Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka – 3rd T20I Preview – 07 September 2025

Date & Time: 07 September 2025, 12:30 GMT
Venue: Harare Sports Club, Harare
Tournament: Sri Lanka tour of Zimbabwe 2025 (3rd T20I)
Format: T20 International
Expected Weather Conditions: Sunny, with temperatures around 28°C and a pitch likely to assist both batters and bowlers in the early and late stages of the game.

Match Overview

The 3rd and final T20I between Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka will take place at the Harare Sports Club on 07 September 2025, concluding a thrilling white-ball series that has been tightly contested so far. The series has already produced a 2-1 margin in favor of Sri Lanka in the ODIs, while the T20I series has been a more even contest, with each team winning one of the first two matches.

With both teams having shown glimpses of their best cricket, this final T20I promises to be a high-stakes encounter. The Harare Sports Club has historically been a balanced venue, and the upcoming match is expected to be a closely fought affair.

Series Recap

• 1st ODI (29 August 2025): Sri Lanka 298/6 vs Zimbabwe 291/8 – SL won by 7 runs
• 2nd ODI (31 August 2025): Sri Lanka 278/5 vs Zimbabwe 277/7 – SL won by 5 wickets
• 1st T20I (03 September 2025): Sri Lanka 177/6 vs Zimbabwe 175/7 – SL won by 4 wickets
• 2nd T20I (06 September 2025): Zimbabwe 84/5 vs Sri Lanka 80/10 – ZIM won by 5 wickets

Sri Lanka has dominated the series so far, but Zimbabwe showed strong character in the second T20I to level the series, setting the stage for a crucial final encounter.

Team Analysis

Zimbabwe (ZIM)

Zimbabwe has been in fine form in recent T20Is and will be looking to finish the series strongly. Their batting lineup has been bolstered by key performances from:

• Brian Bennett – A consistent run-scorer with a strike rate of 72.7 in the last five matches.
• Sikandar Raza – A vital middle-order performer with a strike rate of 85.3.
• Ryan Burl – Brings stability with the bat and has a strike rate of 82.2.

In bowling, Richard Ngarava has been the standout performer, claiming 7 wickets at an economy of 4.75 in the last five games. The spin duo of Tinotenda Maposa and Brad Evans has also impressed, although Evans' economy has been a concern in the last game.

Sri Lanka (SL)

Sri Lanka, despite being the more experienced side, has faced challenges in the T20 format, but they have the talent to go all the way. Key performers include:

• Pathum Nissanka – A top-order sensation with a strike rate of 98.9 in the last five matches.
• Kusal Mendis – A reliable opener and aggressive middle-order batsman with a strike rate of 75.2.
• Dasun Shanaka – Has been pivotal with the bat and ball, contributing 56 runs and 3 wickets.

In bowling, Dushmantha Chameera has been the pick of the pace bowlers, taking 6 wickets at an economy of 5.56. The spin department, led by Maheesh Theekshana, has provided crucial breakthroughs, with 3 wickets in just 1.9 overs in the last match.

Venue & Conditions

Harare Sports Club is known for its relatively balanced pitch. The surface tends to assist the spinners in the middle overs, but the batters are also given some room to express themselves. With the temperature in the mid-20s and minimal humidity, the game is expected to be fast-paced and exciting.

The toss could play a pivotal role in this match, as the team batting first might look to post a competitive total, while the chasing side could aim to take advantage of the spin-friendly middle overs.

Head-to-Head

Since 2016, Sri Lanka has dominated the T20I series against Zimbabwe, winning 9 of the 12 matches played. However, Zimbabwe has shown resilience in recent encounters, particularly in the 2025 tour, where they won the second T20I by 5 wickets.

This match could go either way, but given the form of both teams and the balanced conditions, it's expected to be a tight contest.

Prediction

The 3rd T20I promises to be a high-scoring, nail-biting encounter. Based on recent form and venue conditions, the predicted total is around 218/220, with an average score of 213. If Sri Lanka wins the toss and elects to bat, they could post a total in the upper 200s. However, Zimbabwe's aggressive chase in the second T20I has proven that they can win even from behind.

Win Probability:

• Zimbabwe: 48%
• Sri Lanka: 52%

Final Prediction: A close game, but Sri Lanka are slight favorites, especially if they can restrict Zimbabwe’s run rate in the middle overs.

Key Match-ups

• Pathum Nissanka vs Richard Ngarava – A high-stakes battle between Sri Lanka’s top-order star and Zimbabwe’s key bowler.
• Sikandar Raza vs Dushmantha Chameera – A crucial duel in the middle overs, where the game could swing.
• Spin vs Spin – Both teams have quality spinners, and whoever can outwit the other in the middle overs will have the upper hand.

Conclusion

The Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka 3rd T20I is shaping up to be a thrilling finale to the series, with both teams having the talent and motivation to win. The Harare Sports Club will provide a fitting stage for a tightly contested match, and cricket fans can expect fireworks from both sides.

Don’t miss the action!
Kick-off: 12:30 GMT, 07 September 2025.
Venue: Harare Sports Club.
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