The Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe match prediction slightly favors Sri Lanka, with a 51% win probability, primarily due to their dominant head-to-head record and recent batting momentum led by Pathum Nissanka. The sluggish RPS surface suits Sri Lanka’s spin depth, and their top order looks settled. However, Zimbabwe are only marginally behind at 49%, making this a near 50-50 contest. This preview covers pitch behavior, weather impact, tactical matchups, probable playing XI outlook, and key fantasy cricket tips for SL vs ZIM.
Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe Match Details
Match | Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe | 38th Match | ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 |
|---|---|
Date | 19/02/2026 (Thursday) |
Time | BDT 3:30 PM / PKT 2:30 PM / INR 3:00 PM |
Format | T20 |
Venue | R. Premadasa Stadium |
Recent performance | Sri Lanka – L L W W W, Zimbabwe – L L W W A |
Live Streaming Details | Click here to watch the SL vs ZIM Live Stream on Sports Live Hub (SLH) |
R. Premadasa Stadium Pitch Report
R. Premadasa Stadium
The R. Premadasa Stadium pitch report indicates a classic black-soil Colombo surface, slow, two-paced, and increasingly spin-friendly as the game progresses. Batters must work hard for timing, especially against cutters and variations. Teams that rotate strike efficiently tend to thrive here. While 200+ is predicted for SL that would require powerplay acceleration before the pitch grips. Expect spinners and change-of-pace bowlers to dictate the middle overs.
Weather Report
The weather report suggests warm tropical conditions with a looming low-pressure system in the Bay of Bengal. There is a significant chance of unseasonal rain, which could interrupt rhythm and bring DLS calculations into play. Dew may not be consistent due to cloud cover, so chasing won’t necessarily be easier. Tactical flexibility will be essential in this SL vs ZIM prediction scenario.
SL vs ZIM Head-to-Head Records
Matches Played | 11 |
|---|---|
SL Won | 8 |
ZIM Won | 3 |
Tied | 0 |
No Result | 0 |
First-ever Fixture | October 10, 2008 |
Most-recent Fixture | November 25, 2025 |
Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe Team Preview & Squads
Sri Lanka
Captain Dasun Shanaka remains central to Sri Lanka’s tactical balance. His finishing ability and bowling options provide depth in tight scenarios. Leadership-wise, Shanaka has shown composure under pressure, and on a slow Colombo track, his medium-pace variations could be valuable.
The batting structure revolves around Pathum Nissanka, fresh off a match-winning 100* in the previous fixture. His ability to anchor while accelerating late gives Sri Lanka stability. With support from Kusal Mendis and Charith Asalanka, the top order looks capable of handling spin-heavy conditions. In this SL vs ZIM preview, Nissanka is also the predicted top scorer and most sixes hitter.
Bowling-wise, Dushan Hemantha’s spin and Maheesh Theekshana’s control complement the attack. Although Wanindu Hasaranga is predicted as top wicket-taker, the broader spin unit will be decisive on this pitch. Sri Lanka’s bowling strategy will revolve around choking Zimbabwe in the middle overs.
Sri Lanka Squad
Sri Lanka
Dasun Shanaka, Charith Asalanka, Dushmantha Chameera, Dushan Hemantha, Janith Liyanage, Kamindu Mendis, Kusal Mendis, Kamil Mishara, Pathum Nissanka, Matheesha Pathirana, Kusal Perera, Pramod Madushan, Pavan Rathnayake, Maheesh Theekshana, Dunith Wellalage
Zimbabwe
Captain Sikandar Raza is Zimbabwe’s heartbeat. As an all-rounder, he shapes both tempo and control phases. He is predicted to be ZIM’s top scorer and most sixes hitter, reflecting his dual-threat capability.
Brian Bennett provides aggressive starts, while the middle order depends on Raza and Ryan Burl to stabilize innings. Zimbabwe posted 169/2 in their recent win over Australia, evidence that they can build competitive totals. This SL vs ZIM match prediction hinges on whether Zimbabwe can counter spin effectively in the middle overs.
Bowling spearhead Blessing Muzarabani is coming off a 4/17 performance and is again predicted as ZIM’s top wicket-taker. His bounce and hard lengths could trouble Sri Lanka’s middle order, especially if early wickets fall. Zimbabwe’s bowling unit is pace-led, which contrasts sharply with Sri Lanka’s spin depth, a key tactical battle.
Zimbabwe Squad
Zimbabwe
Sikandar Raza, Brian Bennett, Ryan Burl, Graeme Cremer, Ben Curran, Brad Evans, Clive Madande, Tinotenda Maposa, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Wellington Masakadza, Tony Munyonga, Tashinga Musekiwa, Blessing Muzarabani, Dion Myers, Richard Ngarava
SL vs ZIM Prediction
Event | Sri Lanka | Zimbabwe |
|---|---|---|
Toss Winner | Sri Lanka | – |
Player of the Match | Pathum Nissanka | – |
Top Run Scorer | Pathum Nissanka | Sikandar Raza |
Top Wicket Taker | Wanindu Hasaranga | Blessing Muzarabani |
Most Sixes | Pathum Nissanka | Sikandar Raza |
Predicted Score | 200+ | 190+ |
Win Probability | 51% | 49% |
Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe Winning Prediction
The SL vs ZIM winning prediction slightly leans toward Sri Lanka (51%), thanks to their superior head-to-head record and stronger spin arsenal on a sluggish Colombo surface. If Pathum Nissanka anchors the innings again and the spinners dominate the middle overs, Sri Lanka should edge this tight contest. But can Sikandar Raza flip the script with an all-round masterclass? Follow JeetBuzz for match-day updates, tactical insights, and deeper statistical analysis.
FAQ: ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 38th Match
- What time does the SL vs ZIM match start?
The match begins at 3:00 PM IST on February 19, 2026.
- Where is the Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe 38th match being played?
It will be played at R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
- Who is the predicted Player of the Match in SL vs ZIM?
Pathum Nissanka is predicted to be the Player of the Match.
