ZIM vs SL Match Prediction & Preview (3 Sep 2025), H2H, Pitch Report, Playing XI for Sri Lanka Tour of Zimbabwe 1st T20I

Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka 1st T20I match of Sri Lanka Tour of Zimbabwe 2025 Will be playing their first T20 match at Harare Sports Club, Harare on 03 September which will start at 05:00 PM IST.

ZIM vs SL Match Preview

Zimbabwe, meanwhile, has had a mixed bag in its recent form. They lost the T20I Tri Series against New Zealand and South Africa, but with some fighting shown at times. With the likes of Clive Madande and Brendan Taylor providing some experience in the batting and wicketkeeping, Zimbabwe will be looking to put up a good fight in familiar conditions. Still, a lack of consistency means they are marginal favourites.

Sri Lanka, on the contrary did not have a consistent run in their last T20I series against Bangladesh. They lost two games heavily, but they also had a one-sided victory. Sri Lanka have a decent, top-heavy batting order with the likes of Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis and possess a balanced side that can dominate Zimbabwe if their stars come to the party. 

Recent Performance

ZIM:

Zimbabwe have struggled recently, losing four of their last five T20Is. Their batting has been inconsistent, and bowling has lacked penetration in crucial phases.

SL:

Sri Lanka have had mixed results with two losses and one win in their last three T20Is. They will be eager to start this series on a positive note.

Head-to-Head

Sri Lanka dominate the recent head-to-head record, winning 5 of the last 6 T20Is against Zimbabwe.

Harare Sports Club Weather and Pitch Report

On September 3, the weather in Harare is anticipated to be relatively cool and overcast (15.8 degrees) and 60 per cent cloud cover, with wind speeds at 7.4 km/h forecast, which could help pace bowlers early on.

Harare Sports Club is a pitch that has always kept it even. The average 1st inning score is 154 and this pitch is equally helpful to both pacers and spinners. Batting conditions are very ordinary and most teams find it difficult to score in the second innings.

• Batting Condition: Average

• Pace Bowling: Average

• Spin Bowling: Average

• Venue Stats (T20Is at Harare Sports Club):

1st Innings: Avg 154 runs, 6 wickets, SR: 129.17

2nd Innings: Avg 138 runs, 6 wickets, SR: 124.21

A competitive total around 150–160 can be expected if batting first.

ZIM vs SL Playing XI

Zimbabwe Playing XI:

Sri Lanka Playing XI:

ZIM vs SL Today Match Prediction - Who will win

Sri Lanka are expected to win the series simply because they have a much stronger playing team and a much superior recent history against Zimbabwe. But home advantage could assist Zimbabwe in giving the tourists a run for their money. Final Result Prediction: Sri Lanka to win.

Watch Out For

Kusal Mendis' form at the top

Clive Madande's wicketkeeping and middle-order stability

Zimbabwe's pace attack in helpful conditions

Predicted Scores

Zimbabwe batting first: 140–155

Sri Lanka batting first: 155–170