If you’ve been chasing Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe scores, you’re probably noticing something interesting: these two sides keep crossing paths in ways that don’t always follow the script. Sri Lanka swept the 2025 bilateral tour in Harare, yet Zimbabwe turned around and beat them in the ICC T20 World Cup a few months later. Here’s everything you need to know about both encounters.

Next Match: 1st ODI, Harare, Aug 29 2025 · Recent T20 Result: Zimbabwe won by 6 wickets (T20 World Cup) · Series Format: ODI tour 2025 · ODI Series: Sri Lanka won 2-0 · T20I Series: Sri Lanka won 2-1

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
  • Sri Lanka won ODI series 2-0 in Harare (Crictotal)
  • Pathum Nissanka scored 122 in 2nd ODI (Wikipedia)
  • Sikandar Raza scored 92 in 1st ODI for Zimbabwe (Wikipedia)
2What’s unclear
  • Full squad rosters for both ODIs beyond named players
  • Official umpire appointments for each match
  • Post-series player interviews or quotes
3Timeline signal
  • Aug 29, 2025: 1st ODI — SL 298/6 vs ZIM 291/8
  • Sep 7, 2025: 3rd T20I wraps series at 2-1
  • Feb 19, 2026: T20 WC clash in Colombo
4What’s next
  • Zimbabwe’s T20 World Cup Africa Regional Final prep
  • Potential return series in Sri Lanka 2026
  • Pathum Nissanka’s continued ODI form
Label Value
Tour Name Sri Lanka in Zimbabwe 2025
Format 2 ODIs + 3 T20Is
1st ODI Date 2025-08-29
Venue Harare Sports Club
Recent Winner Zimbabwe (T20 WC Feb 2026)
ODI Series Winner Sri Lanka 2-0
T20I Series Winner Sri Lanka 2-1
Top SL Scorer (ODI) Pathum Nissanka (122)

What is the live score of Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe?

Sri Lanka posted 298/6 in the 1st ODI on August 29, 2025, with Pathum Nissanka contributing 76 runs at the top of the order. Zimbabwe responded with 291/8, falling just 7 runs short despite Sikandar Raza’s resilient 92 from 87 balls. Dilshan Madushanka led the Sri Lankan attack with figures of 4/62, according to the Wikipedia match record.

In the 2nd ODI on August 31, Zimbabwe managed 277/7, anchored by Ben Curran’s 79. Sri Lanka chased down 278/5 in 49.3 overs, with Pathum Nissanka scoring a match-winning 122 from 136 deliveries. Sri Lanka sealed the ODI series 2-0, per Crictotal series data.

Current Match Status

The powerplay in the 1st ODI saw Zimbabwe at 36/2 after the first 10 overs, with the ESPN scorecard recording the early pressure. All matches began at 09:30 local time for ODIs, transitioning to 13:30 for T20Is.

Ball-by-Ball Updates

Live scores and highlights were available through FanCode, which provided ball-by-ball commentary throughout the series. India’s FanCode app was the primary streaming platform, with no traditional TV broadcast listed, according to Rajasthan Royals coverage.

Bottom line: Sri Lanka’s 2-0 ODI whitewash came courtesy of Nissanka’s twin centuries and Madushanka’s 4/62 in the opener. Zimbabwe’s Raza fought hard with 92, but the chase fell short by 7 runs.

What is the scorecard for Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe T20?

The T20I series delivered more competitive cricket, with Sri Lanka eventually winning 2-1 despite Zimbabwe winning the middle match. Brian Bennett scored 81 for Zimbabwe in the 1st T20I on September 3, 2025, but Sri Lanka chased 177/6 to win by 4 wickets in 19.1 overs, per Wikipedia records.

Batting Summary

In the 2nd T20I on September 6, Zimbabwe bowled Sri Lanka out for just 80 runs in 17.4 overs and chased 84/5 in 14.2 overs to win by 5 wickets. The 3rd T20I on September 7 saw Kamil Mishara smash 73 not out for Sri Lanka, who chased 193/2 in just 17.4 overs to win by 8 wickets. Tadiwanashe Marumani scored 51 for Zimbabwe in that decider.

Bowling Figures

Richard Ngarava managed 2/34 for Zimbabwe in the 1st ODI. Dushmantha Chameera’s 3/52 in the 2nd ODI kept the pressure on Zimbabwe’s middle order throughout the series, as documented in Hindustan Times coverage. Dushan Hemantha took 3/38 in the 3rd T20I for Sri Lanka.

Bottom line: T20I series split: Bennett’s 81 gave Zimbabwe hope, but Mishara’s 73* in the decider sealed Sri Lanka’s 2-1 series win.

When is Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe Today Match?

The 2025 bilateral tour scheduled two ODIs and three T20Is, all at Harare Sports Club. Zimbabwe Cricket confirmed the fixtures in August 2025, with the 1st ODI on August 29, 2025, followed by the 2nd ODI on August 31, as recorded in ESPN official fixtures.

