Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka lock horns in the 1st ODI of the three-match series on Friday, August 29, 2025, at the Harare Sports Club. The contest sets the stage for an intriguing battle, as Zimbabwe aim to continue their steady improvement in the limited-overs format while Sri Lanka arrive as the more experienced and in-form side.
Zimbabwe come into this series with a boost in confidence after edging out Ireland 2-1 at home earlier this year in the same format. Playing in familiar conditions, the hosts will look to seize momentum early against higher-ranked opponents.
Sri Lanka, on the other hand, enter the tour on the back of consistent results across recent ODI series against Afghanistan, and Bangladesh, and even competitive outings against top-tier teams like South Africa. Their blend of seasoned players and in-form youngsters gives them an edge, especially in navigating challenging pitches like Harare.
Head-to-head record: Zimbabwe vs. Sri Lanka in ODIs
Sri Lanka hold a dominant record over Zimbabwe in ODI cricket, winning 49 of the 64 encounters between the two sides. Zimbabwe have managed 12 victories, while three matches have ended in a tie or no result.
- Total matches: 64
- Zimbabwe wins: 12
- Sri Lanka wins: 49
- Tied/No result: 03
Top players to watch: Batters & Bowlers
Batters to watch
Kusal Mendis (SL): Fresh off scoring 225 runs in three ODIs against Bangladesh at an average of 75.00, Mendis enters the Zimbabwe series in top form. His ability to anchor the innings and accelerate when needed makes him a key batter to watch.
BJ Bennett (ZIM): Zimbabwe’s most consistent batter in the recent Tri-Series, Bennett scored 113 runs in 4 innings at an average of 28.25, including a fighting 61 against New Zealand. His ability to build partnerships and play spin effectively makes him a crucial player to anchor Zimbabwe’s innings in upcoming fixtures.
Bowlers to watch
Maheesh Theekshana (SL): Theekshana’s mystery spin and ability to strike in the powerplay make him a real threat against Zimbabwe’s top order. His control and variations in the middle overs also give Sri Lanka an edge, especially on slower surfaces in Harare where spinners can extract grip.
Richard Ngarava (ZIM):The left-arm quick was Zimbabwe’s standout bowler in the previous T20I series, claiming 8 wickets in 4 matches at an impressive average of 14.37. His knack for early breakthroughs with the new ball and control in the death overs ensure he remains a key threat against both top-order and lower-order batters.
ZIM vs. SL betting odds & predictions: Who has the edge?
Dafabet is backing Sri Lanka as the clear favorites for this clash, pricing them at just 1.24 to win. Zimbabwe, on the other hand, enter the contest as underdogs at 4.06, reflecting their inconsistent record against the island nation.
Odds | |
Zimbabwe | 4.06 |
Sri Lanka | 1.24 |
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TSN’s Top 3 Predictions:
- Sri Lanka to win comfortably – Backed by their superior record and stronger batting lineup.
- Top-order runs for Sri Lanka – Expect one of their openers to anchor the innings with a fifty.
- Zimbabwe’s bowlers to strike early – If Richard Ngarava or Blessing Muzarabani find movement, Sri Lanka may face early pressure.
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Zimbabwe vs. Sri Lanka: Expected playing XIs and team news
Zimbabwe Team News
Zimbabwe will rely on their pace attack led by Richard Ngarava and Blessing Muzarabani to make early inroads, while young talents like Bennett and Madhevere are expected to step up with the bat. Consistency in the middle order remains their biggest challenge.
Zimbabwe (predicted playing XI): Craig Ervine (c), Innocent Kaia, Wessly Madhevere, Sean Williams, Sikandar Raza, Clive Madande (wk), Brian Bennett, Luke Jongwe, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani, Tendai Chatara
Sri Lanka Team News
Sri Lanka enter the series with a balanced squad, with experienced batters such as Kusal Mendis and Pathum Nissanka, supported by a versatile spin attack. Their recent form and depth in both departments make them clear favorites.
Sri Lanka (predicted playing XI): Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis (c & wk), Charith Asalanka, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Angelo Mathews, Jeffrey Vandersay, Chamika Karunaratne, Maheesh Theekshana, Kasun Rajitha, Dilshan Madushanka
ZIM vs. SL live scorecard: 1st ODI
To follow the action between the Zimbabwe vs. Sri Lanka live, you can make use of the live scorecard feature on Parimatch's website.
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Where to watch ZIM vs. SL 1st ODI in India
- Venue: Harare sports club stadium
- Date & Time (IST): Friday 29 August, 1:00 p.m.
- Streaming Details: FanCode app and website
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