Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe Prediction & Match Preview – T20I Tri-Series, 5th Match
Match summary
Our preview of Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe in the Pakistan T20I Tri-Series at Rawalpindi: recent form, likely XIs, pitch and weather notes, plus our pick.
Match details
| Match | Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe, 5th Match |
|---|---|
| Series | Pakistan T20I Tri-Series 2025 |
| Date | 25 Nov 2025 |
| Start time | 1:00 pm GMT / 6:00 pm local |
| Venue | Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi |
| Status | Played |
| Our pick | Sri Lanka |
| Toss pick | Zimbabwe |
Matches in this series
Match preview
Sri Lanka go into this tri-series game with several batters who have recently contributed. Janith Liyanage played a composed 41 off 38 balls in the previous match, including three fours and a six, Kusal Perera added a brisk 25 off 19, and Kamil Mishara hit 22 off 12 with two fours and two sixes. Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, captain Dasun Shanaka and Kamindu Mendis complete a strong group of batters.
Dushmantha Chameera took 2 for 29 last time, and Wanindu Hasaranga, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, Shanaka and Eshan Malinga make up the rest of an attack that mixes pace and spin.
Zimbabwe’s batting hinges on Brian Bennett, Ryan Burl, Sikandar Raza, Brendan Taylor and Tadiwanashe Marumani. Burl was exceptional in the previous match with an unbeaten 67 off 49 balls, and captain Raza supported him with 23 off 18 balls before also taking 2 for 38 with the ball. Brad Evans, Richard Ngarava, Graeme Cremer, Raza and Tinotenda Maposa will be asked to supply wickets in Zimbabwe’s attack.
Rawalpindi is generally a good batting surface with true bounce and carry, and limited-overs games often produce high scores with chases common. The new ball can move early, particularly if there is cloud or moisture, before the pitch flattens. Spinners may get occasional help as it slows, but the track mostly favours batters.
A calm, pleasant evening is expected around 6:00 pm local time, with temperatures near 17°C, hazy but mostly clear skies and no rain. Haze may slightly reduce visibility.
Expected scores
| Innings | Predicted | Actual |
|---|---|---|
| First innings | 160–185 | – |
| Second innings | 150–170 | – |
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka’s deeper batting group and varied bowling attack give them a modest edge over a Zimbabwe side that relies heavily on Ryan Burl and Sikandar Raza.
Toss pick: Zimbabwe
FAQ
Who top-scored for Sri Lanka last time?
Janith Liyanage made 41 off 38 balls, while Kusal Perera scored 25 off 19 and Kamil Mishara 22 off 12.
What did Ryan Burl score in Zimbabwe’s previous game?
An unbeaten 67 off 49 balls with eight fours and two sixes, supported by Sikandar Raza’s 23 off 18.
Will dew play a part?
Dew is expected after about 7:00 pm, which could help the chasing side, so bowling first may be preferred.
Probable XIs
Expected line-ups from our preview. c = captain, wk = wicketkeeper.
Sri Lanka
- Dasun Shanaka
- Pathum Nissanka
- Kusal Perera
- Kusal Mendis
- Kamindu Mendis
- Janith Liyanage
- Kamil Mishara
- Dushmantha Chameera
- Eshan Malinga
- Wanindu Hasaranga
- Vijayakanth Viyaskanth
Zimbabwe
- Sikandar Raza
- Brendan Taylor
- Tadiwanashe Marumani
- Brian Bennett
- Ryan Burl
- Brad Evans
- Tashinga Musekiwa
- Tony Munyonga
- Graeme Cremer
- Tinotenda Maposa
- Richard Ngarava