Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka are set to meet in the first T20I of their three-match series at the Harare Sports Club on Wednesday, September 3, 2025. The hosts will be eager to bounce back after a disappointing run in the format, having lost all their games in the recent Tri-Series against New Zealand and South Africa. Coming off a 2-0 defeat in the ODI series, Zimbabwe will look to regroup and deliver a stronger performance in front of their home crowd.
Sri Lanka, meanwhile, arrive full of confidence after sealing the ODI series, with opener Pathum Nissanka shining as the standout performer. The visitors will look to extend their dominance into the T20I leg and build crucial momentum ahead of the Asia Cup 2025.
Head-to-head record: Zimbabwe vs. Sri Lanka in T20Is
Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka have faced each other five times in T20Is, with the island nation holding a clear upper hand. Sri Lanka have won four of those encounters, while Zimbabwe have managed just one victory.
Their most recent clash came on January 18, 2024, when Sri Lanka comfortably chased down Zimbabwe’s 82 with nine wickets in hand. This dominant record gives the visitors added confidence heading into the upcoming series.
- Total matches: 5
- Zimbabwe wins: 1
- Sri Lanka wins: 4
- Tied/No result: 0
Top players to watch: Batters & Bowlers
Batters to watch
BJ Bennett (ZIM): Zimbabwe’s most consistent performer with the bat in recent times, Bennett has scored 805 runs in 34 T20I innings at a strike rate of 136.20. Averaging 25.15 with four half-centuries to his name.
Pathum Nissanka (SL): The opener has been in sublime touch, scoring 425 runs in his last 10 T20Is at an impressive average of 42.50 and a strike rate of 132.81. He provides stability at the top and is capable of accelerating when needed.
Bowlers to watch
Blessing Muzarabani (ZIM): Zimbabwe’s pace spearhead has been a steady performer across formats in 2025. He picked up key wickets against New Zealand in Tests, including a 3/73 spell, and has shown resilience with the ball in ODIs and T20Is alike.
Maheesh Theekshana (SL): The spinner has picked up 11 wickets in his last 10 outings, maintaining an economy of 7.57 and a strike rate of 19.7. His ability to strike in the middle overs while keeping the run flow in check makes him a vital weapon for Sri Lanka in the shortest format.
ZIM vs. SL betting odds & predictions: Who has the edge?
According to Melbet, Sri Lanka head into the 1st T20I as clear favourites at 1.30 odds, while Zimbabwe are placed at 3.55. The odds reflect Sri Lanka’s superior recent form and their dominance in head-to-head meetings. However, playing at home gives Zimbabwe a chance to cause an upset if their batting unit clicks.
Odds* (click here to bet) | |
Zimbabwe | 3.55 |
Sri Lanka | 1.30 |
*odds are correct at the time of publish
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TSN’s Top 3 Predictions:
1. Match Winner – Sri Lanka
2. Top Batter – Pathum Nissanka (Sri Lanka)
3. Top Bowler – Blessing Muzarabani (Zimbabwe)
Zimbabwe vs. Sri Lanka: Expected playing XIs and team news
Zimbabwe Team News
Zimbabwe are yet to officially announce their squad for the series and are expected to release it a day before the opener. Their batting will likely revolve around BJ Bennett, who has been their top scorer in recent games, while Blessing Muzarabani will lead the pace attack. After losing the ODI series 0-2, the hosts will be keen to bounce back and may test some fresh combinations in the T20I format.
Zimbabwe (predicted playing XI): Craig Ervine (c), Brian Bennett, Johnathan Campbell, Ben Curran, Wessly Madhevere, Sikandar Raza, Sean Williams, Clive Madande (wk), Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani, Brad Evans
Sri Lanka Team News
Sri Lanka enter the T20Is high on confidence after a commanding ODI series win. Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Perera are expected to open, with Maheesh Theekshana and Nuwan Thushara spearheading the bowling attack. The visitors are unlikely to make many changes from their ODI setup, preferring continuity ahead of the upcoming Asia Cup 2025.
Sri Lanka (predicted playing XI): Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis(w), Kusal Perera, Nuwanidu Fernando, Kamindu Mendis, Charith Asalanka(c), Dasun Shanaka, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana, Binura Fernando, Nuwan Thushara
MORE: Asia Cup 2025: Full squads for all teams participating in UAE T20I tournament
ZIM vs. SL live scorecard: 1st T20I
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Where to watch ZIM vs. SL 1st T20I in India
- Venue: Harare Sports Club, Harare
- Date & Time (IST): Wednesday, September 03, 5:00 p.m
- Streaming Details: FanCode (app and website)
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