Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka Prediction: Sri Lanka set to maintain their dominant performance against Zimbabwe

The One-Day International (ODI) series between Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka resumes on Friday. Sri Lanka have been in better form recently, winning 2 of their last 5 matches. In contrast, Zimbabwe have not won any of their last 5 games. Zimbabwe enters the match after a heavy defeat to New Zealand by an innings and 359 runs, while Sri Lanka recently lost to Bangladesh in two matches, by 8 wickets and 83 runs, respectively. This will be their first encounter in the ODI series, taking place at the renowned Harare Sports Club in Zimbabwe. Both teams will be eager to secure a positive result, making it an intriguing contest. Let’s examine the preview and provide predictions.

Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka: Date and Time of the Match Start

This match is expected to take place on the 29th of August 2025. The kickoff time will be 07:30 am.

• Match: Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka
• Date: Friday, August 29th, 2025
• Kick-Off Time: 07:30 am (AEST)
• Stadium: Harare Sports Club - Harare, Zimbabwe

Interesting Facts about Teams

Sri Lanka beat Zimbabwe by eight wickets in their last ODI against them. They also have an excellent overall record against Zimbabwe.

Kusal Mendis leads a Sri Lankan batting lineup that is much stronger than Zimbabwe's.

Maheesh Theekshana has taken 15 wickets in his last nine ODIs. He is part of a strong and varied bowling attack.

In the last 5 head-to-head matches, Zimbabwe won 1. They have struggled recently, with 0 wins in their last 5 games. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, has had an up-and-down performance, winning 2 of their last 5 games.

Looking at the last 20 head-to-head matches, Zimbabwe has won 5, drawn 0, and lost 15, with a goal tally of 4985:5119 (average 249.3:256).

Weather Report before Match

Early moisture is likely to assist seamers with movement during the first ten overs. As the surface settles, batting conditions should improve, and spinners may become effective with strategic use of the conditions. A typical par score is expected to be between 240 and 260, with Ireland’s recent first-innings total of 240/6 serving as a reference.

Temperatures will reach the late 20s Celsius, with nearly 50% humidity. The chance of rain is minimal at 4%, but even if rain occurs, the hot conditions will quickly dry the pitch.

Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka: Chances of Winning

With the ball, Zimbabwe’s Richard Ngarava’s left-arm angles and Blessing Muzarabani’s bounce offer credible threats. However, the attack lacks depth beyond these two, becoming one-paced as the pitch conditions change. The bowling is the team's clear weakness, which strong sides like Sri Lanka will be eager to exploit. In their previous ODI against Ireland, no bowler took more than two wickets.

Sri Lanka boasts a well-balanced and competitive lineup, led effectively by captain Kusal Mendis. The opening partnership of Pathum Nissanka and Nishan Madushka offers technical solidity and efficient running between the wickets, capitalising on scoring opportunities.

Zimbabwe's chance of winning - 24%

Sri Lanka's chance of winning - 76%

Zimbabwe Preview

Zimbabwe enters with familiar fragilities that have hindered its progress among the top teams. The top order, including Brian Bennett and Ben Curran, has provided some contributions, though it lacks proven international experience. Bennett has scored consecutive ducks in his last two innings, while Wessly Madhevere’s talent has yet to be matched by consistent performance. The Zimbabwean batting line-up was bowled out for just 96 in their previous match against Sri Lanka.

In the middle, Sikandar Raza and Sean Williams remain key players, but Zimbabwe’s reliance on veterans in their late 30s raises concerns about disciplined attacks. Raza has posted single-digit scores in his last six innings across formats. Captain Craig Ervine and returning player Brendan Taylor also pose risks—Ervine has scored only 224 runs in his past ten ODI innings, and Taylor's return after a long absence brings uncertainty rather than certainty.

Key Players: Brian Bennett, Ben Curran, Craig Ervine

Zimbabwe Players List

Brian Bennett; Ben Curran; Craig Ervine (c); Wessly Madhevere; Sikandar Raza; Sean Williams, Brendan Taylor (wk); Richard Ngarava; Newman Nyamhuri; Blessing Muzarabani; Trevor Gwandu

Sri Lanka Preview

Mendis, alongside Sadeera Samarawickrama, ensures smooth tempo management and consistent shot selection during the powerplay transition. Mendis’ recent century against Bangladesh further strengthens his leadership.

Janith Liyanage provides power-hitting and medium-pace bowling, earning player-of-the-series honors in the previous ODI series against Zimbabwe with 119 runs and a wicket. Charith Asalanka’s left-handed approach adds stability and strategic depth, as demonstrated by his composed half-century against Bangladesh.

Kamindu Mendis offers flexibility as both a batting option and a valuable bowler, contributing to Sri Lanka’s tactical versatility. Dunith Wellalage and Maheesh Theekshana deliver disciplined spin-bowling, with accuracy and variation. Theekshana’s four-wicket haul in the second ODI against Zimbabwe underscores his impact.

Key Players: Pathum Nissanka, Nishan Madushka, Kusal Mendis

Sri Lanka Players List

Pathum Nissanka; Nishan Madushka; Kusal Mendis (c/wk); Sadeera Samarawickrama; Janith Liyanage; Charith Asalanka (c); Kamindu Mendis; Dunith Wellalage; Maheesh Theekshana; Asitha Fernando; Dilshan Madushanka

Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka Head-to-Head

The visitors have had the upper hand in ODIs against their hosts for a while. Sri Lanka has won four of the last five ODIs against Zimbabwe. One match in 2024 ended in a no-result. Sri Lanka also won the previous ODI series against Zimbabwe.

Head-to-Head Record

• Total - 5
• Zimbabwe - 1
• Sri Lanka - 4
• Draw - 0

Who will win the match, Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka?

Using advanced computer power and data, Stats Insider has simulated the result of Friday`s Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka One-Day International match 10,000 times.

Our leading predictive analytics model currently gives Sri Lanka a 76% chance of beating Zimbabwe in the One-Day International match of the 2025 season.

Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka Prediction

The Sri Lankan skipper will come to the crease with confidence. The left-handed batter has scored 392 runs in his last ten ODI matches, averaging 49 with a strike rate just over 90. He is a reliable performer to count on, making him a solid bet. In the pace department, Asitha Fernando provides consistency with 19 wickets in his last nine ODIs, while Dilshan Madushka’s left-arm seam and late swing offer wicket-taking opportunities throughout the innings. Together, they form a potent attack, especially in the power play. In the previous ODI between the sides, Zimbabwe’s Takudzwanashe Kaitano was dismissed first after being caught at short fine leg. Being caught is the most common mode of dismissal. The home team will need to regroup and come up with a strong game plan to try and upset the odds. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, will look to build on their recent success and continue their winning streak. The Zimbabweans won their previous ODI series against Ireland. However, the Sri Lankans will be a much tougher challenge. The Asian team has won two ODI series in a row, against Bangladesh and Australia. Their deeper batting lineup and much stronger bowling attack justify the low odds being offered.

Our first Prediction is Over 268.5 1st innings score - 1.83 odds for Dafabet.

Our second Prediction is Sri Lanka to win the toss - 1.90 odds for BC.Game.

Our third Prediction is Sri Lanka`s Top Batter P Nissanka - 4.33 odds for 1xbet.