Match Preview

Sri Lanka entered the series with Maheesh Theekshana in both ODI and T20I squads, providing spin options across formats. Zimbabwe captained by Sikandar Raza in the T20I leg, per Crictotal squad listings. The T20I series also served as part of Zimbabwe’s preparation ahead of the 2025 Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Regional Final tournament.

Venue Details

Harare Sports Club hosted all five matches, with venue analysis showing approximately 54.55% of matches are won by teams bowling first, per Hindustan Times venue stats. Match timings were 09:30 local for ODIs (07:30 GMT) and 13:30 for T20Is.

Bottom line: Harare Sports Club all matches, Aug 29 through Sep 7, 2025 — Zimbabwe’s home conditions favored teams bowling first, though Sri Lanka adapted well.

Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe T20

Sri Lanka’s 177/6 in the 1st T20I on September 3 looked competitive, but Brian Bennett’s 81 anchored Zimbabwe’s chase to 175/7 in 19.1 overs, securing a 4-wicket win. However, Sri Lanka bounced back in the 3rd T20I with Kamil Mishara’s 73 not out, chasing 193/2 to win by 8 wickets, per Wikipedia match summaries.

T20 World Cup Clash

A separate Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe encounter occurred on February 19, 2026, at R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo during the ICC T20 World Cup. Zimbabwe won by 6 wickets, chasing Sri Lanka’s 178/7 to reach 182/4 in 19.3 overs. This result is distinct from the August 2025 bilateral tour, with Sofascore match data confirming the details.

Recent Results

The contrast between the two results is notable: Sri Lanka dominated the bilateral series in Harare with 2-1 and 2-0 victories in T20I and ODI formats respectively, yet Zimbabwe overturned the form in the T20 World Cup group stage at Colombo.

Bottom line: Sri Lanka won the bilateral T20I series 2-1 in Harare, but Zimbabwe turned the tables with a 6-wicket win at the T20 World Cup in Colombo.

Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe Scorecard

The 2025 tour produced several standout individual performances. Pathum Nissanka’s 122 in the 2nd ODI was the highest individual score of the series, while Sikandar Raza’s 92 in the 1st ODI nearly led Zimbabwe to an unlikely chase. Brian Bennett’s 81 in the 1st T20I showed his potential as a long-format prospect.

Key Moments

The 1st ODI powerplay saw Zimbabwe at 36/2, per ESPN detailed notes. Dilshan Madushanka’s 4/62 in that match proved decisive, as Sri Lanka’s total of 298/6 proved just out of reach. In the T20I leg, Kamil Mishara’s 73* in the series decider on September 7 sealed Sri Lanka’s 2-1 win.

Winning Plays

Sri Lanka’s ability to post 298/6 in the 1st ODI set up the series, with Nissanka’s 76 laying the foundation. His follow-up 122 in the 2nd ODI demonstrated the consistency Sri Lanka needed. Dushan Hemantha’s 3/38 in the 3rd T20I wrapped up Zimbabwe’s batting effectively.

Bottom line: Nissanka (122) and Raza (92) anchored their respective innings, but Sri Lanka’s collective bowling depth—including Madushanka’s 4/62—sealed the series decisively.

What is the schedule for Sri Lanka tour of Zimbabwe 2025?

Sri Lanka toured Zimbabwe for 2 ODIs and 3 T20Is in August-September 2025, with all matches at Harare Sports Club. Zimbabwe Cricket confirmed the fixtures in June 2025, as documented in Wikipedia tour records.

Fixtures Details

ODI matches began at 09:30 local time (07:30 GMT), while T20Is started at 13:30 local time. The full schedule ran August 29 through September 7, with matches spread across formats to allow both teams preparation for upcoming international tournaments.

Broadcast Information

In India, live streaming was available exclusively on FanCode app and website, with no traditional TV broadcast for the series. Rajasthan Royals official coverage confirmed the streaming details.

Bottom line: Harare Sports Club, Aug 29–Sep 7, 2025 — ODI at 09:30, T20I at 13:30 local. FanCode streamed in India with no TV broadcast.
Why this matters

Sri Lanka’s 2-0 ODI sweep and 2-1 T20I win in Harare looked decisive, but Zimbabwe’s subsequent T20 World Cup victory in Colombo shows how quickly international cricket form can reverse. For bettors and analysts tracking these teams, the bilateral history tells only part of the story.

The trade-off

Pathum Nissanka’s back-to-back fifties (76 and 122) in the ODIs suggest he’s become Sri Lanka’s most reliable ODI opener, but Sikandar Raza’s 92 in the series opener shows Zimbabwe still has a world-class all-format performer. The question is whether Zimbabwe can build around Bennett and Marumani for future series.

Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe: Series Comparison

Three formats, two countries, one question: which side adapted better across conditions? The data from the 2025 Harare tour and the 2026 T20 World Cup clash tells contrasting stories.

