ZIM vs SL 2025: Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka, 2nd ODI Match Preview
Sri Lanka hold an unassailable lead of 1-0 in the series.
Overview
After a last-ball thriller in the series opener, Zimbabwe (ZIM) will host Sri Lanka (SL) once again for the second ODI of the ongoing white-ball tour on Sunday, August 31 at the Harare Sports Club in Harare. The series is currently in the visiting side's favour, after they won the game on Friday by seven runs.
Zimbabwe have had a huge setback coming into the series as their skipper Craig Ervine has been ruled out due to a calf injury. In his absence, the Chevrons are being led by Sean Williams, while key experienced figures like Sikandar Raza and Brendan Taylor will be there to provide their needful insights. However, a win is a must as losing would also result in a series whitewash.
Sri Lanka were given a tough fight by the hosts in the first match of the series. After posting 298 in the first innings, the hosts seemed down and out during the second as Raza was leading the run chase with a fine half-century. However, a magical hat-trick strike by Dilshan Madushanka in the final over meant that the Lankan Lions walked away with a narrow win in the cliffhanger of a contest. They will now be aiming for a clean sweep on Sunday.
Match Details
| Match | Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka, 2nd ODI, Sri Lanka tour of Zimbabwe, 2025 |
| Date and Time | Sunday, August 31; 1:00 PM IST |
| Venue | Harare Sports Club, Harare |
| Broadcast and live-streaming | FanCode (App and Website) |
Pitch Report
The surface at the Harare Sports Club in Harare looked a decent one to bat on during the series opener on Friday. There was enough carry in the surface that provided the required assistance to the bowlers across the length of the match. On the other hand, the pitch did not change much for the batters. As a result, the second ODI will probably see the captain winning the toss, opting to bowl first to know the target better.
Head-to-Head record in ODIs
| Matches Played | 65 |
| ZIM Won | 12 |
| SL Won | 50 |
| Tied / No Results | 3 |
| First-ever match | February 23, 1992 |
| Most-recent match | August 29, 2025 |
ZIM vs SL Predicted Playing 11s
Zimbabwe
Brian Bennett, Ben Curran, Brendan Taylor (wicketkeeper), Sean Williams (captain), Sikandar Raza, Wessly Madhevere, Tony Munyonga, Brad Evans, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani, Trevor Gwandu
Sri Lanka
Pathum Nissanka, Nishan Madushka, Kusal Mendis (wicketkeeper), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka (captain), Janith Liyanage, Kamindu Mendis, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka
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