ZIM vs SL Match Analysis
The highly anticipated 1st ODI between Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka is scheduled for August 29, 2025, at the Harare Sports Club. The match gets underway in the afternoon, and a toss around 2:00 PM will kick off what promises to be a lively encounter.
Zimbabwe has shown steady progress with a blend of youth and experience in its lineup. Led by the dependable Craig Ervine, the team has strengthened its batting depth. Their bowling unit, spearheaded by experienced pacers and spinners, can exploit Harare’s conditions effectively.
Sri Lanka enters the series with a strong mix of in-form youngsters and seasoned campaigners. Charith Asalanka’s leadership adds tactical intelligence to the squad. With a balanced bowling attack and explosive batting options, Sri Lanka will be keen to assert dominance early in the series.
Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka Team Preview & Squads
Zimbabwe
Craig Ervine is a calm and strategic captain who leads from the front. In tense match situations, he often becomes the anchor Zimbabwe relies on. His composure and tactical know-how bring stability to the batting order.
The batting strength of Zimbabwe revolves around the mastery of Williams and Taylor. Their middle-order resilience guides the team’s innings. The top and middle orders can construct partnerships and accelerate when needed. Young talent such as Brian Bennett and Johnathan Campbell adds flexibility and aggression to the order.
Zimbabwe’s bowling department combines pace and spin effectively. Blessing Muzarabani and Richard Ngarava lead the pace attack with consistency and bounce. Meanwhile, experienced spinners like Graeme Cremer’s successors can control the middle overs and provide breakthroughs.
In their last ODI against Ireland at Harare, ZIM chased 241 with ease. Ireland posted 240/6, but Zimbabwe reached 246/1 in just 39.3 overs. The team won by 9 wickets, finishing the game with 63 balls to spare. Their comprehensive victory reflected both a deep batting lineup and a sharp bowling attack.
Zimbabwe Squads
Zimbabwe Squads
Craig Ervine (c), Brian Bennett, Johnathan Campbell, Ben Curran, Brad Evans, Trevor Gwandu, Clive Madande, Wessly Madhevere, Ernest Masuku, Tony Munyonga, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava, Newman Nyamhuri, Sikandar Raza, Brendan Taylor (wk), Sean Williams
Sri Lanka
On the field, Asalanka is lightning in attack. Off it, he’s a chessmaster mapping every opposition move. His ability to play pivotal innings under pressure makes him a reliable captain. Asalanka’s leadership encourages younger players to step up and perform consistently.
SL batting order is rich in talent with players like Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis. Experienced middle-order batters such as Janith Liyanage provide stability, while explosive finishers like Dushmantha Chameera add versatility. The team can adapt to any match situation effectively.
SL possesses a balanced bowling lineup led by pacers Asitha and Dushmantha Fernando. Spinners Maheesh Theekshana and Jeffrey Vandersay offer control and wicket-taking options in the middle overs. All-rounders like Dilshan Madushanka add depth and flexibility to the attack.
In the earlier showdown at Kandy, Sri Lanka’s batters reached 285/7. Bangladesh faltered with 186 runs, bowled out in 39.4 overs. Sri Lanka won comfortably by 99 runs. The match showcased their strong batting and incisive bowling attack.
Sri Lanka Squads
Sri Lanka Squads
Charith Asalanka (c), Dushmantha Chameera, Nuwanidu Fernando, Asitha Fernando, Nishan Madushka, Janith Liyanage, Dilshan Madushanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kamindu Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, Pavan Rathnayake, Milan Rathnayake, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Dunith Wellalage
Match Details | ||
Match | Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka | 1st ODI |Sri Lanka tour of Zimbabwe 2025 | |
Date | 29/08/2025 (Friday) | |
Time | 01:30 PM (BDT) / 12:30 PM GMT / 01:00 PM (INR) | |
Format | ODI | |
Venue | Harare Sports Club | |
Recent performance | Zimbabwe– L L W L W | Sri Lanka– W W W L W |
Live Streaming Details | Click here to watch the Live Streaming Score on JeetBuzz News | |
ZIM vs SL Outfield Report
Harare Sports Club
The Harare Sports Club pitch generally offers good bounce and pace, favoring stroke play. Spinners can come into play during the middle overs as the surface tends to slow slightly. Batsmen who settle early can make the most of the batting-friendly conditions.
The weather is expected to be mostly sunny with mild temperatures around 26–28°C. Light winds may affect swing, especially for the opening bowlers. Humidity will remain moderate, making conditions comfortable for both players and spectators.
Pitch history at Harare shows that scores around 250–280 are competitive when batting first. Chasing teams have successfully achieved totals of 240+ in recent games, suggesting that both high and low scores can be managed depending on early innings performance.
Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka Head-to-Head Stats of Last 5 Matches
In the last five ODIs between Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka has won three matches while Zimbabwe has claimed victory twice.
ZIM vs SL Prediction
Event | Zimbabwe | Sri Lanka |
Toss Winner | – | Sri Lanka |
Player of the Match | – | |
Top Run Scorer | Brian Bennett | Kusal Mendis |
Top Wicket Taker | Richard Ngarava | Asitha Fernando |
Most Sixes | Brian Bennett | Kusal Mendis |
Predicted Score | 250+ | 280+ |
Win Probability | 47% | 53% |
According to cricket analysts Sri Lanka have a 53% chance of Winning.
Disclaimer: This cricket prediction is based on the author’s insights and analysis. Readers should consider the points discussed and draw their own conclusions.
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