Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe T20I Tri-Series 2025 – Match Preview

Expert Insights & Preview

Date: Thursday, 20th November 2025.
Venue: Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi.
Start Time: 1:00 PM GMT | 02:00 PM BST | 07:30 PM IST | 07:00 PM Local.

Match Overview

The second T20I of the 2025 Pakistan T20I Tri-Series promises to be an exciting clash between two teams with contrasting styles and recent performances. Sri Lanka, led by Dasun Shanaka in the absence of captain Charith Asalanka, will look to build on their previous success against Zimbabwe, while Zimbabwe, under the guidance of Sikandar Raza, will aim to put in a strong showing on a high-scoring track.

With the Rawalpindi Stadium averaging a first-innings score of 205 in 2025, the toss is expected to be a crucial factor in determining the game's outcome. Both teams will be eager to secure an early win to boost their confidence in the series.

Team Form & Key Players

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka has shown mixed form in the T20I format this year, with seven wins and five losses, but the return of Dasun Shanaka as captain brings a sense of stability. The top order is expected to be led by Pathum Nissanka, who has been in exceptional form with the bat, averaging 37.8 at a strike rate of 154. Alongside him, Kusal Mendis and Kusal Perera will aim to build a solid foundation.

The middle order will rely on Bhanuka Rajapaksa and Janith Liyanage, both of whom have shown explosive potential. However, the bowling attack is weakened by the absence of Asitha Fernando and Wanindu Hasaranga, with Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, and Nuwan Thushara expected to carry the bulk of the workload.

Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe, on the other hand, has had a stop-start year, with inconsistency in their performances. However, the form of Brian Bennett has been a bright spot, as he has accumulated 844 runs at an average of 38.36 and a strike rate of 150.7. Bennett will be crucial for Zimbabwe in the opening and middle overs.

In the bowling department, Richard Ngarava remains the standout performer, having taken 27 wickets in 14 games at an average of 20.1. The spin threat of Graeme Cremer and seam options like Brad Evans and Tinotenda Maposa give Zimbabwe a balanced attack.

Head-to-Head (Last 5 Matches)

• Sri Lanka: 3 wins
• Zimbabwe: 2 wins

Sri Lanka holds the psychological edge, but Zimbabwe will be eager to make amends for past setbacks. The momentum could swing in favor of either side depending on how the key players perform.

Venue Insights: Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium

The Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium has been a batting-friendly venue in recent times, with an average first-innings score of 205.5 in 2025. Spin and seam bowlers have found it difficult to extract significant movement, with fast bowlers averaging 9.12 and spinners 8.03 in economy.

• Win % when Batting First: 55.6%
• Win % when Batting Second: 44.4%
• Wickets per Innings: 6.38 (1st Innings), 6.79 (2nd Innings)

The high-scoring nature of the venue suggests that a total of 170-190 will be par, and chasing will be a challenge unless the batters are well set.

Squad Analysis

Sri Lanka Playing XI (Probable):

1. Pathum Nissanka
2. Kusal Mendis (wk)
3. Kusal Perera
4. Kamil Mishara
5. Bhanuka Rajapaksa
6. Janith Liyanage
7. Dasun Shanaka (c)
8. Kamindu Mendis
9. Dushmantha Chameera
10. Maheesh Theekshana
11. Nuwan Thushara

Zimbabwe Playing XI (Probable):

1. Sikandar Raza (c)
2. Clive Madande (wk)
3. Brian Bennett
4. Tadiwanashe Marumani
5. Ryan Burl
6. Tony Munyonga
7. Dion Myers
8. Richard Ngarava
9. Brad Evans
10. Graeme Cremer
11. Tashinga Musikewa

Match Predictions

• Toss Winner: Zimbabwe
• Match Winner: Sri Lanka
• Top Batter Runs: Pathum Nissanka (Sri Lanka), Brian Bennett (Zimbabwe)
• Top Bowler Wickets: Dushmantha Chameera (Sri Lanka), Richard Ngarava (Zimbabwe)
• Most Sixes: Pathum Nissanka (Sri Lanka), Sikandar Raza (Zimbabwe)
• Player of the Match: Pathum Nissanka
• Team Scores (Batting First):
  • Sri Lanka: 190+
  • Zimbabwe: 150+

Key Stats to Watch

• Pathum Nissanka's Winning Streak: Sri Lanka wins 50% of matches when he scores over 50.
• Bhanuka Rajapaksa’s Boundary Rate: 17% in 39 international innings.
• Tashinga Musikewa’s Dot Ball Rate: 36% of deliveries are dot balls.
• Graeme Cremer’s Wicket Rate: 21% of his games have seen him take 3+ wickets.
• Richard Ngarava’s Economy: Below 6.00 in 36% of his matches.
• Cremer’s Wicket Timing: 92% of his wickets come in the middle overs.

Final Word

This match promises to be a tactical battle between two teams looking to establish dominance in the tri-series. Sri Lanka’s batting depth and experience could prove to be the difference, but Zimbabwe’s pace and spin threats are formidable. The toss will be pivotal, and whoever wins it will likely look to enforce the follow-on or set a challenging target.

With a high-scoring venue and key players in form, the 20th of November will be an exciting day of cricket at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
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