ZIM vs SL 2025: Schedule, Squads, Broadcast and Live Streaming details | Sri Lanka tour of Zimbabwe 2025

ZIM vs SL 2025: Schedule, Squads, Broadcast and Live Streaming details | Sri Lanka tour of Zimbabwe 2025

Cricket fans are in for a treat as Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka lock horns in a much-anticipated white-ball series, comprising two ODIs and three T20Is, starting on August 29, 2025 at the Harare Sports Club. For Zimbabwe, this is more than just another bilateral series—it is an opportunity to rewrite a painful recent home record in the 50-over format, rebuild confidence, and make a statement against an Asian powerhouse. For Sri Lanka, the series represents continuity, a test of depth in the absence of key players, and fine-tuning ahead of bigger assignments like the Asia Cup 2025 and the ICC Champions Trophy.

The series promises contrasting storylines: a home team desperately searching for redemption, and a touring side quietly building momentum under new leadership.

Zimbabwe’s Quest for Revival

Zimbabwe cricket has seen its share of ups and downs, but one thing has remained constant: their ability to surprise top-ranked teams on their day. Yet, the past year has been harsh in ODIs on home soil. Defeats to Afghanistan and Ireland, coupled with missed qualification for major tournaments, have dented morale.

Now, this series against Sri Lanka provides a perfect chance to course-correct.

The Return of Brendan Taylor

Perhaps the biggest talking point for Zimbabwe is the return of Brendan Taylor, the veteran wicketkeeper-batter. At 39, Taylor brings not only class with the bat but also invaluable leadership in the middle order. He has been the backbone of Zimbabwe’s batting in the past, famously playing memorable knocks against giants like India, Pakistan, and South Africa. His presence could stabilize the top order, which has been fragile in recent outings.

The Raza Factor

No Zimbabwean preview is complete without mentioning Sikandar Raza. The talismanic all-rounder is not just the team’s heartbeat but also one of the most consistent performers in world cricket in recent years. Raza’s ability to contribute with both bat and ball makes him Zimbabwe’s biggest match-winner. If Zimbabwe are to challenge Sri Lanka, Raza will need to deliver across formats.

Experience and Fresh Energy

Alongside Taylor and Raza, Sean Williams brings all-round experience, while the pace duo of Blessing Muzarabani and Richard Ngarava offer height, bounce, and aggression. Craig Ervine, the captain, provides calmness at the top, while the likes of Wessly Madhevere and Brian Bennett inject youthful energy.

Zimbabwe’s biggest challenge will be finding consistency. In patches, they have looked threatening, but stringing together performances across 100 overs has been their Achilles’ heel.

Sri Lanka: Building Under Asalanka

Sri Lanka enter this series as clear favorites. Captained by Charith Asalanka, they are missing Wanindu Hasaranga, their most potent all-rounder, due to injury. Yet, the squad remains formidable, boasting a mix of experienced internationals and promising youngsters.

The Rise of Asalanka

Asalanka’s rise as Sri Lanka’s captain signals a new era of calm and composure. Known for his match-finishing abilities in high-pressure scenarios, Asalanka has already carved a reputation as a dependable middle-order batter. His leadership in this tour will be watched closely, especially as Sri Lanka prepare for the Asia Cup 2025 immediately after.

Batting Strength

  • Pathum Nissanka remains Sri Lanka’s most technically gifted opener, capable of grinding or accelerating depending on the situation.

  • Kusal Mendis, the wicketkeeper-batter, has evolved into a consistent run-getter and a dynamic stroke-maker.

  • Sadeera Samarawickrama and Nishan Madushka provide backup in the middle order, ensuring batting depth.

  • Kamindu Mendis, with his ability to bat in multiple roles, adds tactical flexibility.

This lineup not only has depth but also different gears of batting, making them dangerous across both ODIs and T20Is.

Spin Spearhead

Even without Hasaranga, Sri Lanka’s spin department looks strong. Maheesh Theekshana has grown into one of the world’s most reliable T20 bowlers, capable of striking in the powerplay and controlling the middle overs. Alongside him, Jeffrey Vandersay provides a leg-spin option, while Dunith Wellalage, the young left-arm spinner, offers variety.

