ZIM vs SL 2025: Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka, 1st ODI Match Preview

Overview

Craig Ervine-led Zimbabwe take on Sri Lanka in the first ODI in a two-match series at the Harare Sports Club in Harare on Friday, August 29.

Zimbabwe will be returning to the 50-over format for the first time since February, when they defeated Ireland 2-1 in a three-match series in Harare. Brian Bennett top-scored in the series, amassing 247 runs in three innings at an average of 82.33 and a strike rate of 100.81. Ben Curran and Craig Ervine also contributed impressively in the series.

On the bowling front, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava, and Trevor Gwandu bowled well. Meanwhile, the experienced Brendan Taylor is set to return to the ODI setup for the first time in almost four years.

Sri Lanka, meanwhile, played a multi-format series against Bangladesh at home recently. They won the Test series and ODI series but lost the T20I leg. In the ODI series, Asitha Fernando took eight wickets in three games at an average of 13.25. However, the highest wicket-taker in the series, Wanindu Hasaranga, will not be available as he is nursing a hamstring injury.

The batting department will depend on Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, and captain Charith Asalanka. Sri Lanka's spin-bowling department is very strong, even in the absence of Hasaranga, with Maheesh Theekshana and Dunith Wellalage in the ranks.

Match Details

Pitch Report

In the three match ODI series between Zimbabwe and Ireland, played in Harare in February, the average first-innings score was around 262. Two out of the three games were won by chasing teams. The captain who wins the toss would want to bowl first as batting could get easier in the second innings.

Head-to-Head record in ODIs

Predicted Playing 11s

Zimbabwe (ZIM)

Ben Curran, Brian Bennett, Brendan Taylor, Craig Ervine (C), Sikandar Raza, Sean Williams, Wessly Madhevere, Clive Madande (WK), Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani, Trevor Gwandu.

Sri Lanka (SL)

Nishan Madushka, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (WK), Kamindu Mendis, Charith Asalanka (C), Janith Liyanage, Milan Rathnayake, Dunith Wellalage, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Asitha Fernando.