Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka Match Prediction, 1st T20I– Who will win today’s match between ZIM vs SL?

The clash on Wednesday, September 03, will see Zimbabwe (ZIM) host Sri Lanka (SL) for the first T20I of the three-match series at the Harare Sports Club in Harare. The T20I leg will begin after the hosts have already clinched the ODI series by a 2-0 margin. 

The home team is yet to announce its squad for the series and is expected to do it a day before the opener. In their last T20I contest, which took place in July this year in the form of a Tri-Series against New Zealand and South Africa, ended in a poor affair. Despite having the home advantage, Zimbabwe lost all four league games and failed to qualify for the finals.

Meanwhile, the confident Sri Lankan team will look to replicate their brilliance in the shorter format of the game. The visitors will not look to change much in their plans and hope to clinch the T20I series as well. This year, the Lankans have featured in four T20Is and have come out victorious on two occasions.  

ZIM vs SL Match Details

Pitch Report

The surface at Harare Sports Club offers a balanced contest between bat and ball. While fast bowlers are likely to find some assistance in the early overs, especially with the new ball, spinners tend to come into play as the match progresses. Despite the support for bowlers, batters have generally found it easy to score once they settle in.

ZIM vs SL Head to Head

ZIM vs SL Predicted Playing XIs

Zimbabwe (ZIM):

Dion Myers, Brian Bennett, Clive Madande(w), Sikandar Raza(c), Ryan Burl, Tashinga Musekiwa, Tony Munyonga, Tinotenda Maposa, Wellington Masakadza, Richard Ngarava, Trevor Gwandu

Sri Lanka (SL):

Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis(w), Kusal Perera, Nuwanidu Fernando, Kamindu Mendis, Charith Asalanka(c), Dasun Shanaka, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana, Binura Fernando, Nuwan Thushara

Probable Top Performers

Probable Best Batter: Pathum Nissanka

Sri Lanka's Pathum Nissanka could be the best batter in the first T20I against Zimbabwe. In the ODI leg of the ongoing series, the opener smashed 198 runs in two innings at an average of 99.00, and played a big role in the series win. Nissanka will be running high on confidence and will look to carry the same form forward.

Probable Best Bowler: Maheesh Theekshana

Sri Lankan spinner Maheesh Theekshana could be the best bowler in the upcoming first T20I against Zimbabwe. The ace spinner who went wicketless in both the ODI matches will look to come out of it and contribute to his team in this format. 

Today's Match Prediction: Sri Lanka to win the match

Disclaimer: The prediction is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While making your prediction, consider the points mentioned and make your own decision.