On Zimbabwe’s turning tracks, this spin trio could easily decide the outcome of matches.

Pace Battery

Sri Lanka’s fast-bowling depth has been impressive in recent years. Dushmantha Chameera, with his experience and pace, leads the attack. Dilshan Madushanka and Asitha Fernando add further firepower, while Milan Rathnayake is an exciting prospect. Their ability to swing the new ball and execute yorkers at the death makes them a well-rounded pace attack.

Harare Sports Club: The Crucible of Battle

All five matches of the series will be played at the iconic Harare Sports Club. Known for its slightly sluggish pitches and variable bounce, it often rewards teams with strong spinners and patient batters.

  • ODIs at Harare usually see scores between 240–280 being competitive.

  • T20Is, however, have shown more unpredictability, with totals of 160+ often proving match-winning.

Zimbabwe will look to use the familiarity of conditions to their advantage, especially with spinners like Raza and Williams in their ranks. But Sri Lanka’s quality and variety in the spin department could nullify that edge.

ZIM vs SL: Series Fixtures

Date Match Type Venue Start (GMT) Start (Local) Start (IST)
Aug 29 Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka 1st ODI Harare Sports Club 07:30 AM 09:30 AM 01:00 PM
Aug 31 Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka 2nd ODI Harare Sports Club 07:30 AM 09:30 AM 01:00 PM
Sep 03 Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka 1st T20I Harare Sports Club 11:30 AM 01:30 PM 05:00 PM
Sep 06 Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka 2nd T20I Harare Sports Club 11:30 AM 01:30 PM 05:00 PM
Sep 07 Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka 3rd T20I Harare Sports Club 11:30 AM 01:30 PM 05:00 PM

Squads Overview

Zimbabwe Squad

Craig Ervine (c), Brendan Taylor (wk), Sikandar Raza, Sean Williams, Brian Bennett, Johnathan Campbell, Ben Curran, Brad Evans, Trevor Gwandu, Wessly Madhevere, Clive Madande, Ernest Masuku, Tony Munyonga, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava, Newman Nyamhuri.

Sri Lanka Squad

Charith Asalanka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Janith Liyanage, Nuwanidu Fernando, Pavan Rathnayake, Kamindu Mendis, Kusal Mendis (wk), Nishan Madushka (wk), Sadeera Samarawickrama (wk), Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka, Dushmantha Chameera, Milan Rathnayake.

Broadcast and Live Streaming

  • Sri Lanka: Supreme TV, SandBrix (Live Streaming)

  • India: FanCode (Live Streaming)

  • USA: Willow TV

  • UK: To be announced

This ensures the series will reach a wide global audience, underlining the continued interest in Zimbabwean cricket and Sri Lanka’s regional dominance.

Key Battles to Watch

  1. Sikandar Raza vs Maheesh Theekshana – The battle of spin magician vs spin destroyer.

  2. Brendan Taylor vs Dushmantha Chameera – Experience against raw pace.

  3. Pathum Nissanka vs Blessing Muzarabani – Technical brilliance against bounce and height.

Predictions and Expectations

  • ODIs: Sri Lanka enter as heavy favorites, with their deeper squad and superior form. Zimbabwe, however, will bank on Taylor, Raza, and Williams to spark resistance.

  • T20Is: The shorter format offers Zimbabwe a better chance of pulling off an upset. Expect tighter contests, especially if Raza fires.

For Sri Lanka, a series win would consolidate their preparation for bigger tournaments. For Zimbabwe, even a couple of victories would represent progress and morale boost after a difficult run.

The Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka 2025 series is more than just another bilateral assignment. For Zimbabwe, it is about restoring pride at home and showing resilience against a top Asian side. For Sri Lanka, it’s a chance to showcase depth, experiment with combinations, and strengthen leadership under Charith Asalanka.

As cricket fans await the first ball on August 29 at Harare, one thing is certain: the series has the ingredients of drama, redemption, and competitive cricket.

Sri Lanka may start as favorites, but Zimbabwe’s desperation to change their narrative makes them dangerous. If their senior players fire and the younger brigade steps up, the home side could yet script one of cricket’s underdog stories.

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