By Manvindar Singh 
Match Overview Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka – 1st T20I 2025
The Sri Lanka tour of Zimbabwe 2025 begins with the 1st T20I at Harare on September 3, 2025. Both teams come into this clash with patchy recent form, making the series opener a crucial momentum-setter. Zimbabwe will look to break their losing streak at home, while Sri Lanka aim to bounce back strongly after inconsistent results on the road.
Recent Form
- Zimbabwe – NR, L, L, L, L: Struggling with both bat and ball, winless in their last five completed matches.
- Sri Lanka – L, W, W, L, L: Inconsistent, but with match-winning talent in their top order.
Players to Watch – Zimbabwe (ZIM)
- Brian Bennett – Promising top-order batter with 252 runs in 10 games, averaging 25.2 at 111.5 SR.
- Sikandar Raza – The experienced all-rounder has 190 runs in 10 games, plus his off-spin adds balance. Zimbabwe rely heavily on him.
- Richard Ngarava – The in-form left-arm pacer, with 14 wickets in 8 games, striking every 13.28 balls.
- Trevor Gwandu – Reliable support bowler with 10 wickets in 8 matches, though slightly expensive at 8.44 economy.
Players to Watch – Sri Lanka (SL)
- Pathum Nissanka – The standout performer, scoring 425 runs in 10 games at an average of 42.5 and SR of 132.81.
- Kusal Perera – Aggressive opener, with 278 runs at 144.79 SR across 10 games. Capable of rapid starts.
- Maheesh Theekshana – Sri Lanka’s spin weapon with 11 wickets in 10 games, economy of 7.58.
- Nuwan Thushara – Slingshot pacer with 10 wickets in 10 matches, maintaining pressure in the middle overs.
Head-to-Head Record Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka – 1st T20I 2025
- Jan 2024 – Sri Lanka won by 9 wickets.
- Jan 2024 – Zimbabwe won by 4 wickets.
- Jan 2024 – Sri Lanka won by 3 wickets.
- Sep 2012 – Sri Lanka won by 82 runs.
- May 2010 – Sri Lanka won by 14 runs (D/L).
Summary: Last 5 → Sri Lanka 4 wins, Zimbabwe 1 win. Sri Lanka dominate historically, but Zimbabwe showed fight with a close win in 2024.
Match Prediction Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka – 1st T20I 2025
Sri Lanka, with Nissanka in top form and a balanced bowling attack led by Theekshana and Thushara, enter as clear favorites. Zimbabwe’s hopes rest on Raza’s all-round brilliance and Ngarava’s early breakthroughs. Prediction: Sri Lanka to win, but Zimbabwe could push them if their seniors fire.
Himadullah Sohoo