ZIM vs SL Match Analysis
The 1st T20I between Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka will be played at Harare Sports Club on September 3, 2025. The match is scheduled to start at 5:00 PM local time, promising an exciting clash under lights. Both teams will be looking to set the tone for this short three-match series.
Zimbabwe enters this series after a challenging performance in the T20 Tri-Series. The team has a mix of experienced campaigners like Sikandar Raza and young talent such as Dion Myers. Their home advantage at Harare could play a vital role if they execute their plans well.
Sri Lanka comes into this series with a strong, balanced squad featuring a blend of youth and experience. They don’t just contribute—they dictate the flow of the game across all departments.
Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka Team Preview & Squads
Zimbabwe
Like a battlefield general, Sikandar Raza commands the game with strategy and experience. From the crease to the boundary, his influence touches every key aspect of the game. His aggressive style can inspire the team to push for an upset against Sri Lanka.
Key contributions from Myers, Burl, and Madhevere form the backbone of Zimbabwe’s batting approach. While they can play aggressive shots, consistency has been a challenge. When matches are on a knife-edge, the middle order’s composure can be the difference between win and losing.
The Zimbabwean bowling lineup strikes a balance between quicks and spinners, anchored by the tall Muzarabani and the reliable Ngarava. Their bowlers can strike early but need support in the middle overs. Variation and control will determine the team’s success in this series.
In their last T20 against New Zealand during the ZIM T20 Tri-Series on July 24, 2025, Zimbabwe posted 130 in 18.5 overs chasing 191. New Zealand set 190/6, and Zimbabwe fell short by 60 runs. The team struggled with both strike rotation and containment of opposition batsmen.
Zimbabwe Squad
Zimbabwe
Clive Madande (wk), Tafadzwa Tsiga, Tashinga Musekiwa, Dion Myers, Sikandar Raza (C), Ryan Burl, Wesley Madhevere, Brian Bennett, Tony Munyonga, Tinotenda Maphosa, Richard Ngarava, Wellington Masakadza, Trevor Gwandu, Newman Nyamhuri, Blessing Muzarabani, Vincent Masekesa
Sri Lanka
In T20s, Asalanka embodies Sri Lanka’s fighting spirit—dynamic, daring, and dependable. His combination of attacking intent and quick thinking makes him a genuine game-changer. His leadership will be key in motivating a team recovering from recent defeats.
Sri Lanka’s batting has explosive players in Kusal Perera, Pathum Nissanka, and Dasun Shanaka. Their potential to either anchor an innings or tick over according to circumstance allows them a versatile approach. Having depth in batting reassures them that even if the top order fails, they will have resources to offer resilience.
SL bowling attack is a powerful one and spearheaded by Chamika Karunaratne and Matheesha Pathirana. The spin pair of Maheesh Theekshana and Dunith Wellalage can control the middle overs. They are also able to vary their pace and adapt to the conditions of the pitch.
Sri Lanka faced Bangladesh in the 3rd T20I at Colombo on July 16, 2025, and lost by 8 wickets. They posted 132/7, and Bangladesh chased it down in 16.3 overs with 21 balls remaining. The batting struggled to build partnerships, and the bowling lacked breakthroughs in critical phases. Lessons from this match will guide adjustments against Zimbabwe.
Sri Lanka Squad
Sri Lanka
Charith Asalanka (C), Dushmantha Chameera, Binura Fernando, Nuwanidu Fernando, Dushan Hemantha, Chamika Karunaratne, Kamindu Mendis, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kamil Mishara, Pathum Nissanka, Matheesha Pathirana, Kusal Perera, Dasun Shanaka, Maheesh Theekshana, Nuwan Thushara, Dunith Wellalage
Match Details | ||
Match | Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka | 1st T20I |Sri Lanka tour of Zimbabwe 2025 | |
Date | 03/09/2025 (Wednesday) | |
Time | 05:30 PM (BDT) / 04:30 PM GMT / 05:00 PM (INR) | |
Format | T20 | |
Venue | Harare Sports Club | |
Recent performance | Zimbabwe – NR L L L L | Sri Lanka – L W W L L |
Live Streaming Details | Click here to watch the Live Streaming Score on JeetBuzz News | |
ZIM vs SL Outfield Report
The Harare pitch generally favors batters but offers some assistance to pace bowlers early on. On a sluggish outfield, batters must rely on precision rather than power to clear the rope.
The weather in Harare on match day is expected to be warm and dry, with temperatures around 26°C. Humidity will remain moderate, and there is a minimal chance of rain. Conditions are ideal for a full-length T20 match.
Historically, a score of 180+ is competitive at Harare, while anything below 140 is often chased successfully. Batting first gives teams control, but a chasing side can exploit dew and fielding challenges.
Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka Head-to-Head Stats of Last 5 Matches
Sri Lanka has dominated recent encounters, winning 4 of the last 5 T20Is against Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe managed a lone victory, highlighting the gap in consistency between the sides.
ZIM vs SL Prediction
Event | Zimbabwe | Sri Lanka |
Toss Winner | – | Sri Lanka |
Player of the Match | – | Kusal Mendis |
Top Run Scorer | Sikandar Raza | Kusal Mendis |
Top Wicket Taker | Newman Nyamhuri | Maheesh Theekshana |
Most Sixes | Sikandar Raza | Kusal Mendis |
Predicted Score | 160+ | 170+ |
Win Probability | 48% | 52% |
According to cricket analysts Sri Lanka have a 52% chance of Winning.
