe enters the match under pressure after a heavy defeat to Pakistan. Sikandar Raza leads a team with mixed experience, relying on a few key batsmen like Brendan Taylor and Ryan Burl to anchor the innings.
Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe Team Preview & Squads
Sri Lanka
Dasun Shanaka, a seasoned T20 campaigner, leads the team with a mix of tactical awareness and aggressive leadership. Known for his ability to contribute with both bat and ball, Shanaka often makes crucial decisions at the right moments.
SL boasts a deep batting line-up with explosive hitters like Bhanuka Rajapaksa and reliable top-order players Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis. The middle order, including Kamindu Mendis and Dushan Hemantha, offers flexibility to rebuild or accelerate the innings depending on match situations.
The bowling unit is led by Wanindu Hasaranga, a lethal spinner capable of turning games in the middle overs. Pacers Dushmantha Chameera and Nuwan Thushara provide wicket-taking options upfront, while part-timers like Dasun Shanaka can break partnerships.
In their previous match against Pakistan, SL managed 128/7, setting a below-par target. Pakistan chased it down comfortably in 15.3 overs, winning by 7 wickets with 27 balls remaining. Sri Lanka’s batting struggled to accelerate, and their bowlers couldn’t capitalise on early breakthroughs. The team will aim to address these weaknesses against Zimbabwe.
Sri Lanka Squad
Sri Lanka
Dasun Shanaka (C), Dushmantha Chameera, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dushan Hemantha, Janith Liyanage, Eshan Malinga, Kusal Mendis (WK), Kamindu Mendis, Kamil Mishara, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Pavan Rathnayake, Maheesh Theekshana, Nuwan Thushara, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth
Zimbabwe
Sikandar Raza leads ZIM with experience and a calm presence in the middle. Known for his all-round abilities, he often shoulders the responsibility of both stabilising and accelerating the innings. Raza’s leadership will be crucial if Zimbabwe is to mount a comeback in this series.
Zimbabwe’s batting revolves around Brendan Taylor, Ryan Burl, and Tadiwanashe Marumani, who can provide solidity in the top order. The middle and lower order, including Tony Munyonga and Dion Myers, can finish innings strongly.
Their bowling attack includes experienced seamer Richard Ngarava and off-spinner Graeme Cremer, who can control the run flow in the middle overs. Wellington Masakadza and Tinotenda Maposa provide variety and wicket-taking options.
ZIM struggled against Pakistan in their last outing, being restricted to 126 in 19 overs while chasing 196. Pakistan won convincingly by 69 runs, highlighting Zimbabwe’s batting fragility and inability to capitalise on early wickets. The team will look to improve both batting consistency and fielding execution against Sri Lanka.
Zimbabwe Squad
Zimbabwe
Sikandar Raza (C), Brian Bennett, Ryan Burl, Graeme Cremer, Brad Evans, Clive Madande, Tinotenda Maposa, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Wellington Masakadza, Tony Munyonga, Tashinga Musekiwa, Dion Myers, Richard Ngarava, Newman Nyamhuri, Brendan Taylor (WK)
Match Details | ||
Match | Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe | 5th Match | Pakistan T20I Tri-Series 2025 | |
Date | 25/11/2025 (Tuesday) | |
Time | 07:00 PM (BDT) / 06:00 PM (PKT) / 06:30 PM (INR) | |
Format | T20 | |
Venue | Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium | |
Recent performance | Sri Lanka – L L L L L | Zimbabwe – L L L W L |
Live Streaming Details | Click here to watch the Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe Live Stream on Sports Live Hub(SLH) | |
SL vs ZIM Outfield Report
Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium
The Rawalpindi pitch tends to favour batsmen early on but can offer turn for spinners in the middle overs. Fast bowlers can extract bounce and seam movement, making early wickets possible. Teams batting first will need to capitalise on powerplay overs.
The weather in Rawalpindi for match day is expected to be clear with a temperature around 24–26°C. Evening conditions under lights may bring in some dew, which could make gripping the ball slightly difficult. Humidity will be moderate, keeping fielding conditions manageable.
Historically, scores around 160–180 are defendable, while chasing teams have struggled to cross 170 on similar surfaces. The highest recorded T20I score here is 201, while teams batting first on a slower day can get bundled out for below 130. Both teams must balance aggression with caution to maximise their totals.
Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe Head-to-Head Stats of Last 5 Matches
In their last five encounters, Sri Lanka has dominated Zimbabwe, winning four of the matches, with Zimbabwe managing just one victory. This historical edge gives Sri Lanka a psychological advantage heading into the Rawalpindi clash.
SL vs ZIM Prediction
Event | Sri Lanka | Zimbabwe |
Toss Winner | Sri Lanka | – |
Player of the Match | Kamil Mishara | – |
Top Run Scorer | Kamil Mishara | Ryan Burl |
Top Wicket Taker | Wanindu Hasaranga | Sikandar Raza |
Most Sixes | Kamil Mishara | Ryan Burl |
Predicted Score | 180+ | 170+ |
Win Probability | 52% | 48% |
According to cricket analysts Sri Lanka have a 52% chance of Winning.
Disclaimer: This cricket prediction reflects the author’s personal insights and analysis. We encourage readers to review the points shared and draw their own conclusions.
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