Metric 2025 Bilateral Tour (Harare) 2026 T20 WC (Colombo)
Format 2 ODIs + 3 T20Is 1 T20
ODI Series Winner Sri Lanka 2-0 N/A
T20I Series Winner Sri Lanka 2-1 Zimbabwe by 6 wickets
Top SL Scorer Pathum Nissanka (122) 178/7 total
Top ZIM Scorer Sikandar Raza (92) 182/4 total
Venue Harare Sports Club R. Premadasa Stadium

The pattern is clear: Sri Lanka’s superior depth won in Harare across formats, but Zimbabwe’s aggressive batting at Colombo’s R. Premadasa Stadium proved effective on neutral ground. Both teams showed the ability to win in different conditions.

Timeline

Six milestones define this rivalry’s recent chapter, from Zimbabwe’s tour announcement through their T20 World Cup upset.

Date Event
August 2025 Zimbabwe Cricket confirms tour fixtures
August 29, 2025 1st ODI: Sri Lanka 298/6 beat Zimbabwe 291/8 by 7 runs
August 31, 2025 2nd ODI: Sri Lanka wins by 5 wickets, seals series 2-0
September 3, 2025 1st T20I: Sri Lanka wins by 4 wickets
September 6, 2025 2nd T20I: Zimbabwe wins by 5 wickets
September 7, 2025 3rd T20I: Sri Lanka wins by 8 wickets, series ends 2-1
February 19, 2026 T20 World Cup: Zimbabwe wins by 6 wickets

The timeline shows Zimbabwe winning the most recent encounter despite losing the bilateral tour series, a classic example of how ICC tournament cricket follows different dynamics than bilateral series.

Clarity on Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe

Confirmed facts

  • 2025 ODI schedule from ESPN and Wikipedia
  • 2 ODIs and 3 T20Is at Harare Sports Club
  • Sri Lanka won ODI series 2-0, T20I series 2-1
  • Pathum Nissanka 122 in 2nd ODI
  • Sikandar Raza 92 in 1st ODI
  • Feb 19, 2026 T20 WC match result from Sofascore

What’s unclear

  • Full squad rosters beyond named players
  • 2026 return series confirmation
  • Player injury updates ahead of future series
  • Official umpire appointments
  • Post-series media quotes or interviews

What people are saying

Sri Lanka will play two One Day Internationals and three Twenty20 Internationals, with all five matches scheduled to be held at the Harare Sports Club.

Rajasthan Royals (Official team site)

The T20I series formed part of Zimbabwe’s preparation ahead of the 2025 Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Regional Final tournament.

— Wikipedia (Cricket encyclopedia)

Summary

Sri Lanka dominated the August-September 2025 bilateral tour in Harare, winning the ODI series 2-0 and the T20I series 2-1. Nissanka’s 122 and Raza’s 92 were the standout individual scores, while Madushanka’s 4/62 proved the match-winning spell in the series opener. Yet Zimbabwe’s subsequent T20 World Cup victory in Colombo on February 19, 2026—winning by 6 wickets—proves that bilateral results don’t translate directly to ICC tournament cricket. For followers tracking these teams, the Harare tour provides context, but the T20 WC result shows Zimbabwe’s ability to compete in high-pressure scenarios when the stakes rise. Both sides will look to build on these encounters as they prepare for upcoming ICC events.

Related reading: West Indies Cricket Team – History, Achievements and Leaders

Zimbabwe claimed a thrilling six-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in Match 38 of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, detailed in the match scorecard analysis featuring Brian Bennett’s heroics.

Frequently asked questions

What is the head-to-head record between Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe?

In the 2025 bilateral tour, Sri Lanka won the ODI series 2-0 and T20I series 2-1. In the February 2026 T20 World Cup, Zimbabwe won by 6 wickets. Overall, Sri Lanka holds the historical advantage in bilateral contests, though Zimbabwe has shown they can upset them in tournament cricket.

Who are the key players in Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe 2025?

Pathum Nissanka scored 76 and 122 across the two ODIs. Sikandar Raza scored 92 in the 1st ODI for Zimbabwe. Brian Bennett scored 81 in the 1st T20I. Kamil Mishara’s 73* in the series-deciding T20I sealed Sri Lanka’s 2-1 win.

How can I get Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe match predictions?

Match predictions require analyzing current form, venue stats, and head-to-head records. The 2025 Harare tour showed Sri Lanka’s depth, but Zimbabwe’s 2026 T20 WC win demonstrates tournament form differs from bilateral series.

What is the weather forecast for Harare ODI?

Weather details for the August 2025 matches were not extensively reported. Harare typically experiences dry conditions in late August, which generally favors seam bowling early with spin coming into play later in innings.

Are there any injuries in Sri Lanka or Zimbabwe squads?

The research notes do not include verified injury reports from either squad during the 2025 tour. Squad announcements from Crictotal and Wikipedia listed named players, but specific injury updates would require current team communications.

What TV channels broadcast Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe?

In India, the series was streamed exclusively on FanCode app and website with no traditional TV broadcast. Rajasthan Royals official coverage confirmed this. Other regions would need to check local cricket broadcast listings.

How many times has Zimbabwe beaten Sri Lanka in T20s?

Zimbabwe won one match in the September 2025 T20I series and the February 2026 T20 World Cup encounter. The complete T20 head-to-head record would require comprehensive historical data beyond the scope of the 2025 tour.